Gleaned from the
Lexus IS sport model series, the
Lexus IS-F is regarded as being the front runner in a series of models to be introduced under the F- marquee line of cars in the performance class The IS-F made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show held in Detroit in December 2006, amid scenes of great anticipation. Performance car buffs had predicted the expected the launch of this model for some time and their expectations were not diminished when the car was finally unveiled. Auto spotters had picked out certain variations on the IS range on a car being tested at the Nurburgring test track the previous year, and from then on it was an open secret that this new range was on the design blocks. With the launch of the saloon version, these rumors were proved to be well founded and the expectations are that both a coupe and convertible model will be launched for 2009. Only a few hundred models were produced for the cars launch in Japan in 2007, with a few thousand more due to produced for the United States and Europe market in 2008.
Bearing a strong similarity to the IS series body wise, the only highly noticeable features are a new front fascia and an engine disguising bulging hood and a downplayed real spoiler. The IS-Fs quadruple exhaust pipes showing that most of the emphasis has been placed in increasing power and reducing weight.
Power there is in plenty on the 2008
Lexus IS-F with a five liter V8 engine capable of producing 416 horse powers at 6,600 rpm. The engine torque will peak at 371 ft-lb at 5,200 revolutions per minute.
The IS-F sports will reach 0-60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds.
However it is fairly obvious to all concerned that the IS-F was not designed and produced to be a performance car and it main attributes come into play when examined as a road car. For example the
Lexus IS-F comes with a butter-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift (Sport Direct Shift, or SPDS), allowing dramatic pick up speed through each effortless gear change.
The IS-F boasts a steering action that is regarded as being as accurate and precise as any rack-and-pinion system previously available, allowing levels of steering that will be the envy of most. The IS-F short-travel suspension is both firm and taut that can make for a bumpy ride in certain circumstances.
Lexus are watching closely to see how consumer reaction and demand for this new series transpires, and will no doubt be launching their coupe and convertible models accordingly.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
5.0 Liter V8 engine
400-plus horsepower
350 plus pound-feet of torque
0-60 mph acceleration in less than 4.9 seconds
World's First 8-Speed Direct Sport-Shift Transmission
Steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift gears
Engine oil and transmission fluid coolers
Cylinder head scavenging oil pump for high g-force driving
Brembo brakes with 14.2-inch perforated front discs with six-piston aluminum calipers and 13.6-inch rear perforated discs with two-piston calipers
19 inch BBS forged alloy wheels with 225/40R19 front tires and 255/35R19 rear tires
IS-F body lowered by,1-inch compared to IS models equipped with 18-inch wheels
All-new sport version of Vehicle Dynamics integrated Management (VDIM) with on/off switch
PERFORMANCE FEATURES (continued)
Dual exhausts with quad-tail pipes which produce an aggressive exhaust note
Wider front fenders, grille and rear-deck spoiler than the IS 350/250 models
Larger hood and lower intake to accommodate and cool the V8 engine
INTERIOR FEATURES
Sports seats available in black or a unique high-contrast white and black trim
Aluminized composite trim
DIMENSIONS
Length: 183.5-inches
Width: 71.5-inches
Height: 55.5-inches
Wheelbase: 107.5-inches
Images were reprinted with permissions from original author Mike Marino! Content was written by Albert Hecht for www.sport-cars.org only and you MAY NOT copy, distribute or use this page's content for any commercial or non-commerical purpose without written permission of this site owner and photos authors!
March 31, 2008, 8:29 am
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