Lexus IS-F: Japanese M3 Rival Coming To Australia In 2008

Motoring Channel Staff - 22/June/2007

Sydney, Australia — Two of Germany's most famous sports sedans, the BMW M3 and Audi RS 4, will for the first time have serious - very serious - competition from Japan. Lexus has announced that the new IS-F high performance sports sedan will be coming to Australia in the second half of 2008.

The IS-F is basically a hard core, high performance version of the Lexus IS250. And like its German rivals, it gets a number of improvements over the standard models, including large 19-inch wheels, high performance tyres, larger brakes, stiffer suspension and sporty interiors.

It will also benefit from a 5.0-litre V8 engine powering the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, the latter of which will be a big selling point for the new model. How many other cars can boast an 8-speed gearbox?

The Lexus IS-F is expected to be highly competitive with the BMW M3 and Audi RS 4, with early reports suggesting the 300kW+ V8 engine will propel the aggressive Japanese sports car from zero to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds.

Lexus Australia explains that its premium performance vehicles will bear the "F" symbol, which is derived in name and design from Japan's Fuji Speedway, which also happens to be the home of Lexus performance vehicle development.

Heading to Australia in the second half of 2008, the IS-F is expected to be priced at below the Audi RS 4s $164,000 price point, but official costing has been done at this stage. For a road test of the Audi RS 4, click here.

As well as increased performance, the Lexus will be equipping the IS-F with most of its electronic driving aids, but modified to be less invasive so that the vehicle can be driven on race tracks without penalty.

Lexus Australia's divisional manager John Roca said the IS-F is a bold step in a new direction for the company, and signalled that the marque will be expanding beyond its traditional luxury vehicle segment.

"The IS-F is the embodiment of performance," Mr Roca said.

"Just by looking at the vehicle you know that it is something special. It will be the ultimate in performance cars and Lexus' first performance-specific model. Much as the LS 400 did in the luxury market, the IS-F will challenge performance rivals in its field - providing a level of performance and on-track ability unlike any previous Lexus," continued Mr Roca.

Lexus Australia's spokesman also said that the IS-F is a perfect fit in Australia, "...a nation that worships its performance sedans..."

"...the IS-F will tickle the senses of all enthusiasts, whether they are behind the wheel, passing the car on the street or just hearing it rumble by," Mr Roca said.

Lexus has also been testing a new exotic supercar model, the LF-A, in Germany, which is expected to change the way people see the Lexus brand when it launches in the new few years.

2008 Lexus IS-F - What You Can Expect

Chassis: Lexus says that 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 for improved traction. Lexus engineers have tweaked the chassis, with one of the biggest changes being the integration of huge 360mm cross-drilled front discs with 6-piston aluminium Brembo brake callipers.

The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers, which the Japanese company claims is a first for a Lexus production vehicle.

The wheels are big 19-inchers, made of forged alloy for extra strength, and were built to Lexus' specifications by BBS. The tyres measure 225/40 R19 (19 x8) up front and 255/35 R19 (19 x 9) at the rear. Other chassis tweaks to the Japanese bruiser include a lower ride height, dropped by 25mm, which Lexus says will give the car an exciting and energetic drive on both the race track and the streets.

V8 Engine: Powered by a new 5.0-litre V8 engine with 'more than' 400 horsepower - which is about 300kW - the IS-F is expected to be one of the quickest small luxury sedans on the market. The Japanese car maker says that concept car will hit 60mph from rest in 4.9 seconds, so a zero to 100km/h dash should take about 5.1 seconds, which is exotically quick.

Lexus has also revealed that the IS-F generates more than 350 ft.-lbs. of torque, which is about 475Nm of torque. That's more torque than the Audi RS 4 and the BMW M3. Like its German rivals, the 5.0-litre Lexus V8 engine also features specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system to increase power, which is rumoured to peak at around 7000rpm. Also, engine-oil and transmission-fluid coolers have been employed for high-speed performance, while a cylinder head-scavenging oil pump keeps the pistons and crank lubricated during high G-force driving.

8-Speed Gearbox: The new 8-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the larger LS460 will ensure the new IS-F is both fast, but also somewhat efficient. Lexus calls the gearbox the "world's first 8-speed direct sport-shift transmission".As well as a unique torque converter lock-up control, the new 8-speed transmission gets an advanced manual mode, which can be operated via a pair of paddles located within a fingertip's reach behind the steering wheel, and Lexus is claiming up-shift gear changes of within a tenth of a second (and downshifts will be accompanied by automated throttle blips to match engine RPM to vehicle speed).

VDIM Electronics: Lexus has revealed plans its been working on an all-new three-mode version of its Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. In addition to the Normal mode, the new VDIM features a Sport mode for more freedom and an Off mode for track work and burnouts.

Exterior Changes: Lexus has paid a lot of attention to getting the look 'right' and start with 19-inch alloy rims. There's also a dual-exhaust system with diagonally stacked quad-tail pipes, wider front wheel arches (a la Audi RS 4), and a larger grille and rear spoiler. Both the engine hood and lower intake were also enlarged to accommodate the V8 engine and to improve its thermal efficiency.

Interior Changes: 'Aluminised' composite trim will feature strongly in the IS-F cabin, and the instrument panel includes an oil-temperature gauge and shift indicator-light. The "F" logo will also make a strong showing in the cockpit, affixed to the steering wheel and rear-center console. Specially shaped and trimmed sports seats will provide support in extreme-G situations with high levels of lateral support, and rumour has it the seats will be available in both black or high-contrast white and black trim.

The Lexus IS-F is scheduled to debut first in the United States in early 2008, followed by Australia in the second half of '08.

Related articles:
- Lexus GS450h (Road Test)
- Lexus IS250 (Road Test)
- Lexus LS460 (2007)
- Lexus LS 600h L (2007)
- Lexus GS430 (Road Test)
- Lexus LF-Sh (concept)