Lexus IS F (December 2008)

Launched: Lexus IS F

Wheels Magazine
November, 2008

With an eye on the IS F's speedo and one on the braking marker, the Lexus-supplied driving instructor is calling the speed as I thunder down the 1.5km main straight at Fuji Speedway. With each 5km/h increment, his voice raises an octave: "240 ... 245 ... 250km/h!" At an indicated 255km/h I dive on the impressive six-piston front brakes for the second-gear hairpin.

But for all the speed and yelling, there's little drama. In fact, the excitement feels forced, like a game show host trying to rev up the studio audience. Despite producing 311kW from its 5.0-litre V8, the IS F lacks the expected kick.

It's likely the vast, fast nature of Fuji has dulled the sensation of speed, but just as the creamy engine is getting on top of the long gearing, the 6800rpm rev-limiter demands another upshift from the eight-speed, paddle-shift auto. The gearing and final drive are pinched straight from the LS limo and though limited to 270km/h, the IS F is theoretically geared for a Bugatti Veyron-busting 418km/h.

At 1700kg (split 54/46 front to rear), the IS F is just 45kg heavier than a DCT-equipped BMW M3 and 30kg lighter than Merc's C63 AMG. Unfortunately, we weren't permitted to fully switch off the three-stage stability control, but in its intermediate Sport setting, the IS F is an understeerer. If your entry speed is too hot, the push can be dramatic, but even with a well-judged approach, there's a fine line between balance and nose heaviness. When quizzed on this handling trait, IS F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi said somewhat unconvincingly, "the most important goal was not quickest lap time, but the level of fun."

Yaguchi did also admit that the 225/40R19 front tyres (20mm narrower than those on an M3, for example) were the maximum width permissible under the existing guards, hinting that the tyres are the limiting factor in dealing with the understeer. Broader 255/35 rubber nestles beneath the rear arches.

By no means is the IS F a bad car. But with expectations heightened by talk of a ready-made rival for the M3 and C63, it's difficult not to be a touch disappointed. Price aside, the softer nature of the IS F suggests that perhaps it's more of a rival for BMW's 335i or Audi's S4.

Lexus, however, maintains that trade-ins have included Mercedes AMGs and BMW M3s, along with the occasional Porsche 911. Whomever the buyer, the IS F will remain a rare sight when it goes on sale in November. Just 50 will make it to Australia in 2008 and all have been pre-sold, with 120 the allocation for a full year. To put that in perspective, Porsche sells 800 911s each year. Pricing is yet to be finalised but initial thoughts indicated a $155,000 tag. However, Mercedes' aggressive positioning of the C63 AMG ($144,365) has meant a rethink for Lexus Australia, so expect the IS F to come in around $145K.

Asked if this was the beginning of a BMW M-style high-performance division for Lexus, chief engineer Yaguchi said, "I'd like a series, but we have no plans yet."

If that position changes, let's just hope they turn up the thrill factor.

More research
Lexus IS F -- Wheels launch review: here
Lexus IS F -- Carsales Network launch review: here

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