IS/RC Official Lexus IS-F Thread (Pics & Info)

[cawimmer430]

And yeah, Lexus prices aren't by any means friendly to European buyers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the standard LS460 in Europe costs €82,000, while the S450 costs €74,300 and the S500 costs €82,800?

My internet is kind of crapping out on me right now, but I do remember an AMS article about the S450 comparing to the LS460 on price alone.

I think the LS actually has the potential to be one of Lexus' best sellers in Europe. In this class people expect more, generally, so the LS has a very good selling point. Still, there are always people who'd want this and that removed etc. I swear, if my dad were interested in an LS460, he'd kick out the self-parking feature, massage seats and whatever else is in there. All he'd want is a navigation system, sunroof, electric seats for the driver only and that's probably it.

 

[Mr. M]

Here's where I couldn't agree more. I absolutely HATE the engine cover in the IS-F and sadly, it appears many of Lexus vehicles are heading in this direction (aka "plastic-slab") for engine covers.

Engines are obviously supposed to be the heart of a car - raw and mechanical - not a place where you display huge chunks of plastic

The plastic slab look works excellently for the whole Lexus range except for the IS-F. People with comfort in mind don't want to look at oil and grime and loose wires.

Anyway, did you guys realise how little attention the IS-F is getting? It didn't even get featured with any M3 or RS4 comparo... At least not that I know of.

 

[Bruce]

The plastic slab look works excellently for the whole Lexus range except for the IS-F. People with comfort in mind don't want to look at oil and grime and loose wires.

I can understand the desire for a super-dooper clean engine bay on the LS460, but am wishing the IS-F had an engine bay somehwhat more mechanical.

Anyway, did you guys realise how little attention the IS-F is getting? It didn't even get featured with any M3 or RS4 comparo... At least not that I know of.

That would be Lexus' own doing. Make no mistake, they are a company which doesn't feel they have to rush to gain approval from reviewers; they'll hold back until they feel the time is right.

After all, I don't think any mainstream journalists (Motortrend, Road & Track, EVO, etc) have even got their mitts on an IS-F yet. Lexus actually chose to let potential customers try the car out before the reviews came a floodin', and if you think about it, that's pretty intelligent marketing.

 

[Osnabrueck]

I just got back from IS-F testing where a team from Toyota was making reference recordings of the car's engine on a dyno. They ran the car through a few quarter-mile runs agressively - The exhaust note was a hoot under full throttle and the speed at which the transmission upshifts was impressive.

The car looks quite nice in person - not the disjointed, overdecorated mess it appeared to be in the initial press photos. I believe that more mature colors will put this car in the proper context - White, Black, Gray. Since the IS F has a "rice stigma" to contend with, it really shouldn't be promoted in loud race colors like the electric blue we've seen. Unfortunately, that's precicely what's being done, as I've seen from the initial campaign that's coming down the pike. I feel as though Toyota could have been more cognizant of the unique problems facing the launch Lexus F and could be making smarter choices on how it frames the new sub-brand.

 

[Bruce]

Thanks for the impression Osnabrueck.

While having not see the car in real life just yet, I do agree with you on the promotion colour. Eletric Blue wasn't the smartest of choices, especially as it's likely to be found on Impreza's and what-not. I would have launched the car in that glossy dark red which one of the IS-F's at Laguna Seca wore; I think they refer to it as "Matador Red Micra". Or perhaps, as that's my favourite colour on the IS, that just my bias talking.

 

[Bruce]

Just found this link:

JPanimal

It's from someone who visited the "Taste of Lexus" dyno event - I would assume the exact one Osna went to.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't look a tad nose heavy, but I'll save my final judgements for when I get the chance to see the vehicle in the flesh.

 

[Osnabrueck]

Just found this link:

JPanimal

It's from someone who visited the "Taste of Lexus" dyno event - I would assume the exact one Osna went to.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't look a tad nose heavy, but I'll save my final judgements for when I get the chance to see the vehicle in the flesh.

Hey, thanks for sending me that link Bruce! It's always a hoot to see somebody talking about our events. Heck, those signs were just a twinkle on my desktop just 48 hours ago, and now they're in somebody's blog. That's crazy!

Anyways - yes, that's where I was last night. I stuck around later on to see Toyota doing their own testing. They pushed the car really hard a few times - a joy to behold. Can't wait to get this thing on the tarmac... Might have to wait until SEMA for that.

 

[Bruce]

Hey, thanks for sending me that link Bruce! It's always a hoot to see somebody talking about our events. Heck, those signs were just a twinkle on my desktop just 48 hours ago, and now they're in somebody's blog. That's crazy!

Anyways - yes, that's where I was last night. I stuck around later on to see Toyota doing their own testing. They pushed the car really hard a few times - a joy to behold. Can't wait to get this thing on the tarmac... Might have to wait until SEMA for that.

You're welcome!

I can only imagine that it'll be an absolute hoot to drive. Those who have have sampled the vehicle have been constantly complimenting the car's slick 8-speed transmission; much of the talk revolving around it's transition between gears and it's ability to match revvs per speed when downshifting - similar to that of DSG, etc.

By the way, have anyone new news on the official horsepower number? Lexus continues to be extremely secretive about this particular aspect of the IS. Autoweek for instance, recently said it would have 425, whilst other un-named sources are saying 450. Although frankly, I can't see the latter holding all that much truth considering Lexus' conservative aim with previous models.

I'm guessing 410-415. Could be wrong though.

 

[Osnabrueck]

By the way, have anyone new news on the official horsepower number?

As of now, there isn't one. The estimates that everybody's been punting around are right, but internally no release HP figure has been settled on. I have tons of stats on this car, but HP isn't one of them.

 

[RICHBOY]

Carscoop didn't say the exact amount of hp but they said more then 400 DIN, that's all I know!

 

[Bruce]

^^

 

[Osnabrueck]

Carscoop didn't say the exact amount of hp but they said more then 400 DIN, that's all I know!

The real number (right now) is 415hp.

 

[RICHBOY]

^^

I don't know Bruce, it made sense at the time to me!

 

[Bruce]

I don't know Bruce, it made sense at the time to me!

No, no..on. When I quoted you last night it was because I was seeing you're post with few strings of HTML code rather than an actual post.

Works fine now though.

 

[Merc1]

Lexus ISF: the lowdown

We’ve seen the ISF before, but it’s here again in Frankfurt ahead of its arrival in the UK in March 2008. Don’t think of this 400bhp 5.0 V8 as an M3 rival, officials warn. ‘It will be more refined and comfortable, rather than out and out sporty,’ said one. It should undercut the RS4/M3 brigade at less than £50,000 and Lexus expects to sell just 150 in its first year.

What else is new at Lexus? Even if you don’t blink, you might be forgiven for missing the lightly revised GS. Yes, this is real ‘door handles’ facelift, but most of the important changes occur under the bonnet.

Out goes the old 4.3-litre V8 in the GS430, replaced by the more modern 4.6 unit from the LS460. The new model is renamed GS460 accordingly. We’ll get it in the first quarter of 2008, and you’ll spot it (if you look very hard and don’t blink) by that radically different grille treatment. Ahem.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_official_picture.php?sid=1044&page=1

M

 

[Bruce]

I've been waiting to see one in silver. Thanks Marcus.

 

[chonkoa]

Have the Lexus IS-F Japanese specs been prematurely leaked?
Source:IS-F¤Ë¤Ä¤¤¤Æ¤Î¾ðÊ󤽤Î2 - LEXUS Times ¡Ú¥ì¥¯¥µ¥¹¥¿¥¤¥à¥º¡Û - ¥ì¥¯¥µ¥¹/LEXUS/IS-F/
Source :my.IS - Lexus IS Forum - Is-f Jap Spec
* Announcement day
2007 October 4th - September 19th renewal


* Production quantity
Month 200
Domestic sale quantity 60 units (per 1 dealer in approximately 2.5 months 1 unit automobile delivery pace)


* Chassis efficiency and vehicle control efficiency
While full braking to do from the straight of 250km/h, tight the chassis efficiency which can be penetrated to the corner.
VDIM of vehicle control, corresponding to high power, while was optimized to the extremity pulling out "the OFF" mode limited efficiency only of the brake control "of Normal" mode ABS and the like, guarantees safety 3 types "of Sport" mode.
"Sport" mode "Normal" mode state compared to delays the intervention of VDIM, with the timing where the running which compared to utilizes the skill of the driver is possibly and truly necessary securely to operate VDIM, supporting driving. Compatibility enjoyment and sense of relief of driving. Also a certain famous racing driver with the comment "of Easy & Fast", "of Sport" mode has recorded the good time above "OFF" mode in state, so is.


* Transmission
In order is different from the M/T based 2 pedals which are main current of the sport car of the world, smooth when departing to guarantee, the transmission of the reformation which makes 8A/T of LS460 the base mature.
Guaranteeing the control characteristic where with manual mode, lockup it does in all gear steps of 2nd gear or more and direct confronts the acceleration impression and the delicate accelerator and is superior. In addition as for speed change speed at the time of shift rise, 0.1 seconds which reach worldwide most fast level it is a match to M/T which the top racer operates.


* Engine
Aerodynamic volume displacement - 5.0L V8
Type - 2UR-GSE
The highest output - 415 horsepower (305kW) above
Largest torque - 51.0kg silkworm m (500N silkworm m) or more

It is developed as the rec suspension first sport engine. 1UR-FSE which is loaded onto LS460 sharpens aerodynamic volume displacement rise and giving exhaust type and rotary system in the base, the acceleration where the extension is good offering the accelerator response which is superior to レブリミット of 6,800 revolutions.
For efficiency improvement in the high rotary limits the cylinder head one newly, adopting the dual intake which controls two inlets.
5.0ℓ Occurs from the aerodynamic volume displacement high torque in the low and medium-speed limits throughout the city being, it handles and to be easy, the extension where only the sport car is strong bodily sensation can do the torque which rises at a stroke in the high rotary limits.
It pursues the precision of the engine sliding section thoroughly, can blow and bets polishing on sharpness of rising, direct only of the NA engine to the response and drivability has added more dreadfulness.


* Suspension
As for the suspension which the professional racing driver is extolled, with the circuit thorough private tuning was administered by the sensitivity of the travelling data and the test driver.
Both the front & the rear the spring case arm bushes it strengthens the stabilizer, the shock absorber - raising attenuation power.
Regarding the bush of the rear sub frame, it has become the bush quality which makes ideal suspension operation actualize.
With these tuning, always catching the road surface in all travelling circumstances, the toughness which you do not separate with guaranteeing suppleness. Actualizing the high travelling efficiency where it is required with the circuit and the riding comfort where in the urban district tightens, it increases.


* Brake
Cooperation development with ブレンボ.
Front caliper - - opposite 6 pod
Rear caliper - - opposite 4 pod
Front rotor - ドリルドベンチレーテッドロータ- 360 Φ
Rear rotor - ドリルドベンチレーテッドロータ- 340 Φ

You think that you can appraise very, concerning adopting ブレンボ for the brake.
The caliper of the opposite 4 pod which is installed in the rec suspension -, it meaning that is not bad, it does, but it is capacity insufficient in the braking from 200km/h, very it is not in sport travelling with the circuit and the like, is, but you think that it does not withstand.
It meaning that the photograph which it can procure is very rough, being to be vague, it does, but in order perhaps to install 1 piece rotor, it is visible.
Don't you think? here is when we would like to receive for unsprung weight reduction in 2 piece rotors.
Well, when you think of that maintenance is done with the rec suspension dealer it is helpless, is, but the silkworm silkworm silkworm


* Tire & wheel
Front - 225/40-19 8J
Rear - 255/35-19 9J


* Interior & exterior
It should feature it is not the speedometer with the interior, probably will be?
According to the data which it procures it seems that the meter which is cut is adopted to 300km/h. Of course, as for the speed limiter it operates with 180km/h being, the ginger, you can feel the ヤル air of the rec suspension in here.
After, the panels of the silver carbon have given the production which the sport car seems.

In the exterior, it seems that the taste divides concerning the expanding of the bonnet, but as the special design which in only this car of a certain meaning is given is not to be good considering, probably will be?
Bigger engine than GS and LS which are older brother amount in IS is loaded. Just, it can receive the 鷹 which is talent in the feeling that hides the nail.
In addition concerning aerodynamic design, while including not to spare the aero dynamics technology which Toyota cultivates with F1, decreasing aerodynamic drag obtaining effective down fourth, it seems that the running which gives relief even in the super high-speed limits of 270km/h over is actualized.

As for body color at all 6 colors
Exceeding blue metallic (8U1)
Premium silver (1F2)
White pearl crystal Shine (077)
Dark grey mica (1G0)
Black (212)
Lead mica crystal Shine (3R1)
Don't you think? the image color of IS-F is everyone knowing exceeding blue metallic.

As for interior 2 types
White & black
Black

Panel 2 types
Silver leaf wood
Silver lease tarring fiber (OP setting)


* Leading particular
* Vehicle type DBA-USE20-FEZRH
* Size
Total length 4,660mm
Full-width 1,815mm
Total height 1,415mm
Wheel base 2,730mm
Tread (before) 1,560mm
Tread (after) 1,515mm
Roadspace 135mm
Minimum turning radius 5.1m
Interior length 1,855mm
Interior width 1,475mm
Interior high 1,165mm *
* Weight
Vehicle weight 1,690kg *
Gross vehicle weight 1,910kg *
* Riding in a car fixed capacity 4 names
* Efficiency
10 15 mode travelling fuel consumption rate
(National traffic economical examination value) 8.2km/ℓ
Principal fuel economy improvement measure Direct injection inside tube
Electromotive variable valve timing
* Engine
Type 2UR-GSE
Type V type 8 cylinder DOHC
Use fuel Unleaded premium gasoline
Total cubic displacement 4,968cc
Inside diameter × process 94mm×89.5mm
Compression ratio 11.8
The highest output (NET) 415PS (305kW) above
Largest torque (NET) 51.0kg silkworm m (500N silkworm m) or more
Fuel feeder Direct inside tube
Port fuel injector (D-4S)
Fuel tank capacity 64ℓ
* Drive
Drive system 2WD (FR)
Transmission Electronic control 8 fast transmission
1st gear 4.596
2nd gear 2.724
3rd gear 1.863
4th gear 1.464
5th speed 1.231
6th speed 1.000
7th speed 0.824
8th speed 0.685
Retreat 2.176
Reduction gear ratio 2.937
* In addition device
Steering wheel Power assist attaching
Rack & pinion
Suspension (before) Double wishbone
(The stabilizer you attach)
Suspension (after) Multi-link
(The stabilizer you attach)
Brake (before) Opposite 6 pod caliper -/ドリルドベンチレーテッドディスク
Brake (after) Opposite 4 pod caliper -/ドリルドベンチレーテッドディスク
* As for the above-mentioned numerical value there are times when value becomes modification depending upon installing option and the like.

 

[Bruce]

I've been watching the ClubLexus forums closely for sometime and some of those statistics (particularly the part of the production) have been mentioned on numerous occassions.

Still, most everything is unofficial at the moment. And let me tell you, this whole waiting for official specifications over the last 9 some months is really starting to piss off the majority of Lexus enthusiasts/loyalists. Even I am getting real fed-up with the whole thing. Enough is enough, stop dicking around and release the final specifications.

 

[Merc1]

I've never seen more nonsense surrounding the releasing the official specs on a car, just ridiculous at this point. What is Lexus trying to do here, tune it for more hp at the last minute?

M

 

[Bruce]

What is Lexus trying to do here, tune it for more hp at the last minute?

M

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.