The Incredible IS-F
Why “F?” Fuji Speedway and Higashi Fuji Technical Centre at the foot of Mt. Fuji are home to the development of the IS-F; three good reasons right there. Perhaps two more would be “finesse” and FUN! Like every Lexus the IS-F has to conform to what are likely the most stringent standards in the motor industry, those of Lexus engineers and designers, before even being considered for public consumption. The challenge was to build a mould-breaking performance car while at the same time embracing the traditional Lexus values of technological sophistication, advanced safety, leading edge engineering and unparalleled refinement. Indeed, the IS-F is everything you thought we weren’t!
Innovative Performance—The challenge of creating the IS-F lay in increasing the “instantaneous sensory” elements of driving; that is, to combine core Lexus elements with the ultimate in braking, acceleration, and handling to form a unique drivers’ car, one equally at home on the track or weekend trips.
Millisecond Responsiveness—Achieving the chief engineer’s ideals meant the development team rethinking every element of performance. They wanted a car that would arouse any driver’s emotions, one that could actually “talk” to the driver, yet still deliver the refinement that people expect from a Lexus. For refined power they chose the 416 horsepower 5-litre V8 and coupled it to the world’s fastest 8-speed Direct Sport Shift (DSS) transmission that shifts gears in just 0.1 second! Its 371 pound-feet of torque propel it to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds. To contain this power, braking and suspension techniques were taken from the racetrack and refined for everyday use. To top it off they added a newly programmed VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system with a decidedly sportier nature.
Sound Character—Civilized though extremely powerful this engine is at home in smooth urban driving and on the slalom course as well. The IS-F team decided to use a dual intake system which allows both the amount and quality of the air flow to be much more efficiently controlled and lays the foundation for both the gentle and powerful aspects of the engine. Dual injection, combining both direct and port systems, along with VVT-iE not only deliver optimum power and torque but help to achieve ULEV-II emissions status. The new 8-speed DSS transmission offers all the benefits of manual gear shifting with full automatic convenience. A revolutionary lock up mechanism allows the engine’s power to be directly relayed to the gearbox in second through eighth gear, giving it the ability to up-shift in only 0.1 second. Not only is this faster than sequential manual gearbox technologies, it results in an immediate and direct shift feeling. All of this adds up to technology that pleases on the track or just takes care of those endless traffic delays with equal efficiency.
Adaptive Control—The IS-F is a car that redefines Lexus in terms of sporting handling while still retaining the “Lexus feel” that customers expect. Double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear, coupled with electric-assist power steering provided the perfect basis, then allowed the engineers to re-evaluate every aspect, including the bushings. The result? A suspension system that fully complements the dynamic performance of the car. Once this was in place they began work on a new Sport VDIM system. The difference versus the acclaimed VDIM on other Lexus models is that on the IS-F it now features a Sport mode to stretch its dynamic capabilities even further. For the most experienced drivers, it can be switched-off completely.
Driving Confidence—Attaining maximum driver satisfaction from steering and suspension would amount to little in creating ultimate driver confidence without braking to match. The IS-F is equipped with heavy-duty Brembo brakes designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 14.2 inch ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6 inch ventilated, drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. High-friction brake pads are fitted to both. Front bumper ducts adjacent to the fog lamps stream cooling air to the brakes. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control coupled with the Pre-Collision System is available, as well as the Intuitive Park Assist system.
Uncompromised Lexus Luxury—Like the exterior the interior of the IS-F features an exclusive design treatment highlighted by aluminized composite trim, aluminum-rimmed main gauges, unique steering-wheel treatment and other special surface treatments. In addition, the IS-F features specially shaped and trimmed seats that hold the driver comfortably and securely in place. Smart Access and push-button start are of course standard, as are 10-way power front seats, dual-zone climate control, power moon roof, power tilt-and-telescoping wheel, three-position memory, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink, auto rain-sensing wipers, and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors with puddle lamps. The standard Lexus Premium Audio system features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 13 speakers, Automatic Sound Levelizing (ASL), and a convenient mini-jack auxiliary audio port. The available Mark Levinson Sound System is specially tuned for the IS-F. Ten amplifier channels drive 14 speakers to 300 watts total, from 20 to 20,000HZ, ALL channels driven, with only .1 percent total harmonic distortion (THD).