Jalopnik
Remember back 20 years when Mercedes and BMW scoffed at the idea of a Japanese luxury competitor? They weren't alone; basically everyone did. Well, we guarantee those companies are doing anything but scoffing now. This time around, with Lexus going after the Germans' most profitable niche - hottie factory tuners - those old hands and relative newcomer Audi are doing everything but scoffing. We bet they're wishing they've been doing what we've been up to for the past week. That is, driving the holy hell out of a Lexus IS-F prototype to gauge the threat. Well friends, we know the answer, while M, AMG and Audi's RS are (for now) left guessing. But first, let's look at what makes an IS-F more than a just an average IS, starting with what's under the hood.
Pull back the engine cover and you're looking at Darth Vader's chest plate, an expansive jumble of wires, black boxes and even more wires. Despite all that, or perhaps because of it, the IS-F gets ultra-low-emissions vehicle (ULEV) status, and won't be slapped with a gas-guzzler penalty. Dig deeper beneath that electrical matrix, and there beats the heart of a brute. It's a 5.0-liter V8 dubbed 2UR-GSE, related to the 4.6-liter 1UR-FSE found in both the GS and the LS. According to company figures, this bored out, free-breathing version of the Lexus family eight-banger puts out 416 gnarly horsepower at 6,600 rpm and cranks out a mighty 371 ft-lb of torque at a fairly lofty 5,200 rpm (though 80% is available at 2,000 rpm).
It's Japanese whiz-bangery to the extreme. Each cylinder gets two fuel injectors, one in the port and one directly in the chamber. The chamber injector is used most of the time, facilitating direct injection, while the low-pressure port injector helps with start-ups in cold weather and to heighten fuel economy under light loads. There's a head scavenge oil pump that ensures lubricant is forced through the engine during hoonatic sideways maneuvers. Likewise, the fuel delivery system uses a similar pump that draws from a sub-tank. There's even a water-cooled oil radiator.
If the IS-F was only a stonkin' engine, we'd have a lot less to talk about. As it is, the car is packed with all sorts of go-faster, hoon-harder kit. Like the eight-speed automatic slushbox that packs a very significant twist. Unlike most other automatics with manual overrides (save dual-clutch setups) there's no stoking the coals and waiting. Activated either by the shift lever or two too-small aluminum paddles, the IS-F's tranny swaps the cogs quickly. Let me restate that. The IS-F's gearbox upshifts in 1/100th of a second. It takes a Ferrari F430 50% longer (150 milliseconds) to accomplish the same task. Yes, this Lexus is capable of upshifting as fast as a 599 GTB. Enjoy banging your passengers' heads on headrests? We've found your sedan. Downshifts are basically as quick, taking 200 milliseconds and are accompanied by an automatic throttle blip to match revs.
Of course, that's in Sport mode. The IS-F actually has three modes. Normal features an especially cruel nanny. Lexus calls this Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), and it encompasses traction control, stability control, ABS, brake assist, electric brake force distribution, engine torque and the brake-based electronic limited-slip differential that can apply brake and throttle at the same time. In Normal mode, any aggressive movement is interpreted as naughty. As a result the orange idiot light flickers almost constantly. Worse, Normal mode retards the throttle response and overboosts the power steering. Lexus could have just called Normal chill-out mode. Or better yet, Lexus mode.
However, in Sport mode, not only is the throttle response dialed way up and the dual-mode power steering turned down, but if the transmission is left in drive, revs are held right up to redline. Moreover, the VDIM is dialed back to allow for more fun, something engineers call a "higher dynamic threshold," yet enough computer processing takes place to save one's bacon if the IS-F is pushed too far. If you like, you can actually switch everything off leaving only the electronic limited-slip diff and ABS to keep you out of the weeds. But with so much grunt available at all times and a back that's happy to break loose, I found Sport mode the smartest choice.
Brakes are Brembo-supplied and include huge 14.2 inchers up front, 13.6 out back. They're cross-drilled, vented, and even adorned with a Lexus brand. The front calipers contain six pistons of three different sizes. The rears are two-pistoners. The brakes are more than just fade free; they seem to get stronger the harder you stomp them. The suspension is closer to that of stock IS 350 than any other part of the car. Still, the front springs and shocks are 90 percent stiffer while the rear end rates are 50 percent more solid.
Lexus could have used lighter aluminum components and totally reworked the chassis the way BMW's M division does, but they didn't. That said, the IS-F comes in at an acceptable for the class 3,774 lbs. 0-60 takes a factory claimed 4.6 seconds, the quarter mile is over in 13 flat and the top speed is limited to 170 mph. Though, without the governor, the IS-F will do 186 mph. Lexus claims the IS-F was developed on no less than six racetracks, including the Nürburgring, Laguna Seca and Fuji Speedway. Perhaps keeping the suspension relatively stock is how the IS-F will undercut the competition. Lexus wouldn't give us a specific number, but their new wannabe giant-killer will likely zoom out of showrooms for right around $60,000.
Does all this tech, power and purported sportiness come together and form a winning package? We'll see you back here tomorrow.
Comments
I've said this before: a damn good looking Camry.
Finally hoon-sedan for the "Chosen People" that doesn't leave a bad taste in their mouth.
i've found my next dream ride.
Do want.
Anxiously awaiting the rest of this review... there is nothing I love more than insane performance wrapped in fairly bland packaging, and it sounds like the IS-F may have nailed it.
'Higher Dynamic Threshold' ?
I dunno, I can be pretty dynamic!
"But with so much grunt available at all times and a back that's happy to break loose, I found Sport mode the smartest choice."
That really made me laugh. If I had the car, doing what's smart would, in 180-degree opposition, define what I would actually do.
Also, for those of you with Firefox - if you copy and paste the penultimate paragraph blocked by the banner, you can read it in Word.
Sounds pretty hot. Too bad about the body kit.
I don't care how many speeds the auto tranny has, if they really wanted to be serious there would be three pedals -- and I don't mean the e-brake.
@Bumblebee: I've heard you talk about this Firefox issue before. But I'm a tech at a computer store.. I just checked on 8 different machines and don't have an issue. Make sure all of your plugins are working properly.
@lascauxcaveman: Agreed; did they just pay some kid from shop class to doodle that hideous hood "power bulge" (a pathetic M3 knockoff, BTW), plasticy ground effects, and the Pep Boys-esque vertical exhausts?
@lascauxcaveman:
'Zactly. With the hardware this thing is packing, it should look mean, not campy.
Great lines, muscular, lean ...... quite a mutt there tied to the parking meter.
Great, another overpriced Toyota.
Maybe this is what Subaru WRX drivers should have when they GROW UP!!! (n.b personal viewpoint based on my local WRX drivers)
@Major-General: Other than something Korean or Chinese, aren't all cars overpriced? As my father-in-law says, "30 grand for a fuckin' Chev? They used to be the workin' man's car, Godamn crooks!"
@skaz: Thanks for the feedback. If I had any idea how to do what you suggested, I would. I have this problem on both my work and home computers, and some other guy complained, so I wrongfully assumed it was ubiqitous.
Anyway, I'll shut up about it.
Who should buy this: someone who likes explaining that "no, this is a Lexus that doesn't handle like marshmallows"
Focus: I can't wait for the first report of breakdowns, hopefully it doesn't tarnish the precious reliability.
I hope these reviews show the non-functional extra exhaust tips. It is the saddest thing I've seen on a performance vehicle at this price, even worse than the body kit.
best looking (or is that least bad looking?) lexus ever, now with 8 gears. bfd!
As one of the biggest Lexus haters on this site, I'll say this: if it comes in with the figures they quoted:
* 0-60 in 4.6
* the 1/4 is so-so but the top speed is awesome
* the weight stays at 3774 (it says something about how bloated the competition is that this is acceptable)
* they don't water down the suspension
* that transmission proves to be reliable (cough)
* the price is actually $60k
* there are no fake exhaust tips or anything like that
Then for the first time ever Lexus has my attention. I'm not going to buy one, but it bumps the CTS-V from the list of cars that I'll pretend to think about but would never really buy.
My opinion is that it's gonna wow everyone but not displace the Teutonic Three. Sure I have no doubts the IS-F is gonna be awesome, but the latest generation of performance sedans is just so over-the-top that i doubt it'll achieve a solid victory in any regard.
The IS-F hits all the right notes for me EXCEPT the rear part. The butt's too tall for my liking and the exhaust has to be worked out. Make it angular (2x2) or just 2 giant exhaust outlets instead of the current setup.
@Fly I-80:
There are fake exhaust tips, check inside line I think for a pic of a guy sticking his hand up throught the bottom one, as it's connected nowhere.
This thing has the hp, but it still doesn't move how I would think. I would gladly save my money on a 335I every day. It wouldn't take to much to get it running with this anwyays.
Really looking forward to the rest of the series, and that white leather is making my eyes blurr, just about as much as the performance numbers (How soon will hoons have these things clocking sub 4-second 0-60 runs?)
Only gripe, where's the rest of the promised IS line? Coupe, Convertible, and Wagon?
Just to clarify the "fake" exhaust tips.
If you crawl under the car, you see four exhaust pipes. The oval rings at the back are what Lexus is calling "Sound Resonators." Lexus swears that they are only there to improve the engine note.
Yes, you can place your hand between the real pips and the "resonators."
What do I think? Wait until Part 3....
@Rust-MyEnemy: Grow up? NEVER!
Now if they brought back the IS SportCross in this bodystyle, then maybe i'd consider it. (Growing up, that is...)
/37 y/o WRX Wagon owner.
@rlj676: Look, I would prefer a 335, absolutely, and you are right that the 335 would be a viable competitor to this car if this car is $60k and those two cars were the entire feasible set. Duly noted.
That said, this car also has characteristics that compare quite favorably to the M3, RS4 and C63, and for less. I rip on Lexus because their customers are people who overpay for simple reliability, but this car actually costs less than the C63, M3 and RS4 but performs similarly in some key ways that deserve attention. It's a unusual place to find a Lexus. Usually they cost the same as quality European cars but perform embarassingly.
Sorry all, but toy-filled uber luxobarge that morphs into a respectable gofast boy racer sounds pretty good to me. I will wait for the convertible however....
This is the first time I've really savored the details of a lexus. But then everybody started hatin' on it.
As for overpriced, some wise guy riffed on "This is not your father's Oldsmobile" slogan with "Yeah, when my old man had $25,000 grand in his pocket, he bought a house." Tempus f-word fugit, jack.
Jonny, what is the 3rd tranny mode? A codger mode (normal) and redline mode (sport) doesn't sound like enough choices. We turn off sport mode at the BMW schools since the quick throttle response really just makes it more difficult to apply the power correctly.
Also, $60k for this?!? C'mown.
@peakay: Sorry -- the VDIM system has three mode
Normal
Sport
Off
Only Sport effects the tranny, though you can be in Sport and turn the VDIM off, so you still have heavier steering and faster throttle.
Make sense?
WOW...I'd say more butt, I have to go and change my jeans.
Professional test drivers seem to agree that the IS-F is the best vehicle Lexus has ever produced; and in the hands of the right driver, it will outrun any other stock street-legal compact sedan.
Then these test drivers get in their M3's and RS4's and drive home for the day, and off record they say that they won't be trading in their sedan for the IS-F anytime soon. It's not that they dislike the IS-F, but for various nitpicky little reasons, they don't seem to like it as much as their personal German favorite. Perhaps it's fanboy bias in some cases, sure. However, it strikes me that this Lexus is a track car more than a road car, and my guess is that prospective buyers might find they don't like the IS-F's position on the "balance" between civility and sharpness.
Don't just dismiss the word "balance" out of hand. Consider this: Jeremy Clarkson is on record for saying that he didn't particularly enjoy driving the McLaren F1 despite the fact that it remains superior in every meaningful measure to almost everything else on the road, while being versatile and docile enough for daily use. As balanced as that car was, it still didn't strike it right in Clarkson's view. Too sharp-edged for all-day motoring on real roads.
I suspect that the go-fast technology and the undercutting pricetag of the IS-F also won't be enough to persuade autobahn enthusiasts to choose it over their German sedans. The IS-F will definitely appeal to the growing legions of rich kids that have outgrown their first rice racers, but probably not to those who want both comfort and autobahn performance in the same package, wrapped in a suit that doesn't look like a Camry with tighter shrink wrap.
So who is this car for? Young single hipster professionals who don't want a 335i like all their friends, and who's parents never taught them how to drive a proper manual?
I sure don't get it. If it had a 6- or 7-speed manual and a little more sedan body, I'd be very excited.
By the way, what's with all the Lexus hate? I know most of their product line is pretty icky, but what about the IS300? That was a pretty fair amount of go for the money.
I think it is really ugly... looks like a 15 year old Camry drivers dream.
The thing about lexus is that it is always too shiney and never in very good taste.
Those wheels are hideous why black??, the bumper and fenders look like something from the Nopi show, and the white leather is something a 80's drug dealer would have. It is a ugly car and really lacks any soul or consistant design language, I think the prius makes more sense visually then this car.
Lexus and "sport" do not mesh well together. Toyota has a racing heritage; perhaps the IS-F should be rebadged as a Celica or would that hurt marketing efforts in the US?
I do think the stacked exhast will have great appeal to the coffee can enthusiasts. BTW, for this kind of money the car should have driver's side Shiatsu and the ability to park itself. How many reverse gears does it have?
>>The IS-F's gearbox upshifts in 1/100th of a second. It takes a Ferrari F430 1/150th of a second to accomplish the same task. Yes, this Lexus is capable of upshifting as fast as a 599 GTB. Enjoy banging your passengers' heads on headrests? We've found your sedan. Downshifts are basically as quick, taking 1/200th of a second and are accompanied by an automatic throttle blip to match revs.<<
Is this a mistake? 1/100th of a second is 10 milliseconds. The 599 upshifts in 100 milliseconds or 1/10th of a second. So if it upshifts as fast as a 599 then it should be 1/10th of a second and not 1/100th of a second. The DSG gearbox upshifts at 6 milliseconds or 6/1000th of a second.
And downshifts are not "basically as quick" if they are 2x faster (1/200th of a second), which is 5 milliseconds. I don't know how responsive that engine is, but 5 milliseconds to rev match AND downshift seems to be beyond even current F1 technology.
Just to clarify, the exhaust tips are real. Edmunds drove a preproduction one. Autospies drove a later model and the exhaust tips are fully functional and connected:
[www.autospies.com]
[www.autospies.com]
The exhausts are real on the actual production models.
Check this out. With this mod you can take the vertical tips off and add probably 100 bhp to the IS-F.
[www.angelfire.com]
I'll be hoonin' Rodeo on my pimpin' white seats. Take notice Teutonic trio!
Nearly every time I turn in a review I get Farago hounding me that it's not manic and passionate as the RS4 review I wrote way back when.
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