IS-F – Automobiles Review

2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan – More than a Compact Executive

Lexus has presented the new 2014 IS Sport Sedan at the 2013 NAIAS. The 2014 IS will be available in RWD and AWD versions of the IS 250 and IS 350, a further evolution of F SPORT available across the entire model range, and for Europe, Japan, and select international markets, the IS 300h, the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive.

The IS 250 is powered by a 2.5 liter V6, the IS 350 has a 3.5 liter V6 and the IS300h combines a new Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine combined with a high-torque motor.

The IS 350 RWD version has an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which is the same as in the IS-F model. The new IS comes with the Drive Mode Select system offering up to four switchable driving modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT S+.

The new Lexus IS comes with revised the front double wishbone suspension while at the back it takes the same multi-link system layout from the GS.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMa5Awvzt6I

IS F SPORT models not only benefit from exclusive, exterior and interior design features, but also genuine dynamic enhancements. Both the front and rear suspension systems and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) are exclusively tuned for F SPORT, enhancing handling performance. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is tuned for F SPORT models, while Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) is also available on IS 350.

F SPORT models announce their presence with an exclusive spindle grille that incorporates a bolder insert design. The bottom corners of the front bumpers feature aerodynamic detailing to provide enhanced brake cooling. Unique 18-inch wheels feature a Y-spoke design inspired by the LFA.

On board, drivers will receive vehicle information from an innovative driver’s meter cluster with a moving center ring, inspired by the LFA. Interior trim detailing includes an F SPORT steering wheel and shift knob, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates that include the Lexus logo.

The all-new Lexus IS will go on sale in mid-2013.

Source: Lexus

January 15, 2013

Lexus IS F Race Car Generates 600 Horsepower

Lexus IS F Race Car is a purpose-built vehicle which will share the limelight with some of the world’s leading tennis players at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament next month, where it will be unveiled for the first time. It is a highly modified touring car, which is based on IS F performance sedan.

This Lexus will be powered by the same TRD-developed 4.7-litre V8 engine that is found in several Daytona prototype race cars. The unit generates up to 600 hp (441 kW). Furthermore, in order to be a true race car, it was equipped with Motec engine management systems, ZF Sachs dampers, H&R springs, AP racing clutches and AP airjacks.

However, the vehicle won’t be used as a racing car, but as a customer experience vehicle and will be on display on promotional events.

Technical Specifications:

• Vehicle: 2012 – Wide body, caged monocoque Lexus IS, weighing 1290kg

• Engine: TRD 4.7L V8 developing approximately 600hp

• Transmission: Six-speed Hewland, rear mounted transmission

• Wheels: BBS 11×18″ centre lock front, 12.5×18″ centre-lock rear

• Tyres: 295×30″ 18″ Front, 335×30″ 18″ rear

Source: Lexus

December 21, 2012

Torpedo Run 2011: One of the last adventures of our time

Driving, action and having fun – the Torpedo Run is a horsepower-orgy Standing in the light of sports cars and luxury limousines, Torpedo Run – a horsepower-party – combines driving, action and having fun altogether! This is happening for the 7^th time and this time the goal is to promote it on daily events, while in the evening, exquisite gourmet pleasures pleased the sense of taste.

To be more precise the automobile party included participants from all over Europe. It lasted three days and led from Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, through the towns of Kitzbühel and Velden in Austria, till the Mediterranean Coast in Slovenia. What is to be highlighted is that this year’s program offered a new race-track with Formula 1 license, fast bobsled runs and an adventurous off-road excursion in steep mountains!

In these three days there could be seen enormous power and a pure sound party at the Torpedo Run 2011. For instance, you could see rare sports cars and exotics like Wiesmann MF 5 Roadster, Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lexus IS-F or an almost 600 hp/441 kW strong Mustang GT in muscle car design. Moreover, there were Porsches and compact sports cars such as BMW 1 Series M Coupé or Lotus Elise.

All these beauties were driven almost everywhere on this perfect occasion. In addition, the Torpedo Runners enjoyed a lot of nice corners and impressive landscapes with stunningly beautiful sights. The specific roads in the Alps made the Torpedo Run even more exciting and gave pure pleasure to the drivers!

Of course, there was a special arena – The new Red-Bull-Ring, where the Torpedo Runners were speeding on the new Red-Bull-Ring. This Ring is actually the Austria Ring or A1 Ring Red Bull, but more modernized and improved! Thank to it one could hear the sound of the engines and feel their power, while driving skillfully through the fast downhill corners.

A lot of adrenalin got produced these three days: the Torpedo Runners drove down a mountain in a 3535 meters long roller coaster with steep turns and “jumps” with descents of up to 6 meters! Even more, they experienced the legendary Olympic bobsleigh run of Innsbruck. With around 100 kph, the teams sped down the 14 corners on the 1270 meters long run!

On the other hand the Torpedo Runners switched cars to off-road cars! They enjoyed “off-roading” a mountain in the Alps. The route wasn’t a light one and led over a bumpy and narrow gravel road with tight corners, which have been built into the sheer mountain inclination. This is one of the most difficult itineraries in the Alps; however the Torpedo Runners performed their best!

The Torpedo Run 2011 was definitely great fun for all of the participants. It was mentioned as one of the most exciting and exclusive events of the year. The result is that all of the participants are eagerly looking forward to the next Torpedo Run 2012! The great news is that everyone can join it, but hurry up because the reservations have already started at www.torpedorun.com! The next 2012 Torpedo Run will take place on an extended weekend in September.

December 5, 2011

2012 Lexus IS-F Price – €70 600

Lexus has released further details for the new 2012 IS-F sports car, which is now more powerful and dynamic. The high-performance saloon comes with revised chassis and new individual equipment options.

2012 Lexus IS-F will still compete against the brutal BMW E90 M3 and the elegant Audi RS4, but the new IS-F has a little advantage – 5.0 liter naturally aspirated high-revving V8 delivering 423PS (311 kW) and 505Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top speed of 270 km/h (167 mph). Nice performance!

The options list includes: BBS individual 19” alloy wheels with 14-spoke design. There are also crimson and black interior.

Still, the new IS-F is a bit pricy starting at €70 600, so we have to expect that it is brilliant?

Stay tuned for more information and test videos!

Source: Lexus

August 11, 2011

Lexus IS-F sports concepts at Tokyo Saloon

At the Tokyo Auto Saloon, which brought together the most intriguing custom cars of the world at one place, Lexus has revealed its undoubted sports nature, showcasing two exclusively athletic-styled IS F one-off rides. (more…)

January 31, 2011

Lexus IS 350 Sedan debuts on the Australian market

Lexus has extended its IS line performance credentials on the Australian market with the introduction of the ultra mean and clearly sporty Lexus IS 350 sedan. (more…)

October 26, 2010

World Premiere Of Lexus LF-Ch At The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

Lexus will introduce the LF-Ch full hybrid premium compact concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, which starts 15 of September. Lexus also updated LS,GS,IS and IS F versions.

The changes aren’t striking, but they are useful enough, like offering a limited slip differential for IS F model or enhanced driving dynamics for LS version.

Lexus definitely know, how to keep the customers attention and they will prove it at the Frankfurt Motor Show. (more…)

September 2, 2009

Tuned Lexus IS-F a.k.a Bye Bye Road Crimes for the Humberside Police

Humberside Police have taken delivery of a Lexus IS-F in order to make life more difficult than ever for those looking to travel to the region to commit crime.

Specially trained officers spent 12 months evaluating a number of high performance vehicles that are set to replace the current Subarus which have proved highly successful in enabling the Roads Crime Section to target organized criminals in the area. Following a stringent evaluation process the decision was taken to purchase the Lexus IS-F after the vehicle proved to be exceptionally capable of remaining stable in high speed operational policing environments, despite carrying the extra weight provided by the £30,000 worth of on-board computers and communications equipment. (more…)

July 27, 2009

Lexus Project Car Media Guide For The 2008 SEMA Show

Lexus marks its return to the SEMA Show with another selection of exciting project cars following its official debut at the 2007 show. This year, Lexus will feature eight project vehicles at its exhibit: (more…)

October 30, 2008

Lexus IS F Pricing Sets Performance Benchmark

Lexus will launch its first dedicated performance model with a price that confirms its market aspirations. Lexus IS F will come to market with a recommended retail price of $129,000* – significantly beneath its three major rivals. (more…)

October 14, 2008

Lexus IS-F

Much of the development of the new Lexus IS-F took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The Lexus IS-F is based on the proven rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. As well as the IS performs, Lexus engineers demanded much more of the all-new IS-F. The result is a performance tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine, topped with specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system, that produces 400-plus horsepower and more than 350 ft.-lbs. of torque. The all-new IS-F is equipped with engine-oil and transmission-fluid coolers for high-speed performance and a cylinder head-scavenging oil pump for high g-force driving.

The IS-F engine is mated to the world’s first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission. A new torque-converter lock-up control was developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through eighth gears. In Drive mode, the IS-F transmission performs with great smoothness, and the torque converter allows for great launch ability for fast standing-start acceleration that will register a zero-to-60 time in less than 4.9 seconds.

This unique transmission also features an advanced Manual mode. A pair of paddles located within a fingertip’s reach behind the steering wheel enables the driver to make ultra-fast up-shift gear changes within a tenth of a second. Downshifts are accompanied by automated and incredibly precise throttle blips to match engine RPM to vehicle speed.

The impressive acceleration achieved by the IS-F requires it be equipped with heavy-duty Brembo brakes designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. Huge, 14.2-inch cross-drilled front discs are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while 13.6-inch rear cross-drilled discs feature two-piston calipers. High-friction brake pads are equipped on all four wheels. The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers, a first for a Lexus production vehicle.

The IS-F features custom-designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels as standard. The wheels were built to Lexus specifications by BBS and are surrounded by high-performance sport tires.

The attention to performance also extends to a modified suspension that lowers the entire car by more than a half-inch when compared to the base IS, and one full inch when compared to IS models equipped with 18-inch wheels. This specially modified suspension allows for an exciting and energetic drive, whether on a race track or the streets.

The IS-F features an all-new three-mode version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. In addition to the Normal mode, the new VDIM features a Sport mode that allows the driver to push the car even further before its braking-, throttle- and steering-control systems kick in. The third VDIM system mode is Off, which allows the driver to push the IS-F to its ultimate level of handling performance.

The attention to performance is complemented by modified styling cues that differentiate the IS-F from the standard IS. Lexus engineers provided the IS-F with a dual-exhaust system and quad-tail pipes, wider front fenders, and a larger grille and rear spoiler. Both the hood and lower intake were enlarged to accommodate and cool the V8 engine.

Like the exterior, the interior of the IS-F receives unique styling with aluminized composite trim and special surface treatments. The instrument panel includes an oil-temperature gauge and shift indicator-lights, while the “F” logo is showcased on the steering wheel and rear-center console.

In addition to the usual Lexus standards of comfort and convenience, the interior of the IS-F features specially shaped and trimmed seats, which hold the driver comfortably and securely in place. The special sport seats are available in black or a unique high-contrast white and black trim.

“The intent of creating the IS-F was not to be a competitor to other performance-sport sedans,” said Carter. “Rather, the goal was to create a true performance sedan in a uniquely Lexus way-one that is totally authentic with a unique interpretation of raw driving thrill at all speeds and provides a whole new definition of ‘usable power.’”

January 8, 2007

Tag: IS-F