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 |
