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2008 Lexus IS-F

2008 Lexus IS-F

2008 Lexus IS-F

Lexus will stage the world premiere of the 2008 IS-F sport performance car and an exciting concept vehicle at a press conference at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The IS-F is an all-new high-performance version of the popular Lexus IS 250/350 sport sedans. It will feature unique styling and a substantial boost in power from a V8 powerplant that will captivate performance car enthusiasts when it goes on sale next year.

Much of the development of the new IS-F took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The IS-F is based on the proven rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. As well as the IS performs, Lexus engineers demanded much more of the all-new IS-F. The result is a performance tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine, topped with specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system, that produces 400-plus horsepower and more than 350 ft.-lbs. of torque. The all-new IS-F is equipped with engine-oil and transmission-fluid coolers for high-speed performance and a cylinder head-scavenging oil pump for high g-force driving.

The IS-F engine is mated to the world’s first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission. A new torque-converter lock-up control was developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through eighth gears. In Drive mode, the IS-F transmission performs with great smoothness, and the torque converter allows for great launch ability for fast standing-start acceleration that will register a zero-to-60 time in less than 4.9 seconds.

This unique transmission also features an advanced Manual mode. A pair of paddles located within a fingertip’s reach behind the steering wheel enables the driver to make ultra-fast up-shift gear changes within a tenth of a second. Downshifts are accompanied by automated and incredibly precise throttle blips to match engine RPM to vehicle speed.

The impressive acceleration achieved by the IS-F requires it be equipped with heavy-duty Brembo brakes designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. Huge, 14.2-inch cross-drilled front discs are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while 13.6-inch rear cross-drilled discs feature two-piston calipers. High-friction brake pads are equipped on all four wheels. The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers, a first for a Lexus production vehicle.

The IS-F features custom-designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels as standard. The wheels were built to Lexus specifications by BBS and are surrounded by high-performance sport tires.

The attention to performance also extends to a modified suspension that lowers the entire car by more than a half-inch when compared to the base IS, and one full inch when compared to IS models equipped with 18-inch wheels. This specially modified suspension allows for an exciting and energetic drive, whether on a race track or the streets.

The IS-F features an all-new three-mode version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. In addition to the Normal mode, the new VDIM features a Sport mode that allows the driver to push the car even further before its braking-, throttle- and steering-control systems kick in. The third VDIM system mode is Off, which allows the driver to push the IS-F to its ultimate level of handling performance.

The attention to performance is complemented by modified styling cues that differentiate the IS-F from the standard IS. Lexus engineers provided the IS-F with a dual-exhaust system and quad-tail pipes, wider front fenders, and a larger grille and rear spoiler. Both the hood and lower intake were enlarged to accommodate and cool the V8 engine.

Like the exterior, the interior of the IS-F receives unique styling with aluminized composite trim and special surface treatments. The instrument panel includes an oil-temperature gauge and shift indicator-lights, while the ‘F’ logo is showcased on the steering wheel and rear-center console.

In addition to the usual Lexus standards of comfort and convenience, the interior of the IS-F features specially shaped and trimmed seats, which hold the driver comfortably and securely in place. The special sport seats are available in black or a unique high-contrast white and black trim.

The IS-F will arrive at Lexus dealerships in early 2008.

Story by Lexus, edited by Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
released at Detroit 2008
built at Japan
body stylist Yukihiko Yaguchi
engineers Suguya Fukusato
price $ $ 59,990
price £/td> £56,540
engine 2UR-GSE V8
position Front Longitudinal
block material Aluminum
valvetrain Chain-Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/VVT, Two-Stage Intake
fuel feed Electronic Fuel Injection
displacement 4969 cc / 303.2 in³
bore 94 mm / 3.70 in
stroke 89.4 mm / 3.52 in
compression 11.8:1
power 309.5 kw / 415 bhp @ 6600 rpm
specific output 83.52 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 238.92 bhp per tonne
torque 503.01 nm / 371 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm
redline 6800
body / frame Unit Steel
driven wheels RWD w/ESP
wheel type BBS Forged Aluminum
front tires 225/40ZR-19 93Y Michelin Pilot Sport 2
rear tires 255/35ZR-19 93Y Michelin Pilot Sport 2
front brakes Cross-Drilled Discs w/6-Piston Fixed Aluminum Calipers, ABS
rear brakes Cross- Drilled Discs w/2-Piston Fixed Aluminum Calipers, ABS
front wheels F 48.3 x 20.3 cm / 19 x 8 in
rear wheels R 48.3 x 22.9 cm / 19 x 9 in
steering Rack & Pinion w/Electric Power Assist
f suspension MacPherson Struts w/Coil Springs, Gas-Pressurized Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Multi-Link w/Coil Springs, Gas-Pressurized Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 1737 kg / 3825 lbs
weight distro 54 % / 46 %
wheelbase 2731 mm / 107.5 in
front track 1560 mm / 61.4 in
rear track 1514 mm / 59.6 in
length 4661 mm / 183.5 in
width 1816 mm / 71.5 in
height 140640 mm / 5537 in
transmission 8-Speed Direct Shift
gear ratios 4.60:1, 2.72:1, 1.86:1, 1.46:1, 1.23:1, 1.00:1, 0.82:1, 0.69:1
final drive 2.937:1
top speed ~273.53 kph / 170 mph
0 – 60 mph ~4.6 seconds
0 – 100 mph ~10.5 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~12.8 seconds