2009 Lexus IS-F Review

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By Paul Maric | December 10th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS-F Review & Road Test

The first Lexus in which accountants had no involvement!

Model Tested:

2009 Lexus IS-F eight-speed automatic – $129,000; $126,500 as tested.

Options:

Moonroof deleted -$2500

Amazing noise; styling; acceleration; fuel consumption; features
Overly firm ride; no manual option

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Paul Maric

So I drew the short straw, I had to road test the new Lexus IS-F.

Another car built by the accountants was my initial thought. Despite having a horde of powerful V8s in their arsenal, Lexus has always been conservative; opting for the smallest amount of engine noise, coupled with good fuel economy and smoothness.

They say first impressions last and I must say, the first impression I had of the Lexus IS-F was a good one. The engine note when turning over the 5.0-litre V8 from cold is enough to have any autophile fostering some serious arousal. It’s a deep, throbbing V8 note, which is totally uncharacteristic of any Lexus known to man.

The entire concept behind the IS-F started in 2002 with Yukihiko Yaguchi, chief engineer of the IS-F project. He began to visualise a Lexus unlike any other, a Lexus that would challenge the best on offer from the Germans. He received approval for the project in 2004, but worked informally with a small group of colleagues, essentially in their spare time, to bring the dream to fruition.

With the project gathering momentum, the IS-F became a real life object, not just a vision.

From the outside, it’s not easy to mistake the IS-F for a regular IS250.

A bonnet shaped like a Beluga Whale houses the 2UR-GSE engine unique to the IS-F while two air dams in the front splitter lead to the cross-drilled front brake rotors.

Gills on the side skirts, along with a unique body kit continue the IS-F’s design standards. Lightweight, 19-inch alloy wheels complete the side profile, while a subtle boot-lid spoiler and quad, dual-stack exhaust pipes define the rear end.

The aerodynamics of the IS-F allow its speed to peak at 270km/h – an impressive feat for a brand built on conservatism. A drag co-efficiency of .30Cd brings the IS-F into the 21st century. Six colours are available across the IS-F range, including Onyx (Black); Vermillion (Red); Platinum Silver; Graphite; Pearl White and Flame Blue (fitted to our test vehicle and also unique to the IS-F).

A unique IS-F key simply needs to be kept on the body to unlock and operate the car. Grip the driver’s door handle and the doors unlock. Our test vehicle was fitted with the white/beige leather-clad interior, which looked very impressive against the black tones surrounding the cabin.

The driving position is superb. The low-slung driver’s seat features plenty of side and bottom bolster to keep things in check during hard cornering. A modified steering wheel is also unique to the IS-F. A chunky girth at a quarter to three gives the driver the perfect opportunity to wrestle the IS-F.

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Mark Levinson has trademarked the 14-speaker sound system – and it’s a killer unit. It pumps out plenty of bass and offers very crisp treble for higher frequencies.

Rear headroom seems to have improved from my last experience in an IS. This is probably due to the rear seats being slung lower to improve the centre of gravity. Rear legroom remains a bit tight though. It’s strictly a two seat affair along the second row of seats with the centre being reserved for a large chunk of plastic, which would have worked well as a cubby hole.

Let’s forget about the legroom and headroom for a moment and concentrate on how this thing drives.

The first thing to mention is the gearbox. Forget about a manual, there’s only an eight-speed automatic available, but, don’t worry, it’s nothing like any other Lexus gearbox. This eight-speed unit shifts up through gears in 100-milliseconds and goes back down through gears in around 300-milliseconds.

Around town while the gearbox is in ‘D’ mode, shifts are subtle and mellow, mimicking a run of the mill IS250. It’s only when you shift into the manual mode (which is controlled either via steering wheel paddle shifters or an up/down motion on the gear lever) that things start to become manic.

The engine note sounds brilliant both inside and outside the cabin. Below 3850rpm there is a muted V8 burble that hints of things to come. Nail the right pedal and almost instantly as the revs pass 3850rpm, all hell breaks loose. A supercar-like thumping noise fills the cabin and anyone within cooee shakes at the knees.

The torque this engine produces is just astounding, it pulls hard all the way from 3000rpm and reaches the 6800rpm rev limiter before you even get a chance to consider another gear. Give the + lever a quick pull and a near-instant gearshift brings on the next gear, keeping the revs above 4000rpm, maintaining that ear glazing Godly engine note.

Suffice to say, this thing hauls arse in pretty much any gear. The gearshifts in manual mode are pure bliss. Downshifts are accompanied with blips, while up-shifts feel just as quick as dual-clutch gearboxes. By 60km/h the car is already in seventh gear, reaching eighth gear soon after.

Lightweight 19-inch BBS alloy wheels are clad with Bridgestone Potenza treads, 225/40R19 at the front and 255/35R19 at the rear. It often scrabbles for grip under full-throttle acceleration if the road surface is even remotely damp. High rev shifts from first gear to second gear chirp the rears, an impressive effect, but one that is cumbersome when up-shifting while turning.

Although the engine and power delivery are superb, the ride and handling are almost completely the direct opposite.

The suspension is so firm that it won’t be long before you start clocking frequent flyer points at your dentist and chiropractor. If you enter a corner at speed, heaven forbid hitting a series of bumps. The firmness of the suspension causing the car to leap across the road, it becomes an absolute handful if you’re not on your best behaviour.

So, it was interesting to see how the IS-F would fare along out two-part test circuit. The first section contains B-grade roads with large sweeping bends, along with uphill and downhill stretches.

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Throughout the first section of the test circuit, it wasn’t possible to drive the IS-F like you would drive an M3 or RS4. The quality of the road means that entering any corner at speed makes the car somewhat uncontrollable. It literally leaps over to the wrong side of the road due to the rock solid suspension.

Powering out of corners on uphill stretches causes the back end to bounce around, limiting the amount of traction available with the road.

The second stretch of road contains smooth road and tighter bends, designed to test the car’s cornering ability. Thankfully, the IS-F really shone through this section.

The tightness of the chassis and suspension means no body roll – literally none! This, coupled with a smooth surface really means that the car can perform at its best and it well and truly did.

Snapping back through the gears, with blips on each downshift, prepares the car for the turn-in to the corner. The steering offers superb feedback through the wheel, while the turning ratio means only slight turns of the wheel are required to get through a corner.

Once in the corner, putting the power down is effortless. The idea is to keep the engine above 4000rpm where it sings like nothing else, although the rear treads are just 255mm wide, they manage to keep the 311kW of power and 505Nm of torque in check on smooth surfaces.

Sudden changes in direction don’t unsettle car, likewise with hard braking. A set of cross-drilled six-piston 360mm Brembo brakes up front and twin-piston 345mm cross-drilled brakes at the rear pull the 1700kg Lexus up in tremendous fashion.

Despite a torturous downhill stretch, the brakes survived, biting with great urge and accuracy each time. The only downside is that the brakes are very ‘grabby’ when driving around town. It’s just something that takes a bit of time to get used to.

The new Lexus IS-F is worth $129,000 and comes with no options (aside from deleting the sunroof). With that in mind, it out does the German opposition in terms of standard features.

Standout features include: Radar cruise control; 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system; DVD player; keyless start; heated front seats; directional bi-xenon headlights; satellite navigation and pre-crash sensing system.

Standard safety features include: electronic stability control; traction control with ABS and EBD; pre-collision bracing system; engine immobiliser; eight airbags, including driver and front passenger knee airbags, dual-stage front airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags and full length side curtain-shield airbags.

The 2UR-GSE uses direct injection and dual intelligent variable valve timing with electric timing actuation on the inlet camshafts and a purpose-designed dual intake system. Official fuel consumption sits at 11.4-litres/100km. After our 10-day stretch in the car, it was returned sitting on 12.2-litres/100km, which included plenty of 4000+rpm driving, very impressive fuel efficiency for such a vehicle.

Lexus claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.7-seconds. Now, consider this. That figure is easily achievable with a full throttle standing start from idle revs. BMW on the other hand claims a time of 4.7-seconds for the M3 with the dual-clutch Drivelogic transmission, which uses a launch control program.

If Lexus were to implement a launch control system of the IS-F, I am absolutely confident it would hit the 0-100km/h sprint in under 4.5-seconds. The engine feels far more torquey across the entire rev band compared to the M3 and RS4. These two Germans require revs before they start dancing, but, they both rev beyond 8000rpm, a tremendous feat for a V8.

What’s the verdict then?

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This effort from Lexus is superb. It transforms the already sporty IS from a sedate executive tourer, into a ball-tearing brutal V8 sports sedan. The engine note is totally uncharacteristic of a Lexus, as is the way this thing drives.

The only point that lets the entire thing down is the suspension. It would become painfully annoying to live with day in and day out. It also makes driving hard on low-quality roads difficult at the best of times.

In a straight line, it has the goods over its competitors, but in my opinion, the M3 and RS 4 outgun the IS-F through the corners.

With styling to turn most heads, it’s hard to refute the IS-F as an up and coming contender against the Germans. I believe it needs a bit of refinement, but certainly wouldn’t displease any purchasers.

I’d like to see Lexus work on the suspension a bit more and add some extra width to the rear treads. Once these two things are sorted, it would seriously have the ability to dethrone the M3 as performance king.

It’s not often I say this, but I love this car – despite the rock-hard suspension, it’s a wicked drive and it’s impossible to ever get sick of that engine note.

Well done Lexus, the accountants were left as far away from this car as humanly possible, and boy was it worth it!

Click to check out the the video of the IS-F doing a 0-100km/h run

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

Engine: 4969cc V8
Power: 311kW @ 6600rpm
Torque: 505Nm @5200rpm
Induction:Naturally aspirated
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Differential/Driven Wheels: Limited slip differential, rear wheel drive
Brakes: six-piston 350mm Brembo (front) / two-piston 345mm Brembo (rear)
Top Speed: 270km/h
0-100km/h: 4.7-seconds
0-400m: N/A
CO2 Emissions: 270g/km
Fuel Consumption: 11.4-litres/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 64-litres
Fuel Type: 95RON petrol
ANCAP Rating: five star EuroNCAP
Airbags: Eight airbags
Safety: ABS brakes with TC, EBD and BA; Electronic Stability Control; pre-collision preparation
Spare Wheel: Space saver
Tow Capacity: N/A
Turning Circle: 10.2m
Warranty: 4-years/100,000km
Weight: 1700kg
Wheels: 19 x 8J forged aluminium (front) 225/40R19, 19 x 9J forged aluminium (rear) 255/35R19

FRUGAL_ONE

*****PRIMO!*****

Nice test on a nice car, pity its only a tiny bit less expensive than the vastly better C63

Cheers,

F-0
Benjie

Nice pix.

The new ISF looks hot as!
Myke

Why would you need eight gears? Obviously Lexus trying to out-do every other car company that uses six or seven gears.
Bret

Benjie
Agree, sort of. Nice pics, of a really odd looking droopy styled car.
4.5 for looks – who are they kidding? I know looks are subjective but for mine this is realisically 2.3 – 3 in the looks department.

Nicely engineered car, with some pretty impressive specs, let down by terrible styling.
Crouchy

I think Lexus tried too hard to make this thing an animal and as such the ride has suffered. Good on them though for going full tilt.

The thing to remember here is that this is their first crack, cant wait for the next “F” series.

Just quietly it would me a nice assurance having toyota reliability somewhere in there….
Bret

Crouchy, are you refering to the myth or the reality of Toyota reliability.
I would hope that a car this expensive had better reliability than the real world dodgey Toyota reliability.
Andrew

I lost interest in this car when I found out 2 of the exhausts are fakes. Cars with unnecessary spoilers are bad enough, but fake exhausts, that just smacks of desperation, Lexus trying to be taken seriously. I’m sure technically its very impressive, but styling-wise, I’d have to say no. If I was going to pony up the dollars for a car like this, I’d rather get the 4dr M3 or the C63, beats the IS-F in styling, and from reviews on the track as well.
Big_End_Bearing

Its one thing to “love” this car, but its another to take ownership and have to put up with the apparent rock hard suspension setup.

My choice out of these bunch of performance sedans, would be the C63 AMG. Who cares about on track performance when 99% of the buyers would never venture near one. The Lexus has a bone jaring ride, M3 sedan lacks torque for majority of day to day driving and RS4 is getting dated and driven by cocks (according to topgear!).

The sound of the C63 alone would be enough to entice buyers, it is god like.
Crouchy

Bret – I dont think toyota reliability is a myth. I dont drive one and i hope i never will but from all accounts they are a very reliable car.

Andrew – Agree with you on the exhaust tips. Just the look disgusts me and now you tell me they are there for show? God, they should thrown a massive T-wing, flames and chequerplate floor mats in for kicks.
peter bogdanoff

Yep i agree it does not have the right look and will spit you off the road mid bumpy corner ….. no thanx !!!
Bret

Crouchy,
First hand experience is a tough but honest way to learn.
Toyotas used to be quite good, in fact better than many others, but it’s been all down hill for quite some years now.

Let me confirm for you:

Toyota reliability is a MYTH.

They are generally no better than any others and now trail many more than they used to. Forget targeted “surveys”, reality is quite different.
Bavarian Missile ( . ) ( . )

Ahhhhhhhhhh been waiting for this all week. * She reaches down to pull on the steel caps* hahaha

Ok Mr Maric says! “Lexus claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.7-seconds. Now, consider this. That figure is easily achievable with a full throttle standing start from idle revs. BMW on the other hand claims a time of 4.7-seconds for the M3 with the dual-clutch Drivelogic transmission, which uses a launch control program.

If Lexus were to implement a launch control system of the IS-F, I am absolutely confident it would hit the 0-100km/h sprint in under 4.5-seconds. The engine feels far more torquey across the entire rev band compared to the M3 and RS4. These two Germans require revs before they start dancing, but, they both rev beyond 8000rpm, a tremendous feat for a V8.”" end quote .

Well I just watched the you tube down load of Top Gear doing a test and guess what,seems the launch control was off{going by the marks the BMW left launching} and yes the Lexus gobbled the M3 up off the line because of tyre spin I would think but the M3 came back to pass it.

Take a look for yourself,the rest is once again the same verdict the M3 comes out on top!

I cant give you the web site cause my post will be moderated,so go to you tube and type in this! Top Gear BMW M3 vs. Lexus IS-F

As Jeremy says it seems the IS-F is a comparison to the M3…….”"but it isn’t “”!

Great brakes on the Lexus ………..Italian aren’t they?

Once upon a time they said you had to be c o c k to drive an M3,now they say your a C o c k if you don’t!

* Removes boots * Its lunch time!
pious

pretty ordinary looking. The standard ones used to look good, now they look like a mazda 6. This looks like its been attacked by a need for speed addict (I’d know – I am one). A lot of money for a rough ride with no real class, even if it is fast. Fast wears thin (you only have so many points) if your ass hurts evey time you hit a bump. I mean, how many times do you need to drag people off at lights before it gets tired? And in an accountants car, too? Its just lame, really. Gimme the s5 instead, at $130K. Need 4 doors? I’d spend more to get the XF (well, I did) which is slower, or even the c63 even though it is fugly. In fact, I’d grab a Falcon GT over that – at least it has some character.
Marc

BM, you’re missing something here. The M3 TG used was manual. No LC therefore. That’s why it left big black marks.

For mine, it’s M3 all the way.
Paul Maric

Bavarian Missile:

It seems to be a recurring them; people quoting Top Gear.

It’s not the be all, end all.

Nobody is to know who was driving the cars, how they were driving them or if they knew how to drive them.

I found that the best way to launch the Lexus was with all driver aids off. This can’t be done via the traction control button, it’s done using a set of steps which aren’t made public by Toyota or Lexus.

I can assure you this car feels much quicker – in a straight line at least – compared to the M3. The M3 doesn’t have the torque down low in the rev band, whereas this has it all over the place.

I’m not suggesting this is overall a better car than the M3, I’m just suggesting that you shouldn’t believe everything you read or watch.

Top Gear is good as a comedy and information source, but don’t be fooled into thinking their opinion means everything. You’re best off driving the cars yourself and forming an opinion after that.

At the end of the day though, I personally believe the M3 looks better and most certainly handles better. But, I’d have the C63 AMG or the RS 4 over it, if I had to own one.
Wheelnut

So inorder to set up the car and release the full potential of the Lexus V8 you have to go through a number of secret steps similar to that which you must do to release the [supposed] 200 killer wasps of the Aurion.. or the comlex i-drive sysrem of an M6 which has a series of menus and options.

Yet by the time you’ve got the car set up just right; the M3 C63 RS4 even the W427 would be across the finish line…. so what’s the point? – most car enthusiasts would rather a performance care where you just get in turn the key and go.

Which is why on that fact alone I [and I expect a number of others on this site] would opt for the M3.
CB

In that price range S5 or M3 sedan for me. However…

Crouchy Says:
December 10th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
“The thing to remember here is that this is their first crack, cant wait for the next “F” series.”

Agreed, the next effort from Lexus could be very, very good.

Bret Says:
December 10th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
“Crouchy, are you refering to the myth or the reality of Toyota reliability.
I would hope that a car this expensive had better reliability than the real world dodgey Toyota reliability.”

The IS-F is untested reliability wise, however if you think Lexus reliability and quality is a myth, you obviously know extremely little about cars.
http://deleted Alex

I would much prefer a C63 or an M3. I just can’t get over those exhaust pipes. Would it have really been that hard to connect them Lexus? It also puts me off because I either see men in there 30s or 40s driving them thinking they look cool (and they really, really don’t) or men in their 70s driving them thinking only about the fact that it will be reliable for the next ten years and how cool it will be to his grandchildren.
Dan

Wheelnut, the ‘secret steps’ can be done at the very beginning when you turn the car on, and that only takes about 5 seconds to do anyway. Google it or search on youtube, it’s quite a simple procedure. I don’t see it as a big problem.

Gotta laugh at the people who call Lexus reliability a myth, they obviously do not know what they are talking about. I’ve owned various Lexuses for years, and never had any issues with them, unlike my friends with their beemers and mercs. Lexus customer service is also the best in my opinion. And I’m only talking from my own personal experience…
CB

Wheelnut Says:
December 10th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
“So inorder to set up the car and release the full potential of the Lexus V8 you have to go through a number of secret steps similar to that which you must do to release the [supposed] 200 killer wasps of the Aurion.. or the comlex i-drive sysrem of an M6 which has a series of menus and options.”

Stop clutching at straws mate – your dislike for Toyota is well established on this site.

“Yet by the time you’ve got the car set up just right; the M3 C63 RS4 even the W427 would be across the finish line…. so what’s the point? – most car enthusiasts would rather a performance care where you just get in turn the key and go.”

Please don’t mention the W427 in the same breath as M3, C63 or RS4 – it’s embarassing.

And don’t generalise about “enthusiasts” – my boss owns an M5 and the sheer adjustability of the vehicle settings is something he prefers. And his colleagues, one of whom owns an RS4, loves tinkering about too.

“Which is why on that fact alone I [and I expect a number of others on this site] would opt for the M3.”

I would actually prefer the M3 because it has the best chassis of any car in that price range.
Bavarian Missile ( . ) ( . )

Paul I understand Top Gears just like yours and other jernos reviews, its just an opinion,I don’t take it as gospel but I do take it on board! Shouldnt I ?

So your recommended to go thru some steps to be able to launch it? Me I like to be able to get into a car not play around with all those nanny controls and drive! Seems cars are getting more difficult not easier to drive,BMWs included ! How hard for the average punter is it going to be to launch it?

You say it feels quicker but yet it isn’t ? Or is it ??

In regard to the IS-F having more torque well it is a larger engine is it not,the M3 uses its rev range and power differently than the IS-F yet the results at the end of the track in a drag race in Top Gear show the M3 out in front! Then you maybe a better driver than Jeremy was when he was driving the IS-F !

So your telling us all on a car review that we all shouldn’t believe what read or see,ok does that include your review,I guess so!

I agree if you really want to form your own opinion you have to drive them all ,but what is the point in reading and seeing reviews if we don’t learn something from the reviewer ,from what I have seen & read on this M3 chaser its yet to beat it! I mean us pleb drivers are just that, what would we really know about comparing a true drivers car,you guys I thought were the professional opinionators and there to make our work easier when buying,its not like we can all go for a test drive like you, is it!

Therefor we have to trust in what the more reputable jernos are telling us!

So you wouldn’t have the M3, wow that didn’t come to me as a surprise as I know your as much of a Audi lover as I am for BMs,each to their own based on what they have owned or driven in the past I guess!

Tom summed it up the best on Facebook the other day when we were all doing the comparison then,he would have the IS-F cause hes a Jap lover and wants to rice it up but wouldn’t knock back the M3 either! Too true ,Tom too true!

Good review otherwise Paul !
Wheelnut

The IS-F is Lexii first attempt at a premium performance sports car which will most likey be compared to the iconic M3. [and other similar cars from Europe]

Although to me there appears to be a number of similarities between it and the Supercharged TRD Aurion. I mean before the Toyota TRD was released Toyota were spruiking that it will completely enihilate the competition as its full of more technology and has more features etc.

However; that is yet to be proven. Since then Toyota have changed tact somewhat and said that the TRD Aurion isn’t a direct rival to the HSV and FPVs.

But TRD is Toyotas Perfomance Division is it not? they make enhancements to standard factory cars in the same way HSV an FPV do – don’t they? Therefore; Toyota should have expected that some people would/do consider TRD to be a rival to HSV and FPV

And in the lead up to release of the IS-F Lexus have made similar claims; that it will enihilate the competition and become the new benchmark in premium luxury sports cars.

Yet I have read a number of head to head tests/comparisons [both cars tested on the same track either at the same time or one after theother on the same day] with the M3 and the M3 comes out on top

Therefore I think its only a matter of time before Lexus make a similar statement to what TRD did; that is that “we never intended the IS-F to be compared to the M3 or AMG cars”
Camski

Paul – “I found that the best way to launch the Lexus was with all driver aids off. This can’t be done via the traction control button, it’s done using a set of steps which aren’t made public by Toyota or Lexus.”

Firstly I just wanted to ask if CA was given the “IS-F” name officially or whether there could possibly be an editing error?
As far as I know, as of one of the press releases when Lexus announced the car, the hyphen was removed from it’s name to “IS F”

That’s funny, I thought the button actually defeated the TC? All the IS’s 07 onwards came with that button and as far as i know (on mine per say) it does kill the TC. The other way isn’t made public, but is still very easy to find =)

I find the whole ride thing a bit funny actually because the C63 is definately firmer than the IS F, no questions asked. Both were driven on the same roads where smooth surfaces are and aren’t around. For example, driving over a speed hump with tiles over it’s surface, you can feel the C63′s tires roll over the small bumps between the tiles (that’s not necessarily to say it’s a bad thing) whereas the IS F didn’t have that feel at all.

All in all though, for the price especially, the IS F is an impressive machine with some unique features like the second intake that opens up which makes the engine sound like it just fired up an extra 6 cylinders.

-Camski (with a C63 on order funnily enough, but it was ordered before the IS F was driven, otherwise the IS F would be very very tempting, especially given that owning multiple Lexus at the moment, the dealer was very inclined to make a sale, which mean a good trade in and jumping the queue of IS F orders)
Camski

btw, I hope no one comments on that video and calls the car “slow” because the shift time in “D” are actually slowed down for smoother shifts. So basically, it’s slowed down which may be 3 or more times slower than it would be in “S” where you get the 0.1 second shift time.
Wheelnut

It may appear that I have a particular dislike for Toyotas. However; I am acting in pretty much the same way as others do on this site who have nothing positive to say about Fords/FPVs or Holden/HSV’s.. even though they have never actually owned or would own a Falcon or Commoodre.

As soon as they say something positive about Ford or Holden [without being sarcastic] then I will say something Positive about the Toyota/Lexus.

Thing is even though I am a Holden fan I am willing and able to accept that ther are some sectors of the market where their product isn’t as good as Ford or een Toyota.

I mean there is nothing in the Holden line up to compare to the Landcruiser although there is no real point as the Landcrusier is well established and is the best vehicle for doing what its meant to do – that is go off road

I honestly believe that the best Locally built 6cyl sedan/ut eon the market is the Falcon and the best V8 is the Holden but there is no way I would say the current Barina is the best small car on the market

Yet some Toyo-philes who think that everything that wears a Toyota/lexus badge is by far and away superior to anything else on the market.. despite test results and other evidence which proves otherwise.

What I’m saying is there are areas where Holden can/should improve yet there are also areas where Toyota could also improve…. that is all
Paul Maric

Wheelnut:

It takes just as long to disable the driver aids in the Lexus as it does in the M3, RS 4 and C63. It’s just the method isn’t openly publicised by Lexus/Toyota.

Bavarian Missile:

I’m not going to comment on Jeremy Clarkson’s driving ability. Going by the manufacturer’s claims, along with my personal experience in both cars, the Lexus is in fact quicker – in a straight line.

But, at the end of the day, it’s pointless being fast in a straight line, it’s the corners that count.
Paul Maric

Camski:

The button disables traction control, but leaves the stability control active, it also re-activates automatically at around 60km/h if memory serves.

So if the tyres are rotating freely with the wheel pointing in the direction of the car body, it won’t intervene. But, the second the wheel tilts to suggest the body is facing a different direction to the wheels, it cuts back in.

Unless you go through the whole process to totally disable the driver aids, they still remain active.

The downside to totally disabling the driver aids is that they can’t be switched back on unless you turn the car off and then on again.
Bavarian Missile ( . ) ( . )

Yep Paul I know the Lexus is fast in a straight line noisier too isnt it? Tell me ,sometimes do you find when test driving a car you have the perception your going harder than you are ? I know the lower a car is to the ground the less faster you feel your going,so looking up at the speedo can surprise you sometimes.Mind you seeing you driving around a track or on a strip with muffs on to test this theory against the quieter M3 may look a little silly……hahaha Would be an interesting look though!

Im not questioning your opinion of you thinking the Lexus was a little faster in a straight line ,it should be as the C63 is too. I guess overall as a package and a drivers car I will always pick the M3 it has and always has been ahead in the class it created especially with its chassis !

Strangely enough Wheelnut has just come home with the latest Motor and the PCOTY for 2008,the M3 & C63 are both in it and come an equal 5 out of the 20 contenders{no there wasnt a Lexus in it,too late for it to be included I imagine} But hey as you say dont believe everything you read or see………hehehe ok no more digs,sorry
max

Nice review Paul, must have been fun

I think the upgrade model on this will be a keeper.

Wheelnut you are no different to that TP guy, people get sick of reading your comments is all.
Tom

When motor tested this thing they got 0-100 in 6 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.1

thats laughable.
Bret

CB & Dan,
Nobody has questioned Lexus quality or reliability.

The myth is the reliability of TOYOTA branded products sold in Aus.
Spitfire

311Kw and 505Nm with a space saver spare. Good one Lexus, not.
Spitfire

311 Kw and 505Nm and a space saver spare. Good one Lexus, not.
Reckless1

I’d rather the Touareg R50 than this.

Far more torque and only 6 speed, not the ridiculous 8 speeds.

Doesn’t fall off bumpy corners, either, and you get several ride modes.
Ginz

Eh, driven Toyotas for years, never had a problem. Switched to a BF Falcon and the thing kept dying on me. Switched back to Toyota, never looked back.

You got to hand it to the Japanese – they do get the quality stuff right.
Phill

One of these may be in the 12hr,we’ll see how it goes,would have to be a better bet than a TRD Aurion(dont put one of our Aurions in the 12 it might blow up),but i doubt it will do its claimed performance figures?
zahmad

Fix up the exhaust, the suspension, more rubber and an even greater/aggressive bodykit,then match the c63 in price…should do the trick!
Biggles

God there’s a lot of arguments in these comments! CA, what’s the deal with the two grey Lexuses (Lexii?) in the article? Are they prototypes or something?
Camski

Paul – I’d say you hit the nail on the head there. There still seems to be confusion as to what is or isn’t disabled and whether it really is completely disabled or not. Guess the only way to be sure is to do the “pedal dance” =P

Spitfire – “311Kw and 505Nm with a space saver spare. Good one Lexus, not.”
I’d take normal tires with a space saver over run flats in a performance vehicle any day. Think 335i, R35 GT-R, the damn things are so hard that you never make contact with the sidewalls when cornering which means that when it’s about to slide, it’ll slide, no warning. Plus, the ride on those things are bloody hard. One would almost opt for the 16″ wheels and regular tires on a BMW 5 Series to get the ride that the 5 Series deserves.

Zahmad – I dunno about more rubber to be honest (on Australian roads). Driving the Maserati GranTurismo through the Royal National Park and down to Kiama tells me that wide rubber isnt what we want on Australian roads. Fat rubber tracks, bad. Every little line in the road pulls the car to one side then the next, you get thrown around a bit at really high speeds and you’ve gotta be careful not to over correct the move as well.

As for price =P the IS-F is $15,365 CHEAPER than the C63! (RRP AU$129,000 [IS F] v’s RRP AU$144,365 [C63]) That’s a small car right there. I dunno about you but hell, for $129,000, the closest thing to the IS F is a loaded 335i and I know which one I’d go for.
realcars

Stick to building Camrys Toyota!LOL.

Japs just can’t master the ride/handling thing for some reason.LOL.
Wheelnut

Camski – there is another alternative to the IS-F and that is the $70k BMW 135i which is powered the international award winning inline 6 cyl form the previous model M3 with twin turbos bolted onto it…. its virtually a Baby M3

I realise the 135i is some $50k cheaper than the ISF – but that’s before you start adding the “options:.. so you could end up with a more individual car with similar performance to the Lexus
Rob

I consider Toyota very reliable but never class leading in anything. Some of my family members own Toyotas new and old and have had far less problems than non-Japanese makes.
FORD = KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

Toyo-Lexus are crap, the handling, looks and interior is below par, Ford build better car’s..

Cheers !!!!!!
Camski

Wheelnut – Yeah definately, i’ve heard nothing but good about the 135i, infact for the price, it’s a steal. A better way to describe it’s credentials would be to say that they essentially ripped the engine out of the already extremely good 335i and whacked it a tiny chassis that gives BM’s own E92 (or E93 if you count the drop top?) M3 a good run for it’s money.

A pocket rocket you could call it I guess, and if I was in the market for something I could use on the weekends and didn’t require the size of a 4 door, i’d be all over this.

(then again, the VeeDub R35 would be very very tempting =P)
Cupid Stunt aka No Name

Reckless – Poor punctuation there old chum “Doesn’t fall off bumpy corners”,” either, and you get several ride modes.

That private education you may have had seems to have slipped a little. Touché my friend.

As for the Toyota oops! Lexus nice stuff but no sole yet. TGUK tracked it at the same speed round the TG circuit if I remember correctly. So it’s faster down the straight, slower if the important bits. Eight gears is too much I would imagine, too much time shifting.
Nice review all the same but mines the RS4 thanks. I prefer the build quality and, sorry BM, M3′s are all to common here.
Cupid Stunt aka No Name

sorry Reckless “too” common. (last line)
Dan

LOL @ Ford King of the Mountain. ‘Ford’ and ‘good handling’ are mutually exclusive! Why do you think they banned all Japanese vehicles out of the races with Fords and Holdens, because they outhandled and outperformed the locals, and that wasn’t good for business was it?

I think a lot of people here are missing the point, especially the BMW lovers. Lexus built a car that is some 15K cheaper than the C64, and 20K+ cheaper than the M3 (even more depending on options fitted too), yet it very much matches them in terms of performance. For arguments sake, let’s just say it doesn’t beat the M3 in its current state, however for the price difference you have to give them the thumbs up for excellent effort. Imagine how much better the IS-F can be than the competition if extra 20K of improvements can be added to the vehicle. I can only imagine tears coming from the Euro competition if Lexus did do that, as more than likely it would beat the competition by a fair margin. Can’t wait for IS-F version 2! How about the current vehicle can have 20K worth of mods added to it by an owner, to bring it to the same price as an M3, you can bet the IS-F will totally destroy the competition. I think Lexus is still playing the value for money card in that respect…
Wheelnut

Paul Maric Says -
Unless you go through the whole process to totally disable the driver aids, they still remain active.

The downside to totally disabling the driver aids is that they can’t be switched back on unless you turn the car off and then on again.

Does that mean that its a matter of ALL or NOTHING.. all of the drivers aids are off or they are all left on – you can’t select which ones you want on or off and if you don’t complete the secret process they are all left on?

To turn off the driver aids in most other performance cars on the market all you do is push a button on the dash or on the console… and if you want them back on you just push the button again whilst the car is still running – how simple/user friendly is that?

So having to turn off the car inorder to adjust/change the set up is yet another Negative for the Lexus….Sorry

Pity really because from what I read about it in the lead up to its release It had the makings of an excellent car but by making it a “no compromise” sports car -with such rigid suspension for example will limit its appeal
Dan

You’re clutching at straws there Wheelnut, really. There’s tons of other decent cars which can’t fully switch off their drivers aids, even with their buttons pushed. IS-F has a user friendly button also, and it does same thing as on many other cars… you just seem to be picking on any minor detail and make a mountain out of a molehill… you hate the IS-F, we get it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion though. However your opinion would be of more value if you actually got to drive the car and talk from experience. There are too many armchair experts out there on the internet nowadays…
Wheelnut

The Nissans weren’t banned or thrown out of the competition – the fact is it was becoming too expensive for teams to operate so they had to look for a more viable alternative.

Even Fred Gibson; manager of the Winfield Racing Team was finding it hard to keep the cars and the team going.. in fact he said in an interview that even if the changes weren’t made to the sport he doubts that he would have continued racingthe GT-Rs from 93 onwards.. He went on to say that he agrees changes had to be made and the increasing popularity of V8 Supercars proves CAMS made the right decision

So If he can accept it why can’t you ricer fans accept it

Yes attendance numbres were falling; and part of the reason could be attributed to the GT-Rs dominance.. However; I was a Flaggie duirng the GT-R era and I didn’t see too many Nissan fans trackside – So where were you?

[anti-spam word R34GTR]
Dan

I can feel this is going to go off-topic…

Wheelnut… that’s just rubbish! Nissan was absolutely kicking the V8′s butts. They would continue to do so if the governing body did not change the rules of the races to vehicles with V8s only, effectively banning the GTR from the competition. I’ve no idea where you got your “it was too expensive to operate” from. It sounds even more ridiculous, since they were actually winning the races too. Whatever. Whether the public liked the GTR racing in the event or not makes no difference, my prior comment stands, that they were heaps better cars than the V8s. Period! You can’t argue with that.

You’re calling the GTR a ricer? I don’t think so mate!!
Wheelnut

Dan Says – However your opinion would be of more value if you actually got to drive the car and talk from experience. There are too many armchair experts out there on the internet nowadays…

same could be said about the Toyo-philes who come on here and repeatedly bag either Fords or Holdens as being “inferior heap[s of s–t etc..” based purely on what they have read or “think”..

Yes I am a holden fan however I realise and am willing to admit that there are some areas where the Holden product isn’t as good as that from Ford or Toyota.. but I am yet to see a Toyo-phile admit that a Ford or Holden is better than a Toyota.

If you read the last art of my coment I said that teh Lexus had the makings of being a really good performance car.. if they made a few minor changes to the suspension and maybe offered a DSG I could be tempted.

Each to their own I guess
Wheelnut

The changes banned the Turbo Sierras too Dan and they were performing just as well as the GT-Rs.. yet you don’t hear the Ford fans complaining about being thrown out

Infact towards the end of the 92 Bathurst Dick Johnson was gradually catching the GT-R.. [he passed the GT-R just before it hit the wall]

Believe it or not I think it would be good to see Toyota enter the V8s – they could possibly use the IS-Fs 5.0 Litre V8.. provided they are willing to accept AVESCOs criteria etc; as they did with F1
Dan

Fair enough. I am a Toyo/Lexus convert, but I used to be a die hard Ford fan for over 10 years, until I got tired of constant engine leaks (even my brand new Fords) ruining my garage floor, rattling interior, and generally poor quality of build. Up to that point I was under the impression these flaws were normal for all cars, till I saw the light.

I can fully understand why they were banned, what were essentially foreign made cars. Having just the aussie made cars competing made better economic sense from domestic economy point of view. Win on sunday, sell on monday

Anyway, enough of off-topic
Wheelnut

Dan says December 11th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I can feel this is going to go off-topic

Dan you were the one who took this rhread off topic by saying

LOL @ Ford King of the Mountain. ‘Ford’ and ‘good handling’ are mutually exclusive! Why do you think they banned all Japanese vehicles out of the races with Fords and Holdens, because they outhandled and outperformed the locals,

The GT-Rs are an awesome car there is no disputing that however; it was becoming more expensive to operate the Teams.. because as I said there were fewer fans trackside -even less Nissan GT-R.. which meant less Winfield Racing merchandise being sold which is where teams get a substanital amount of their funding from.. So it was getting harder for Freddie to buy new wheels after each race etc

Given that the GT-Rs were winning I would have thought Nissan fans would have been more supportive don’t you?
zahmad

I’m completely with Dan on that 20k worth of upgrades….someone willing to buy an IS-F and show us how ?
http://australiancaradvice McKay

WELL DONE LEXUS, love that car.

Good report Paul, enjoyed reading the article.
Golfschwein

Is there a reason that Lexus are keen for this to be compared to germany’s top-flight sedans?

If their aim is to be as good as M3 and C63, you know what I’d do? I’d buy the best, if I was buying something like this. This doesn’t appear to be it.
Wheelnut

Even though the IS-F is an impressive performance car – given that it’s essentially Lexii first attempt at such a car.. their first attempt at building a car with passion and excitement

However I’m not exactly sure what Lexus were trying to achieve with this car. It’s stuck in the middle of the road; in no mans land in terms of both price features and performance.

I mean you can’t realistically or logically compare it to performance cars such as; a BMW 135i Audi A6 or a Mecedes Benz SLK Kompressor [which sit below it]
nor can you realistically or logically compare it to a BMW M3 Audi S5 or C63 [which sit above it]

So as there’s really nothing to compare it to – which some may see as a good thing and say its in a class of its own
However; there’s no real way of saying whether its as good as another Luxury Sports Car or not.

As I said considering its Lexii first attempt itapears to be not such a bad car However given the time money and resources they had to build a car which Lexus themselves touted as an M3 beater you’d think they could have done better.
rod b

i will let you know when i pick mine up this weekend i have waited 6 months! i have driven a lot of high performance cars over the years including m3′s and such and let me tell you the lexus isf is a weapon in every way,i have driven it twice already, they look better than any bmw 3series have more usable torque and the 8 speed auto is a treat and its a lexus! finish and equipment levels leave bmw for dead!so before any keyboard warriors get on here and say the m3 is a better car drive both (if a dealership will let you) and then make up your own mind!and buy the way it’s ride is no worse than any car i have driven with 19″+ wheels, i was surprised by how well it rode! for my money its lexus isf all the way!
http://australiancaradvice McKay

Wheelnut : you truely make no sense. I believe you are trying to discredit an impressive product from Lexus but not sure how to do it so choose to ramble away with words that barely make any sense. Infact, your whole comment made little sense.

From what i have read, Lexus have sold in excess of 6700 of these cars worldwide in the first twelve months while in Australia, 38 pre-orders were lodged before it even arrived and now sold-out til sometime in the first qtr of 2009.

I guess sales speak for themselves.

Show me a report were the IS-F hasn’t been compared against a M3, RS4 or AMG C63.

Lexus has made it bluntantly clear were this car is aimed and every review worldwide i have read have made that comparison so it subsequently troddn’s your senseless ramblings
rod b

and wheelnut go into a lexus dealership and drive the car then tell me there is no passion in the isf! if you can get your jaw off the floor that is, wait till it hit’s 2nd gear at full noise! it’s right up there with any bmw m3 and amg(even better in some ways),so go drive one then come back on here with your report!!
http://australiancaradvice McKay

Wheelnut : i issue you a challenge.

Try injecting substance into your comments instead of waffling through for once.

Who knows, you might surprise yourself and the rest of us.
http://australiancaradvice McKay

Rod : i haven’t driven this car but did have the pleasure to inspect one in Brisbane last month. You are right, it was impressive to sight and the one on the stand was black / charcoal in colour which to me really gave it a presance. I read some US and Canadian reviews last night and by-all means it appears to hold it’s own against the competition. I like this car and it is a good effort.
rod b

mckay i had to wait that long because they are going crazy in the states! australia will only get about 10 a month from march next year, i was one of the first 10 orders in queensland and had to wait for the price to be released, i would have paid more because the car is that good and at $129,000+ it’s a bargan in my eyes compared to the amg & m3!
rod b

i would like to say the caradvice road test was very good i agree with every comment except one the ride!both times when i drove the car on rough and smooth surfaces it rode very well even thuogh it’s firm (as it should be) it is no worse than anything i have driven with low profile tyres and big diamater wheels, most reports say the amg C63 is way worse! GOOD JOB CARADVICE!
http://australiancaradvice McKay

Rod : i like your buy, it is a good choice and i’m sure you will not be disappointed in the slighest. I guess you will have a few HSV and FPV boys to pin for fun .. HA, HA, HA

10 per month is not much but apparently that is the limit set from Japan after calculating average monthly sales invoices from the rest of the world.

I would love to come for a drive with you someday, it would be a blast.
Dan

I guess a lot of euro fans feel somehow threatened by Lexus (and rightly so), hence their need to criticise and put down Lexus. I’ve looked at comments on other Lexus vehicle reviews on this site, exactly same people say the same thing over and over again. Now what’s the bet they haven’t even driven one Lexus in their life? Bunch of armchair experts with no actual experience to draw their opinions on.

Everytime I buy a new car, I check out the competition with an open mind. Recently I bought a new IS250. That’s after checking out the 3 series, C class, and the A4. Not only does it beat them in value for money terms, but also I noticed a better level of build quality in the Lexus. Of course they are non-performance cars, but my point is when I have spare cash to afford cars in the IS-F price bracket, I will do exactly the same. I haven’t yet driven the IS-F, hopefully will do in the future. I have driven an M3 before though and I was impressed. From what I can derive from various reviews the IS-F very much matches it in terms of performance, bar few differences in M3s favour. Granted the M3 handles a bit better, and I suppose that’s where the IS-F needs to improve a little. However to say the IS-F has no soul or excitement is just plain ignorant and stupid! End of the day in terms of performance they are on the same level, give or take a little. In other terms like price and equipment level the IS-F is way ahead. I think $20K+ price difference would more than convince me to get the IS-F!
Benjie

Wheelnut, WTF is “Lexii”?????

With grammar like that, it’s any wonder you’re a Holden fan.

The IS-F is an awesome car. The fact that you’re attempting to compare it to an Audi A6 (WTF?) and a Mercedes Benz SLK K (again…WTF?) shows you have no clue whatsoever.

Best to leave this discussion to people who can and will afford this vehicle. Go play in the other Holden threads on the site, leave this one to the grown ups.
Wheelnut

If you had studied grammar you would know that Lexii is the Plural of Lexus. as in: One = Lexus…. Two or more = Lexii

Even British Comedian Alan partridge Knows that

Just as the plural of Hippopotamus is Hippopotamii
Benjie

Wheelnut, I did study grammar, in fact.

You’re totally wrong. Lexus is a car company and it’s ALWAYS a singular.

So several Lexus vehicles, would be Lexuses.

Even if you were right, you were using it in an incorrect context. You said, “Even though the IS-F is an impressive performance car – given that it’s essentially Lexii [sic?] first attempt at such a car.”

WTH is that meant to mean? Try replacing ‘Lexii’ with ‘Lexuses’ and it would make some form of sense.

Hippopotamus is a noun, so obviously several of them would be hippopotamii.

Here comes the clue train, next stop – YOU!
Wheelnut

A Lexus is also a car; a physical item in the same way a hippopotamus is – so my arguement as to the use of the term Lexii as the plural of Lexus still stands

The term Lexuses is used to describe something that belongs to Lexus..

As in the Jones family owns a Porsche…. the Porsche belongs to the Joneses

As for the Ford Focus the plural would be Focii. Because the word Focuses is a descriptive noun relating to a particular action. As in the Camera Focuses in on the subject
Benjie

NO, the term Lexus’ is used to describe something that belongs to Lexus. ‘Lexuses’ refers to multiple Lexus vehicles.

i.e. The Lexus’ battery is now flat due to overusing the stereo.

i.e. I saw five Lexuses in a row today!

The term Focii refers to the something like focusing with your eye. Focuses refers to several Ford’s with that model name.

Please Wheelnut, stop while you’re behind!
Dan

What the? No one in the world refers to Lexus in plural as “Lexii” haha, that’s the first time I hear that. So with Wheelnut’s logic a Mercedes in plural will be a “Mercii”?? Hahahaha. Never heard that either. Here’s Wheelnut wrong, again.
Gordon

There’s one thing wrong with Lexus vs the Euro brands they have in their sites, it’s called CHOICE.
BMW, Audi and Merc all have a variety of engine choices and options to suit any buyer looking at this level of vehicle, while Lexus have a wopping 2 engine choices.
If you want something better than the IS-250 and can’t stump up the readies for an ISF (not that you would with the M3, S4 and C63 as competitors anyway) you can only get a more tarted up version of an IS-250 !
Lexus Australia are weak as the proverbial for not offering the IS-350 and are (and will continue to) lose sales to their rivals. They might think that 10,000 IS vehicles sold in Aus is good, imagine what that figure would be if they had the IS-350 as well !
I would like to buy a Lexus, I can’t justify an IS-F, nor can i put up with the weak performance of an IS-250 so, like many others I’m sure, it’s off to BMW, Merc or Audi to get what I want. WAKE UP lexus Aus and listen to consumers, while you’re at it grow some bananas! if you want to play with the big boys, bring in the big toys !
Dan

Gordon, I agree with you 110%. Lexus Australia should expand the menu a little bit more, and no doubt they lose heaps of sales as a result. If New Zealand can have the IS350, why can’t we??
http://australiancaradvice J.J.T.

There is no denying that Lexus has evolved to become one of the most respected brands that can be found anywhere in the world today and on a global level do offer a rather good selection of vehicles but unfortunately i agree we Aussies miss out on some of the better toys although it is pleasing to finally receive the awesome IS-F.

However, in Europe they sell a 2.2 4 cyl diesel version of the ‘IS’ known as the IS220d while in America they have the IS350 which is powered by a DI version of the 2GR-FE known as the 2GR-FSE producing 232kw and 370nm. Also, the ‘IS’ series is offered with AWD as an option.

Apart from that, some markets receive the GS300 (Australia incl.)while North America get the more powerful GS350 and ofcourse the GS450hl and GS460 as we do. Once again, the ‘GS’ is also offered with AWD as an option in North Amer.

As some might be aware, Lexus recently unvealed their all new dedicated hybrid known as the HS250h so i hope that makes it to Australia and ofcurse the mega awesome LF-A when that finally goes into production.

The new RX350 and RX450hl arrives this year so that will be a welcomed refreshment of the now aging RX model.

So while i agree Lexus Australia is a little slack, Lexus internationally though do have quite a good range although more diesel powerplants could be offered inconjuntion with hot selling petrol hybrids.
Wheelnut

If you don’t get the Lexii thing…You obviously haven’t watched the Alan Partridge show from the UK with Comedian Steve Coogan – who is a bit of a wheelnut and has appeared on Top Gear

There was one series where Alan partridge was the owner of a lexus and he would often say “yes its a nice car infact I own a couple of Lexii; its plural you know.”

in the same way the plural of Hippopotamus [for those who want to be gramatically correct] is Hippopotomii – and as both Lexus and Hippopotammus end in ‘us’ the plural would both end in ‘ii’…. get it….? …. I didn’t think so!

The plural of Merceedes wouldn’t be Mercii it would more likely be Mercedes-Benzes or simply Mercedes’

When reffering to plurals of something it all depends on the combination of letters that the word ends with just as it does when turning a word from past to present to future tense – and which letters you add or subract etc.
Wheelnut

I have just read an article on insideline.com about a car that would probably go closer to finally beating the BMW M3 [something Lexus has tried to do for the last 10 years] and it shows that the IS-F isn’t really worth the premium price tag…. It is the Lexus IS250 “Sport”.

In terms of looks; as the article says “every part enhances the appearance of the IS sedan. This car is proof that the stock-bodied IS doesn’t need a silly body kit glued to its ankles to get noticed….this IS is a study in understated cool.

In terms of performance: again from the article “this car scorches our track with numbers that exceed the performance of the mighty IS-F….We couldn’t believe it either.

They were also impressed with the suspension [which the IS-F doesn't have] and the upgraded brake package

It is an impressive car and if I was to buy a Lexus I would choose the sport over the IS-F because the Sport is more of a factory backed individually customised version of the IS250 unlike the AS-IF which is more like one size fits all.

The funny thing is that all the enhancements are done by TRD which makes you wonder why TRD-Oz didn’t get them to do something similar on the Avalon
Wheelnut

Its not my opinion I am merely referring to an article where they tested a TRD enhanced Lexus IS250 and copared the results of their tests etc to that of the IS-F.

Surely you can understand that a smaller car can infact out run and out handle a larger more powerful car it all comes down to the way the car is set up.
Therefore the reason the IS250 soport was able to mathc the performance of the IS-F is mainly due to the brake and suspension upgrades – read the article if you don’t believe me

As for the “Lexii” thing you obviously haven’t seen the Alan Partridge show – in one scene he says “Yes I have owned a couple of Lexii…plural you know.” – it’s a joke! get it
Wheelnut

Dan – Read the article on inside line it says the enhancements to the IS250 Sport were done by TRD.

Isn’t the IS-F supposed to be the ultimate Lexus Performance car? so why would you want to spend close to an extra $20K for modifications on top of the $120-130K for the IS-F.?

I know outright power isn;t whats needed in a slalom its more about handling and as the IS250 has something the IS-F lacks….suspension
Adam

I saw one of these on the road the other day. I must say it is a very handsome looking machine, as is the IS250 it is based on.

However the woman behind the wheel was doing about 20km/h below the speed limit, and was easily seen off by me in my nasty old four pot at the next set of lights!

What a waste!
franz chong

One MercEDES.Many MercEDES BENZS

Here is an example

The Adelaide O’bahn Bus Fleet is made of MANY MERCEDES BENZES.

The German Taxi’s at the Airport are all Mercedes Benz