2012 Lexus IS F upgrades revealed

Article
Gallery

By Tim Beissmann | August 12th, 2011

The 2012 Lexus IS F has been upgraded for Europe with an uprated chassis.

The enhanced model promises an improved driving experience with greater ride comfort and reduced body roll.

The upgraded 2012 package includes new shock absorbers coordinated with new spring rates, as well as stronger stabiliser bars, new bearings and a slightly revised suspension geometry.

The 5.0-litre V8 engine is carried over into the 2012 Lexus IS F, and continues to produce 311kW of power and 505Nm of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends all that power to the rear wheels.

European pricing of the 2012 Lexus IS F is unchanged from the 2011 model. The 2011 Lexus IS F is available in Australia from $126,900 before on-road costs.

Lexus Australia has been contacted about the local availability of the upgraded IS F. We will update the story when we hear more.

Read CarAdvice’s reviews of the Lexus IS F.

(Note: 2011 Lexus IS F pictured)

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1435885244 Yani Hendriawan

the engine note to this car is just omg…

Tommy

The engine note to a 2jz with a big single turbo is just OMG

Steve

Oh no, here we go again.

Why would they bother updating the best car ever made?
The Specialist

The only thing that stopped the ISF from being a class leading car was that it didnt quite handle as good as a M3 and needed a true LSD, it was already the best looking best equipped and quickest!
So LEXUS fixed the traction with a mechanical LSD over the electronic one and now they have improved the handling & ride so maybe its time for another M3 AMG ISF comparison?

G

Are you kidding. Not only did it not handle as well as the M3, the ride was atrocious. I could understand worse ride if the handling were better but they didn’t come close in either area.

The Specialist

So you have driven one?? WELL I HAVE driven all 3 in this class and the ride was worse in the AMG and the lexus was far from astrocious!

Charger

i have driven e30,E36,E46 and e46 CSL,E90 m3′s and all but the E30 around phillip island so yes i have driven them i also have worked on them. I have also driven at ISF and whilst i also like the M3 better there wasent a massive difference between the two. Also i know for a fact which one is more Reliable and its not a BMW.

Charger

it wasent that far off the M3 in handling! At least it wont spin bottom ends, wear out timing chains or have SMG gearbox failures!

Jim Sim

Ill second that. I have driven a couple ISF’s and for sheer fun, not much can beat it…

It takes a proper race car driver to really squeeze every ounce out of each individual car.. So for an every day driver (like myself) theres not a huge difference between high performance cars.

G, why dont you ACTUALLY drive one before you comment? Your comments don’t mean a thing if your reading stats off a newspaper…

bert

So G WHAT DO YOU OWN? A holden camira i bet HA!HA!HA!

martin

Best looking ? Quickest ? OMG, save it for the camry fan boys. The main reason someone would choose this over an M3 is because they can’t afford the best. Good car, but it’s a stretch to say it’s the M3′s equal.

The Specialist

Its not a equal its better in most areas:

LEXUS ISF
1. Quicker over the Qtr mile 12.7et ISF 13.3ET M3.
2. Better equiped.
3. Looks way better the M3 is ugly next to it.
4. Its a lexus “reliability”.
5. lexus service you dont have to take out a 2nd mortgage.
6. The best sounding V8

BMW M3
1.Slighty quicker(1/10SEC)around the TOP GEAR circuit.
Michael

Funny you should say the only people that would choose an ISF is because they cant afford the M3 because not only can I afford the M3 and the RS5 and the C63, I also took them all for two days each. I even drove each of them to the Lexus dealer before I gave them back just to hop into the ISF and feel the difference. Guess what? I bought the ISF last Friday and would have even if it was the same price as the others and BTW, in America the ISF is more expensive than the M3!

Michael

I bet Top Gear wont be doing an M3/ISF comparison now that the ISF has the mechanical LSD. It would be great if a credible car critic did though.
Unless you have seen or better still driven one you can’t realise just how many extras you get in the ISF. I have had my 2011 ISF for over a week now and I sill can’t get the smile off my face.

Meanstreak

Who cares, both M3 and ISF reward the driver with joy when driven hard. As much as you’d all like to BS, you would all take either for a fang around a track.

Anyone who says otherwise is just looking to get a reaction from each of the fanboy groups. Grow up.

Good news to hear they are improving the ISF.
Meanstreak

Specialist, where did you get your 1/4 mile times from.

And you forgot to include Lateral G’s ( road holding) for both cars. I believe the M3 achieves 0.95 and the Lexus ISF 0.92. Making the M3 marginally better in the bends.

The Specialist

At willowbank raceway! Thats all i can give away, but trust me they are correct and that was from only 1 ISF and 2 M3s, also the ISF ran 112.8mph as opposed to the m3 average around 106mph.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1715760895 Charles Dean

I saw a white ISF today, looked badass
Lazza

My fave car! People need to see what a bargain this bad boy is compared to the overpriced kraut chariots. If you compare ISF vs. M3 vs. Amg prices everywhere else in the world, they’re all on par – the ISF in most parts slightly more expensive (WTF?!) because it’s decked out with more options. Here it’s cheaper by a huge margin. It’s a bargain for what you get, the early release 2008 was a show-stopper for a first round offering and now they continue to tweak and update it’s handling which they said they will always do…
David

The M3 is king and that’s the end of it.

bert

King of what BUTT UGLY CARS? HA!HA!HA!HA!

Situationaziz

ISF is technically more advanced then the M3, AMG etc

The Lexus IS F features a 5.0 L direct-injected 2UR-GSE V8 producing 416 SAE hp (423 PS, 311 kW) at 6600 rpm, while peak torque is 371 ft·lbf (503 N·m) at 5200 rpm.[29] The engine redlines at 6800 rpm and also features a two-stage intake system, engine oil and automatic transmission fluid coolers and an oil pump designed for high-speed cornering. Along with both port and direct injection, the engine features VVT-iE camshaft timing, and has a compression ratio of 11.8:1.[30] The 2UR-GSE is derived from the Lexus UR-series V8 engines, which first debuted as the 1UR-FSE on the 2007 Lexus LS 460. Of the UR-series V8s, the 2UR-GSE is most closely related to the 2UR-FSE used in the 2008 LS 600h. It features the same bore and stroke dimensions (3.70 in x 3.52).[30] However, extensive modifications carried out by the IS F engineering team in conjunction with Yamaha’s Formula One (F1) engine program resulted in a cast-aluminum intake manifold, new cylinder heads, and titanium intake valves.[30] Additionally the engine features a forged crankshaft, connecting rods and cam lobes. At maximum acceleration above 3400 rpm, the secondary intake opens.[31] Compared with the LS 600h’s 2UR-FSE (measured alone without its hybrid-electric motors), the IS F 2UR-GSE has more horsepower and torque at higher rpm, and 17 ft·lbf less peak torque (see also Lexus IS F performance specifications).[30]

Lexus IS F 2UR-GSE V8

Lexus IS F dynamometer test
Problems listening to this file? See media help.
The Lexus IS F features an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission with sequential shift which can lock-up the torque converter from 2nd through 8th gears (see also: Lexus IS transmission specifications). The SPDS is derived from the unit introduced in the 2007 Lexus LS, which was the first vehicle to carry an 8-speed transmission.[32] The SPDS allows for shifts to occur in 0.1 s (100 ms),[33] compared to 0.05 s (50 ms) of F1 race cars.[34] The wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow for gear shifting while steering, and a manual mode can be selected for added control. The 8-speed transmission also improves fuel economy,[35] with lower overall consumption than BMW, Mercedes, and Audi rivals,[33][35] and avoidance of the U.S. Gas Guzzler Tax.[36]

Devil’s Advocate

What do you define as “technically more advanced”?
The M3 V8 has a higher specific power ratio (over 100hp/L compared to the 83.2hp/L of the Lexus). The M3 engine is lighter at only 202kg(as you would expect with 1L less capacity, but the M3 V8 is actually lighter than the old M3 3.2L 6cyl) and uses silicon crystal cyl liners as opposed to steel in the Lexus engine. The M3 V8 has a throttle butterfly for each cyl as opposed to 1 for all 8 cyls in the Lexus. The Lexus has 4 knock sensors in the block, the M3 engine uses each spark plug as a knock sensor ie 8 knock sensors. RPM Lexus 6800rpm, M3 8,300rpm. However the M3 does lack DI and I am sure there are other things as well! Like most cars there would be some parts that are more advanced and others that aren’t!

Having said that, the Lexus is an impressive bit of kit more suited to everyday driving IMHO, as much as I love the M3!

David

Spot on, Devil’s Avocado and the engine in the M3 has won the 3 – 4 litre category in the International Engine of the Year Awards for the past 3 years, beating hot contenders such as Porsche engines, and the 3.8 lite Nissan GTR and McLaren MP4-12C engines, while the 3.2 litre straight 6 from the e46 won this award 6 times in a row as well as the overall crown in 2001. I am yet to see any Lexus engine make such an impact with the exception of the masterpiece in the LFA (which will not be considered due to the small production volume).

Meanstreak

So all those tests that show the M3 post 12.7?
AndyGF

The sorry to burst all the IS-F bubbles here…

The IS-F is a competitor to a car (i) which has many, many competitors (ii), Some even from its own stable (iii).

(i) I cant call it a car, its a benchmark to an entire segment which it defined on its own and its history goes back 25 years.
(ii) All trying to beat the benchmark, and failing to deliver one thing the M3 does best (and the hardest to achieve), balance…
(iii) BMW is clearly not worried about its competitors, they even beat themselves (1M) every now and then just to prove it. The 1M is twice the pretender to the M3 throne the IS-F will ever be, and almost half the price!
Lazza

Here we go! Now we’re brining in apples to oranges comparisons?!

The 1M is a 2 door 6 cylinder turbo charged sports car! Its more comparable to a Porsche Cayman or something like that. Who gives a rats. If you want limited edition, Lexus do the LFA…

Even with the M3 comparisons you’re comparing the more expensive 2 door M3 with the sports and suspension options. The Lexus is a 4 door sedan with all the fruit. How does it compare to the 4 door M3 at dealer standard drive away prices? The Merc AMG C63 4 door is the closest comparison and the Audi S4/S5 the RS5 is a two door and twice the price… Also in comparison is the HSV and FPV offerings…
Ng0

@David.. Lexus has the most sophisticated production methods when it comes to making the engine, read about the UZ & UR engines from Lexus, both have won awards for their smoothness, reliability and efficency and beyond believe level of vibration minimization..

For example for the UR engine, the die-casting process the substances of the engine are vacuamed and sucked from the bottom, the reason is so that there is no oxygen in tje process which forms bubbles which then turn into imperfections in the engine..

When the UR engine is completed it undergoes an X-Ray & CT scan to ensure that the engine has met Lexus standards of 0.005mm

The 8gear transmission of the LS460, each gear has been treated and smoothed out as a result the 8gears of the Lexus LS460 shift seamlessly (literally)

The engine I’m referring to is in Lexus LS460, LS600HL, ISF.. etc

that’s why the 4.6L engine of the LS is so smooth and the car drives seamlessly

AndyGF

For its class…
BMW M3, 2001 to 2006 engine of the year. (3.2 S6)
BMW M3, 2008 to 2011 engine of the year. (4.0 V8)

Overall…
BMW, 55 engine of the year awards since 1999. (includes Sixes, V8s, Twin Turbos and Diesels of each).
Lexus, 0 engine of the year awards.
Toyota, 22 engine of the year awards. (other than the prius, 1.0 litre, because no Germans make a engine that useless.)

Like your comment to meanstreak, try ‘marveling’ at them engineering apples for a bit?
Phil

Only Lexus buyers would care about each of their 8 gears being “treated and smoothed out” automatically.

Most M3 buyers want to do that themselves with a real manual.

Kev

manual is going to be killed out from sports performance cars in that range in the near future, technology in the drive train and engine is being geared (no pun intended) to semi-automatic gear boxes.

Meanstreak

Ng0, who gives a rats, the ISF and the M3 are both powerful track day machines. One is slightly better balanced and pulls a fraction more G’s in the bends but at the end of the day their isn’t much in it.

Get over your badge snobbery over which is faster or more reliable and marvel at the engineering required to make both vehicles what they are.

Ng0

I was marveling at the engineering that makes these cars what they are..

AndyGF

And one more thing…

Why do you think with all the M3s would-be competitors, that none of the car publications actually worth its salt has tested just the C63 AMG, or Audi, or XFR, vs the ISF on its own. Because without the M3 being there you could hear the snoring of the reader/viewers from the moon!

How boring, well lets see, they both have chunky rumbling V8s, they both have rock hard suspension and numb steering, they would be comparing the model colours before a conclusion could be made. There are some great offerings from Holden and Ford with just as much character as an ISF or C63 for half the price…

The M3 makes the world a better place, it like the Golf GTI pioneering something that makes all the cars you drive today better (regardless of who makes it), its good of Lexus to make a competitor, but to think its anything more than a pretender is a illusion of brand loyalty over common sense.

Human Evolution over Japanese Photocopiers.
Old dog

To me this looks like a late 90s hyundai. Quick as heck, but ugly as sin.

bert

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING put your glasses on buddy WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM! The ISF is by far the best looking car in this class hands down!

The Specialist

Well said BERT!

Log

Lexus are so smooth, quiet, luxurious, refined, comfortable and reliable..

Has anyone here ever even seen a Lexus LS460?
Xero

I used to be a hardcore German car fanboy, but since I saw the interior of an 2010 IS250 my tastes have changed.. And got into Lexus

Lexus are better then the Germans in every respect..

Lexus are the essence of pure luxury..

Go to Vaucluse and you’ll see plenty of Lexus, sometimes even more then BMW & Mercedes-Benz..

AndyGF

People who use the words ‘hardcore’ and ‘fanboy’ in the same sentence should refrain from using the worlds taste and luxury…

Unless by ‘luxury’ you are talking about a bar in thailand, and by taste you are talking about the lady-boy you are eying there…

Eugo

every car guy on the planet, just once, should experience the Lexus LS’s profoundly isolated, tomb-like cockpit. It’s like driving to work in the Bodleian Library. Rest your left arm on the upper doorsill, and you’ll hear your wristwatch ticking. Mat the throttle, and, yeah, there’s a distant V-8 snarl, but the muted whoosh could just as well be emanating from the trunk.
Eugo

every car guy on the planet, just once, should experience the LS’s profoundly isolated, tomb-like interior. It’s like driving to work in the Bodleian Library. Rest your left arm on the upper doorsill, and you’ll hear your wristwatch ticking. Mat the throttle, and, yeah, there’s a distant V-8 snarl, but the muted whoosh could just as well be emanating from the trunk.

AndyGF

Unless your are the average cheapskate lexus owner, and wristwatch is a digital, in which case the ticking you are hearing is your pace-maker preventing you from De-fibbing yourself as you doze off…
Devil’s Advocate

Trunk? Trunk is what Americans call it and whilst we are drifting that way, we are still in Australia and here it is a boot… Let me guess, you also call call a bonnet a “hood”???

Cnb

Yeah I would agree, I’ve actually been inside Sydney City Lexus showroom, and the cars of Lexus are beautiful..

Nice is the only way to describe Lexus
heath

this engine has the best sound ever !!

I totally love this car, it has reach character, i just wish that they had a proper manual version, the mechanical LSD has given this car much more handling, lets hope the 2012 one will be even better and take it right up to the germans
Michael

Anyone who critises the ISF has either never driven one or even seen one or probably works for the BMW marketing division.
Res

The ISF is now the leader in the segment..

Lexus has a car priced at $750000.. LFA

What’s the most expensive BMW? Lol

Bangel

RES the most expensive toyota is a lexus LFA the most expensive BMW is a ROLLS ROYCE , over $1mill au , smoke it .

Meanstreak

Lexus makes one car worth 750,000. How much for the next model in the Lexus Stable?

Res

The LS600HL which is $260,000
AndyGF

I would not say the Lexus LFA is ‘WORTH’ 750,000?

It takes a special kind of stupid to think that’s worth that money, maybe people like Paris Hilton do?

Dan

Exclusiveness has a price. Jealous much?
Devil’s Advocate

AndyGF, did you know that Lexus supposedly sell the LFA at a loss? (just like Bugatti did with the Veyron) So technically it is “worth” more than $750k. Having said that, I still wouldn’t pay that much for one if I had the $$$$. I would rather save some money and get a 458 Itallia!

AndyGF

Ive heard that too, but its not because it cost more than that to build… it was because it cost “THAT” much to develop…

So the question is; ‘is it worth it?’ To Toyota Yes, the the 500 people who brought one? Questionable? You paid for expensive development which is unlike anything else Toyota manufactures, so they had THAT much catching up to do? Whereas the VW, all the big VWs/Audi/Bentleys (W12) use variations of the veyron engines with 4 cylinders chopped off…

How many Toyotas/Lexuses use anything even remotely like that V8, revving to 9000 and all, downsized or not?

Devil’s Advocate

I thought the LFA was a V10…..
AndyGF

I must have nodded off before I caught that, in all the hundreds of articles published…

Interestingly, that just proves even more my point… You just paid for development of once off car, with nothing gained for the average Toyota/Lexus customer, hell only 500 of them got something to show for it?

Meanstreak

And based on a recent comparison Lexus doesn’t seem as smooth given it’s 300 grand more than the SLS.

In the end, reviewer Georg Kacher takes the SLS over the LFA, mostly due to the stiffer suspension and some transmission jerkiness in the LFA, something he’s complained about before.
Meanstreak

So most 7 series cost more!
Ko

7 series and S-class are made in Egypt, Mexico and Thailand..

For a car of that price they should be made in their native country..

The Lexus LS is made in the most sophisticated automotive production facility in the world which is the Tahara Plant in Japan.
Meanstreak

Um no. The 7 series for the US is built in Mexico. Europe, South Africa and Australia get the 7 series built out of Dingolfing Germany.

The S Class for Europe, SA and Australia is built out of either Berlin or Frankfurt in Germany. The US version is out of Mexico.
Meanstreak

Okay worth is over the top, besides the 458 or GT2 would have it and cost between 190,000 and 225,000 less, have more power and Torque, true heritage and marginally quicker around a track.
Phil

Good to see Lexus listening and addressing criticism of the earlier versions. I’d still take a M3 because of the heritage but the IS-F is great value.