IS FURIOUS
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, May 11, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
IS Furious
Behind the "F"
The "F", initially standing for flagship, is a part of every vehicle Lexus
designs to be a flagship for the company. The IS F, however, is the first
production vehicle to bear this identification in its name. Taking the meaning
of the "F" to a new level, the IS F was designed like no other vehicle at Lexus.
This high performance sports sedan was developed by after-hours enthusiasts,
using innovative technology, and track tested at Nurburgring Nordschleife, in
Germany's Eiffel Mountains; Circuit Paul Richard, in the South of France;
Circuit Zolder, in Belguim; Laguna Seca Raceway; and at Fuji Speedway, in Japan.
The inspiration for the "F" logo design was derived from the shape of Turn One
at Fuji Speedway, the home circuit of the IS F.
"With Lexus solidly established as a luxury leader, it was time to expand the
brand's scope by offering unique high-performance models, and the IS F is the
first," says Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. "Lexus did not
design the IS F as a direct competitor to any specific models, but as a true
performance sedan in a distinctly Lexus way. The IS F is totally authentic with
a unique interpretation of driving excitement at all speeds and provides a new
definition of 'usable power.'"
Defining a Body
Derived from the IS luxury sport sedan, the body of the IS F went through
changes to optimize airflow management and down-force on the vehicle. The front
fascia was redesigned, starting with a trapezoidal-shaped bumper that blends
into the wider front fenders. The grille section is opened up to provide more
cooling and the center section of the hood was raised for the high output V8
engine. Brake ducts are also added to the front bumper to provide cooling to the
massive 14.2-inch rotors and six piston calipers manufactured by Brembo. The
front is lighted by standard bi-xenon HID headlights with the Lexus Adaptive
Front lighting System (AFS). The AFS system, which I find exceptionally useful,
pivots the headlamp while cornering at night to illuminate more of the road.
The wider front fenders blend into the profile of the vehicle through functional
front fender air outlets, which lead into an aggressive aerodynamic lower rocker
panel. The front fenders are accented by the new "F" badge. A sleek silver "F"
is accentuated by a thin blue outline on a black background. The roof-mounted
shark-fin antenna adds to the overall look.
The rear bumper is redesigned with a more trapezoidal-shape to match the front
bumper. Four exhaust diffusers are integrated into the rear bumper. The rear
deck-lid spoiler and underbelly panels on the IS F provide the finishing touches
on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
Buffed-up Interior
The Interior of the IS F has all the amenities of the standard IS, with a shot
of steroids. The first thing you step into is the leather-trimmed sport seats
which securely plant you in the seat for extreme driving, yet comfortable enough
to take a six-hour road trip without braking your back or hips. The back
passengers aren't forgotten either as they have their own individual rear seats
- all branded with the "F" logo. The center console and doors are highlighted by
an aluminized composite trim to set it apart from the IS. The gauge cluster also
received some upgrades, machined aluminum bezels and an integrated voltmeter and
oil temperature gauge.
Some of the standard features of the IS F are the 10-way adjustable front seats,
with three separate position memories controlling the seats, power
tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and side mirrors, dual-zone climate control
(and the system can adjust the upper and lower temperature of the vehicle due to
ambient conditions or sunlight), automatic up/down positioning on all windows,
Lexus' SmartAccess keyless entry system and push button start (eliminating the
need to ever fumble for your keys), automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers,
and heated and auto-dimming side mirrors. These are just some of the standard
features found in the Lexus fleet. Add the optional Mark Levinson sound system,
and you have no need to leave the inside of the vehicle.
Walks to the store just got a lot further.
Heart of the Wild
Underneath the hood is a whole new animal for the IS F - a naturally aspirated
5.0L engine producing a staggering 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb-ft. at
5,200 rpm. It propels the IS F to an impressive 0-60 in 4.6 secons, the quarter
mile in 13.0 seconds, and a track top speed of 170 mph - all while being
classified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II). The engine is based
on the 4.6L V8 from the LS and GS, but engineered to take the stress of a high
horsepower engine that is durable enough for high-performance driving. The deep
sound of the exhaust and the burst of power as you snap the throttle setting you
back into the seats are exhilarating.
Coming from a racing background, I took notice to some of the engine upgrades
made to the IS F that one usually only finds in road racing or drag racing
vehicles - e.g., an engine-oil cooler, transmission-fluid cooler and a fuel sub
tank to prevent fuel starvation through turns. A sleeved aluminum block with
steel liners, a forged crankshaft with micro polished journals, forged
connecting rods, and pistons with low friction oil rings and coated skirts and
that is just the block.
The Yamaha-designed cylinder heads are even more impressive. Starting with the
intake ports, the design maximizes intake-pulsation efficiency and increases
air-intake volume through the engine. Titanium intake valves and roller rocker
arms with needle bearings lighten up the valve train. The camshafts are a hollow
composite camshaft with forged cam lobes. On the exhaust side, the
VVT-i(Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) system is used, which alters the
valve timing hydraulically and monitors the engines speed and load to provide
optimum valve timing for all driving conditions. The intake camshaft uses the
new technology VVT-iE(Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence and Electronic
Intake Valve Timing) which controls the valve timing electronically rather than
hydraulically expanding the operational range of the timing at lower engine
speeds or low oil pressure situations like cold starts. Working together, both
systems improve torque, horsepower, efficiency and emissions through all engine
speeds.
A new innovative feature is the SFI D-4 (direct-to-cylinder injection system
with secondary port injectors). This is a dual stage injection system the first
being a direct-type high-pressure fuel injection system which provides cooling
in the cylinders and a secondary low-pressure port fuel injectors to optimize
power and efficiency at light to medium load conditions. To top it off the
cylinder head is equipped with a scavenge oil pump which forces oil from the
cylinder head back to the oil pan to ensure a steady oil supply even when
cornering over 1 g.
These are just some of the race-inspired changes made to produce the power,
efficiency, emissions and be as reliable as the Lexus has known to become.
A Great Engine is Nothing Without a Great Transmission
If you think the engine modifications to the IS F are impressive, the world's
first 8-Speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission is going to blow you away. You
may ask why an automatic transmission and not a manual? Lexus answers back with
a transmission that performs better, shifts faster and, well, drives like a
luxury sedan when sitting in stop-and-go traffic or when you aren't driving on a
track.
The new transmission started from the LS 460. A complete rework of the internals
was in order. A special planetary gear set was created that allows a more
compact design. The torque converter lock-up strategy was changed from a normal
automatic transmission. Lockup in a normal transmission is done in the higher
gears and low load situations which create a direct power path between the
engine and transmission this helps preserve smoothness while also gaining fuel
economy. The conventional lockup in the IS F is still used, but in the drive
mode. When the shift lever is moved over to M (manual mode), this is where the
transmission really becomes alive. The strategy changes to lockup the gears from
second to eighth, eliminating any power loss one ordinarily has from the torque
converter. First gear still uses torque multiplication for standing starts.
There are two different modes for the transmission. Automatic will change the
gears for you with the same smoothness and ease as the Lexus' automatic. In
manual mode, the transmission is shifted through the steering wheel mounted
paddle shifters or through the gear change lever with the ease of a quick flip
up or down. In M mode, the transmission will hold the gear you have it in till
you shift the vehicle. Holding it at the 6800 rpm redline, or when you decide to
shift early.
Among the most impressive features on the new automatic are the up-shift speed
and throttle blipping downshift. Through new hydraulic-control technology, the
IS F automatic transmission can be shifted into the next gear in an impressive
0.1 seconds - making it the world's fastest shift time for street legal
production cars. This is six times faster than the regular IS models. In racing,
a driver will sometimes blip the throttle on a downshift to match engine speed
to for the lower gear. The IS F does this all for you. In a fraction of a second
when the transmission is downshifted, the electronic throttle body is opened and
the shift clutch is engaged for the lower gear. This all happens in 0.2 seconds.
The IS F automatic transmission is the most impressive automatic I have ever
driven. With this new technology, who would ever want to drive a manual
transmission vehicle ever again?
Getting the Power to the Ground and Keeping it There!
With all the changes to the body, engine power and transmission, what good would
it be if you can't transfer that to the ground and keep it there, while still be
able to control it? The body structure and rear subframe are connected through
several reinforcements throughout. Also used are high-tensile strength sheet
metal in 40 percent of the body for light-weight rigidity. The IS F sits one
inch lower than the IS, lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle. The front
double-wishbone and the multi-link rear suspension have the spring and damper
rates increased with a monotube gas-filled shock. The monotube shock piston-rod
is increased in size and a multi-leaf linear control valve design improves
dampening force. A large-diameter hollow front sway bar and large-diameter rear
sway bar are installed for added suspension support for less body roll.
Suspension bushings are tuned for better response and the subframe suspension
mounts are reinforced to reduce sway and help control under acceleration and
braking. The front wheels measure 19 x 8 with a 225/40R19 tires and the rear is
19 x 9 with 255/35R19 tires. The wheels are a 10-spoke forged aluminum,
manufactured by BBS for Lexus. The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and Bridgestone
Potenza tires are specifically designed for Lexus to handle the 170 mph top
speed, and to maintain the characteristics of a sports car while keeping the
control and of comfort of a Lexus.
The suspension is not complete without Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated
Management (VDIM). The VDIM is specially calibrated for the IS F to increase
handling and traction. VDIM integrates and manages the Electric Power Steering
(EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), the Anti-Lock
Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD),
and engine torque via the electronic throttle body. Combining all of these
different systems the IS F can anticipate a vehicle skid or slide and helps
correct the situation. The VDIM also manages the electronically controlled
brake-based limited-slip differential. Three modes are accessible from a switch
on the dashboard for Normal, Sport and Snow driving. Each mode offers a specific
VDIM control over the vehicle. Sport mode offers higher thresholds for the
vehicles control before it intervenes with the driver's driving characteristics.
Conclusion
The all new Lexus IS F is a giant leap forward into the performance arena with
all the amenities of a Lexus and a performance package to be sought after. The
power, handling and all new transmission has stepped them into a new realm of
vehicles with the likes of the BMW M3. If you are looking for the reliability
and luxury of a Lexus and a true performance vehicle look no further than the
Lexus IS F.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Lexus' first entry into the world of the fast and furious is nothing short of
fantastic.
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
Lexus IS F
Price:
$56,000.00 base/$60,975.00 as tested
Engine type:
5.0L/303.2cu DOHC, 32-valve, intake camshaft Electric Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence (VVT-iE), Exhaust camshaft Hydraulic Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence (VVT-i)
Horsepower:
416 @ 6,600 rpm
Torque:
371 lb-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
EPA mileage:
16 mpg/city, 23 mpg/highway
Drive configuration:
Front engine, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission type:
8-Speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode
Front suspension:
Double wishbone with high-mount upper arms, high-rate coil springs with bound
stopper, monotube gas-filled shock absorbers, large-diameter hollow stabilizer
bar
Rear suspension:
Multilink with low-mount upper arms, high-rate coil springs with bound stopper,
monotube gas-filled shock absorbers, large-diameter stabilizer bar
Wheels/Tires:
19 x 8 in. front & 19 x 9 in. rear; 10-spoke forged aluminum (BBS manufactured
for Lexus). 225/40R19 93Y front & 255/35R19 96Y rear (Bridgestone Potenza,
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 built to IS F spec)
Brakes:
Front-14.2-in. drilled rotors with six-piston opposed aluminum calipers,
high-friction brake pads
Rear- 13.6-in. drilled rotors with two-piston opposed aluminum calipers,
high-friction brake pads
Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes (Brembo manufactured for Lexus) with
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and
Brake Assist
Overall length:
183.5 in.
Overall width:
71.5 in.
Overall height:
55.7 in.
Curb weight:
3,780 lbs.