Lexus Pulls Wraps From New IS-F

scionlife · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 4137 Location: scionlife.com

Quote: The speculation and hearsay is finally over. Lexus, having failed to match the basic BMW 3-series with the IS, is going straight for the big dog M3 with its new IS-F. Under the massively bulged hood you see here is a 5.0-liter beast of a V-8 engine putting out over 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Behind big nineteen-inch BBS front wheels lie six-pot aluminum Brembo calipers--the first ever with "Lexus" written across them--squeezing down on 14.2-inch perforated discs that hope to also clamp down on the lips of Lexus-doubters.

The IS-F borrows its far-beyond-necessity eight-speed transmission from the LS, but unlike in the LS, gearbox can be controlled via wheel-mounted paddles. Lexus claims that upshifts are popped off in a tenth of a second, and downshifts are met with automated blips of the throttle to match engine revs.

The IS-F rides up to an inch lower than other IS models, and is wider overall thanks to flared wheel surrounds and ridiculous brake vents behind the front wheels. At the rear, the IS-F is distinguished by unique, stacked quad exhaust outlets. Aluminum trim and sport seats--finished in black or white leather--define the interior, along with a special button for a new three-mode version of VDIM, Lexus's stability control system. Like similar systems from BMW and Cadillac, the driver can chose from a full-on stability mode, a sport mode that allows for some hoonery, and a full off mode that opens the flood gate for full drift action.

And full-on drifts won't be a problem with all that power. Lexus estimates a 0-60 mph time of less than 4.9 seconds for the IS-F, which is the first Lexus "F" cars. "F" will be the designation for sporty Lexus cars, much like "M" is to BMW, "AMG" to Mercedes, and "S" and "RS" are to Audi.

Lexus general manager Bob Carter says that "the intent of creating the IS-F was not to be a competitor to other performance-sport sedans. 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.'" We hope that this unique interpretation is something brand new, because the Lexus experience we think of leans toward the numb, soulless side of the scale. With the debut of the IS-F, the task of creating a real performer appears to be complete for Lexus engineers. But now the real test begins. Can the fusing of the words "Lexus" and "performance" capture the hearts of the enthusiasts who matter? We'll find out when the IS-F arrives at dealerships in early 2008.

scionlife · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 4137 Location: scionlife.com

Does anyone have any paper towels? I need to clean my computer off now...

PunkInDrublic · Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 1560 Location: Long Island, NY

*drool*

blue_06tC · Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 94

06SuperWhite_SoCal_tC · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 1780

Looks nice, but I would have rather seen it in another color, and more pics...

scionlife · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 4137 Location: scionlife.com

Looks like the Supersonic Blue from the 99+ Integras. I can still hear my buddy yelling "It's not purple!"

dexter_5000 · Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 887 Location: New Hampshire

thats gonna be some stiff competition though.

hunterUnknown · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 1327 Location: Las Vegas, NV

Too bad theres no 6-spd yet.

Runawayrogue · Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 473 Location: Portland, OR

Wow I think I need to change my clothes =P

ADRdesignCo · Posted: 1/8/07 12:25AM Post subject:

and so it begins :)

yikes thats hott!!! :D

ra24man · Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 15 Location: Vantucky, WA

scionlife wrote: Does anyone have any paper towels? I need to clean my computer off now...
Darren...that's nasty! The car looks great, sans those goofy looking extractors in the fenders...why muddle up an already nice design? Oh well...this should give the Supra guys something to chew on...rear drive chassis with a V8 in it...hummm...?!

OdBox · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Posts: 92 Location: El Monte, CA

What's it say on the price tag?

SquallLHeart · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 12953 Location: NorCal LED-Head

i'm scared to ask.... :shock:

WOW!!!

ricexizxgood · Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 1936 Location: San Francisco, CA

Looks hot!!!

ricexizxgood · Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 1936 Location: San Francisco, CA

Anyone know where I can get a high resolution version of the pics?
New wallpaper :P

lriicelboy · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 862 Location: Boston, MA

:bow: :bow:
omg.. what a machine.

PakanaHerruus · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 573 Location: Simi Valley, CA

it'd look better as a two door.. i still like the M3 better.. more for the boxy style..

YourNameHere · Joined: 01 Jan 2006 Posts: 6491

wow...how did they mess it up THAT bad! the fender and front bumper are eeeeeeeh. interior looks good until i see the missing 3rd pedal. and im afraid to see what the rear looks like...deff not going to take sales away from Audi thats for sure.

on the plus side. the stance is almost perfect and i like the color.

bBlover · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 6368 Location: Long Beach,CA

That's hot but here's some things they need to change, bigger wheels, it looks like its bagged, get rid of the side scoop, and you've got urself a winner!!! The quad stacked exhaust is a nice touch!!

azepolyn · Joined: 25 Sep 2005 Posts: 603 Location: Tulsa, OK

its hott, I love it, but the front bumper, hood and "break vents" don't seem to flow. They look awkward.

I still love it though, I want one!