When self-preservation finally rears its head, the Brembo brakes (developed especially for the IS F) use six-piston calipers (with three different piston diameters) and 14.2-inch vented and cross-drilled rotors. The rears use 13.6-inch rotors, also vented and cross-drilled, and two-piston calipers.
In front of the brakes are bespoke forged, one-piece aluminum wheels, made by BBS. They're wearing 225/40/19 (front) and 255/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires (Bridgestone Potenzas are optional). The car sits on this combo one inch lower than a stock IS 350. And it's three inches longer, mainly due to the bigger engine and aggressive aerodynamic front apron. Note also the vents behind the front wheels, the side skirts, small trunk spoiler and the cool quad exhausts.
The chassis, tuned by Toyota Technocraft, uses the original front double wishbone/rear multi-link suspension, but now has springs and dampers that have been stiffened by 90 percent up front and 50 percent at the rear. Somehow, the ride is completely comfortable, despite the absence of body roll.
On normal roads, the IS F is great to drive: quick, responsive, eager to transition from left to right and with absolutely dependable brakes. Weight distribution is 54/46 front to rear, so the car feels well balanced. The cabin has four leather-covered bucket seats. Being a Lexus, construction, fit and finish are otherworldly good.
In this sector, the new BMW M3 and Audi's RS4 are tough competition, although the IS F beats them with its power numbers. It should also look tempting when the checkbook has to come out. No price has been announced yet, but Lexus traditionally has an impressive standard equipment list, filled with things that are costly options on German machines. An MSRP of somewhere around $63,000 would be a sensible guesstimate.
However, Lexus feels that customers coming to the IS F will be those who have grown out of their WRX or Evo phase and are looking for something more grown up. Does 'more grown up' mean less feel? Because that's what might see someone trading in their Evo IX for an Evo X instead of an IS F.
While this sporty Lexus can tackle anything public roads can throw at it, the track shows up a weakness. Despite being tested on demanding circuits, there's ultimately some feel missing, as if the electrically assisted steering (never the ideal arrangement for feel) and pliant ride are introducing an element of detachment. This is hair-splitting stuff and most drivers will be thrilled by the IS F. It's just that a little immediacy is missing from the equation.
That said, any driver-oriented efforts from Lexus shouldn't be discouraged. Although the company won't say whether any F iterations of other models will be made, like BMW's M cars, its LF-A concept, with a 5.0-liter, 500bhp V10, has been spotted undergoing test runs. The IS F could just be the start of something big.
2008 Lexus IS F
Estimated Price: $63,000
Engine Displacement/Type/Valvetrain: 4969cc, V8, aluminum block and heads, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, VVT-i variable valve timing
Claimed Crank HP: 416 hp @ 6600 rpm
Claimed Crank Torque: 371 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Drivetrain/Layout/Transmission: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive, eight-speed auto
Curb Weight: 3780 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R): 53/47
Suspension (Front/Rear): Double wishbone/multi-link
Brakes (Front/Rear): 14.2-in. vented and cross-drilled discs, six-piston calipers/13.6-in. vented and cross-drilled discs, two-piston calipers
Wheels (Front/Rear): 19x8 (F), 19x9 (R) BBS aluminum
Tires (Front/Rear): 225/40/19 (F), 255/35/19 (R) Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
By Colin Ryan
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