2008 Lexus IS F

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
February 1008

Type: High Performance Luxury Sedan
Layout: Front Engine/Rear Drive
owertrain: 5.0 Liter V8/ 8-speed Automatic
Performance: 0-60 MPH 4.6 seconds Top Speed 170 MPH
Estimated Base Price: $56,000
Available: On Sale Now

Lexus introduced the ‘IS’ series in 2000 as the ‘IS 300’. Based on the Japanese-market Toyota Altezza, the Lexus IS 300 was updated with a more powerful 3.0 liter in-line six and an upgraded interior. The 215 HP engine was mated to a 5-speed automatic. A manual was later added giving the car a sportier demeanor. Nice car but no cigar. The second generation debuted in 2006 with a sleeker body, more luxury and a 306 HP 3.5 liter V6.

Fast forward to 2008. Lexus could have called the new car the ‘IS 500’ because of its new 5.0 liter V8 engine, but since the new car is so different, they decided to revert back to their heritage for a new name. The “F’ comes from the "Circle F" internal code for what would become the ‘Flagship’ luxury division of Toyota, better known as ‘Lexus’ The IS F is no longer an ‘entry level’ luxury car. The ante has been upped, and the folks at BMW and Mercedes now have a serious contender in their midst. I just returned from a 2 day test drive in Las Vegas and this car is like no Lexus I’ve ever driven. In short, it smokes!

Under the Hood:
The IS F is powered by a performance enhanced version of the 4.6 liter V8 found in the LS and GS sedans. Yamaha built heads and a new high flow dual intake system result in 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. The intake system uses a primary induction mode for low and medium engine speeds and then opens up for more power above 3600 rpm. It’s a little like the secondaries opening up on an old 4 barrel carburetor. The IS F V8 integrates two types of fuel injection. Called SFI-4, it features a direct-type high pressure fuel injection which cools the cylinders allowing maximum energy extraction from the high compression ration (11.8:1) engine, and a set of low pressure port fuel injectors for precise burn and optimal power under light and medium load conditions. Variable Valve Timing incorporates an electric motor for valve phasing at low rpm when oil pressure might otherwise be insufficient to work the system.

This powerful and smooth V8 is mated to the world’s first eight-speed direct shift automatic transmission. This new transmission blends the performance characteristics of an automated manual-type transmission with the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type automatic. The driver can choose between ultra-quick paddle shifts or just drive it like an automatic. In ‘M’ mode, upshifts are executed in just one-tenth of a second, six times faster than manual shifts in the V6-powered IS cars. The manual mode holds each shift point all the way up to the 6800 RPM redline. At higher engine speeds, manual downshifts are accompanied by automated and precise throttle blips to match engine speed with vehicle speed. Sport, Normal, and Snow shift points are also selectable via a dash mounted switch. In Snow, the tranny starts out in second for better traction and alters steering assist for a heaver feel and throttle response is sharpened. This new 8-speed is highly responsive in downhill/uphill driving, always selecting the best gear for power or engine braking. No regular manual is offered in the IS F.

Suspension:
You’ll find double wishbone up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. The body has been stiffened and lowered an inch over the V6 car. Spring and damper rates are increased, and larger-diameter stabilizer bars are used. Rear control arms are specific to the IS F to optimize geometry for the larger 19 inch wheels. Shocks are bigger too. Bushings are engines mounts are stiffer for a more direct feel. The IS-F has speed sensitive electric power steering eliminating parasitic loss from a traditional hydraulic pump while reducing weight and complexity in the process.

The IS F is equipped with a specially calibrated version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, or VDIM. It’s designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid and provide correction through a combination of braking, steering and throttle control. VDIM manages steering, stability control, traction control, braking and engine torque. Rear differential ship and front end control are managed are managed by the system. Stability and traction control can be switched off if so desired. Like if you want to cut a cookie..Not that I did it or anything..

You need outstanding brakes on a car like this and Lexus dies not disappoint. They had a table full of parts at the conference, showing the Yamaha heads, the trick intake and a brake caliper and rotor. The rotor reminded me of the flywheel in my Road Runner. It may have even been heaver. The ventilated 14.2 inch front rotor is cross drilled and thick. This baby won’t warp very easily. Front air ducts near the fog lamps direct air to the brakes for cooling. A six-piston Brembo applies pressure through a pair of high-friction pads. Rear braking features those same pads with a 2-piston Brembo and 13.6 inch ventilated rotors.