What is it?
2008 Lexus IS-F
What's special about it?
At last Lexus has unveiled its much anticipated hot rod, a 400-horsepower version of the current IS four-door sedan. It will be designated the IS-F when it arrives at Lexus dealers in early 2008. The F-code IS is the first-ever true high-performance car from Lexus, and we see it as a legitimate challenger to the forthcoming BMW M3 V8. The IS-F is expected to be quick enough to reach 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds.
The heart of the IS-F is a DOHC 5.0-liter V8 with a dual-intake system to help deliver 350 pound-feet of torque and specially engineered cylinder heads to help achieve a peak output of 400 hp. The V8 is adapted to a sequential-shift, eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles located on the steering wheel. The transmission downshifts are accompanied by a throttle blip between gear selections. More important, a tightly calibrated torque convertor lock-up is expected to help deliver crisp throttle response.
The IS chassis appears to have been significantly upgraded to match the new V8. New suspension hardware reduces ride height by a full inch. The Brembo brake package includes six-piston front calipers and drilled, 14.2-inch front rotors. The car rides on 19-inch BBS wheels. The Lexus electronic stability control system can be switched off.
Lexus hasn't overlooked the appearance of the F-code IS sedan, either. A wildly florid body kit dramatically reshapes the grille and front fenders, while a big rear spoiler is attached to the trunk. Four exhaust tips peek out from beneath the rear bumper. The interior looks different as well thanks to lots of aluminized trim on the dash, aggressive sport seats and an optional white-and-black upholstery treatment.
The "F" designation has long been Toyota's internal code for radical, ground-breaking projects, and the IS-F seems as if it's prepared to live up to this heritage when it finally arrives at Lexus dealers in the spring of 2008.
What's Edmunds' take?
Lexus appears to have finally shaken off its aura of conventional respectability and developed the legitimate high-performance sedan for which we've all been waiting. The IS-F clearly invites direct comparison with the much anticipated, next-generation BMW M3 with its new V8 engine. We'll see if it measures up. — Michael Jordan
2008 Lexus IS-F
What's special about it?
At last Lexus has unveiled its much anticipated hot rod, a 400-horsepower version of the current IS four-door sedan. It will be designated the IS-F when it arrives at Lexus dealers in early 2008. The F-code IS is the first-ever true high-performance car from Lexus, and we see it as a legitimate challenger to the forthcoming BMW M3 V8. The IS-F is expected to be quick enough to reach 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds.
The heart of the IS-F is a DOHC 5.0-liter V8 with a dual-intake system to help deliver 350 pound-feet of torque and specially engineered cylinder heads to help achieve a peak output of 400 hp. The V8 is adapted to a sequential-shift, eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles located on the steering wheel. The transmission downshifts are accompanied by a throttle blip between gear selections. More important, a tightly calibrated torque convertor lock-up is expected to help deliver crisp throttle response.
The IS chassis appears to have been significantly upgraded to match the new V8. New suspension hardware reduces ride height by a full inch. The Brembo brake package includes six-piston front calipers and drilled, 14.2-inch front rotors. The car rides on 19-inch BBS wheels. The Lexus electronic stability control system can be switched off.
Lexus hasn't overlooked the appearance of the F-code IS sedan, either. A wildly florid body kit dramatically reshapes the grille and front fenders, while a big rear spoiler is attached to the trunk. Four exhaust tips peek out from beneath the rear bumper. The interior looks different as well thanks to lots of aluminized trim on the dash, aggressive sport seats and an optional white-and-black upholstery treatment.
The "F" designation has long been Toyota's internal code for radical, ground-breaking projects, and the IS-F seems as if it's prepared to live up to this heritage when it finally arrives at Lexus dealers in the spring of 2008.
What's Edmunds' take?
Lexus appears to have finally shaken off its aura of conventional respectability and developed the legitimate high-performance sedan for which we've all been waiting. The IS-F clearly invites direct comparison with the much anticipated, next-generation BMW M3 with its new V8 engine. We'll see if it measures up. — Michael Jordan
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