2008 Lexus IS-F – M3 Killer?
October 14, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
The entire CarAdvice team awed in amazement at the sight of Lexus’ latest weapon against the Germans. The Sydney Motor Show proudly displays the new IS-F, and as far as first impression go, the Germans have a lot to worry about.
So far Lexus has succeeded where all Japanese ‘luxury’ makers have failed – taking on the Germans. However missing in this incredible portfolio has been a dedicated performance lineup, but it’s here now, the first of Lexus’ new ‘F’ performance vehicles to be offered in Australia .
Much like the introduction of TRD for Lexus’ parent company Toyota, the F performance vehicles have a lot to prove. However unlike TRD and the supercharged Aurion, the Lexus IS-F is an uncompromising rear-wheel-drive monster.
“From the tyres to the gearbox and engine, IS-F has been designed to stimulate the senses and deliver a driving experience that is unheard of in a Lexus. There is no doubt that IS-F will bring a whole new group of customers to the Lexus brand.” Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said.
Powered by Lexus’ newly developed 5.0-litre V8, the IS-F produces over 300kW and more than 500Nm of torque (exact figures are still a secret). All that power propels the IS-F from 0-100km/h in less than 4.9 seconds, (top speed of 270km/h – governed).
Going by manufacturer figures, this puts the Lexus 0.1 second behind Audi’s RS4 and BMW’s M3 (both 4.8 seconds), the IS-F’s main rivals. The latest M3 has 309Kw and 400Nm of torque, while the current RS4 has 309kW and 430Nm of torque.
Acceleration figures are surprising given the IS-F is driven via the world’s first and fastest production eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox, which can shift in just 0.1 second. But we shouldn’t make a big fuss over 0.1 of a second in official figures.
Features for the IS-F include a special three-stage version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics integrated Management (VDiM) system. The system allows drivers to set VDiM between fully on (Sport mode) or off – for the most experienced of drivers.
Lexus believes the VDiM system will make even the better drivers lap a track faster with it on than off. This should hopefully mean the VDiM works with the driver rather than against.
From the outside, the rear quad tailpipes, wider front guards, larger grille, rear spoiler and unmistakable bonnet bulge will undoubtedly earn the Lexus brand some much needed street-cred, and with the power to back it up, Lexus are about to enter a whole new era.
CarAdvice will bring you a complete road test of the IS-F next year.
2008 Lexus IS-F Specifications
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 5.0-litre DOHC V8
Estimated power: more than 300kW
Estimated torque: more than 470Nm
Transmission: eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission with paddle shift manual mode
BRAKES
Front: 360mm ventilated and drilled discs with six-piston opposed aluminium calipers
Rear: 345mm ventilated and drilled discs with two-piston opposed aluminium calipers
WHEELS
Front: 19 x 8-inch BBS forged aluminium rims with 225/40R19 sport tyres
Rear: 19 x 9-inch BBS forged aluminium rims with 255/35R19 sport tyres
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h: under 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 270km/h (governed)
Print it: 
0 
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****PRIMO!****
The $64 question….
How much will it undercut the GERMans by?
Cheers
F-0
That’s what everyone wants to know!
I’d imagine by at least 15k!
Don’t get this. I read the IS350 can do the 0-100 in around 5.1s, so how can adding a V-10 only give 4.9s.
Also this thing is a tad heavy at 1693kg. Still, going to be an interesting car, I’d love to hear how that V10 sounds
This is a V8,
the V10 is in the LF-A – the Ferrari beating Lexus ;)
Ack, my mistake, keep thinking of the LF-A
i want one but how much is it?
Good to see this is a question not a statement! I look forward to the comparison next year!
Any news on the GS-F ?
My bet is 125K, similar priced to GS450h. 30K cheaper than RS4 and M3.
If you can afford 125K for a car, then you can afford 150K as well. Whats 25K when you are talking this much cash. Audi RS4 4WD V8 beats this Lexus in looks and undoubtedly in performance. The Lexus back end exhausts really do look butt ugly in real life. They must have got some styling tips from their brothers at Subaru. Lexus is still a Toyota does not matter how you wrap it.
And thats the biggest ignorant thing…
Toyota owns Lexus…. so?
You do know the design team and technical center that primarily involves Lexus are all at Belgium right?. They bench mark against the Europeans. One day I wish I can get a transfer to the Lexus Design team… one day.
Suppliers of components and all materials are all the same class you will find in Europeans… hence the “benchmark” purpose… its all in Engineering design… if you didnt know that already.
So basically.. Lexus is pretty much a Japanese owned company that happens to have all of Toyota’s best engineers as well as a lot of recruits from BMW, Audi, Mercedes etc… it really is a different class from the everyday production cars that Toyota produces… which they they happen to lead all other manufacturers too.. profit and quality. The amount of accuracy they put in evaluation and engineering in their lexus design centers is so intricate its definitely up to par with the Europeans… and I’m not BSing there.
Looks wise I think this car is more attractive than the new M3… the E46 M3 is my fave style though… the new one isnt as good looking.. this Lexus is more aggressive and just has better curves.
Quality wise… well Lexus has won another world best award…. so take it for what its worth.
very nice to have alternatives to the rs4 and m3.
benefits of this would be exclusivity and that 8 speed gear box. though the blue colour doesnt really suit it.
i think the if u can buy a 125k car then u can buy a 150k argument is irrelevant. some people who have worked hard for thier money and achieve the wealth they have today will take into consideration that 25k in price. others might not. and wats to say that a person who can afford a 150k car can also afford a 250k car?
Jamison – I am not saying that Toyota does not produce a quality product however it is branded. I have owned a few of them. And for that matter I don’t necessarily consider Euro brands to be of such superior quality anyway. Having owned an Audi, I can’t say I was overly impressed but given it was a bit older at the time.
However, I have seen the Lexus RX330 sold in Hong Kong under a Toyota Badge. Not a Lexus label in sight. You don’t see BMW label or Audi or Merc label their cars under another marque do you? At the end of the day a Lexus IS a Toyota and everyone knows it, so it should be just labelled as such.
Flying High,
your argument would be similar to saying Mazda is a Ford, or Renault and Nissan are the same,
Lexus and Toyota are the same company in essence yes, but they build their cars at separate places, besides Volkswagen Audi and Porsche all share technology and platforms – does that make Volkswagen and Audi the same company?
Come on Alborz… you are kidding :-) Lexus ARE labeled as Toyota in different parts of the world right? And you can’t tell me Lexus and Toyota (for many of their respective cars) do not share exactly the same soul. They even look the same in many instances. LX Range in particular. Look, I like Toyota as a standard car and generally like their shell designs. And if you guys want to delude yourselves that you are buying another brand no worries. If it is a Toyota you are pretty much guaranteed a reliable product that will prolly never die and that is the main thing.
Flying High has a point.
Lexus IS was sold as Toyota Altezza in Japan in early days :)
I think Toyota-Lexus relationship is more of Nissan-Infinity than Ford-Mazda…
And if you cant see the similarities between the Toyota Aurion TRD and this Lexus, you need to visit your local optometrist and update your prescription glasses. :-)
Re: Lexus IS-F vs BMW M3 vs Audi RS4.
The advantage the Lexus has is the Auto tranny. Manual transmissions went out with button up boots and flared pants!!.
Well, to the argument abt Toyota-Lexus thing – the same goes for Honda and Acura in the US – same car in USA is sold as Acura while in Europe it’s sold with a big ‘H’ on the hood.