Lexus IS F – Lexus from the dark side!

Those unaccustomed to the ISF should beware of the beast within. Armed with some serious artillery, the IS F delivers devastating performance!

It’s common knowledge that the German car companies rule the mega horsepower roost with machinery sporting acronyms like AMG by Mercedes, M from BMW and RS from the house of Audi. These bad boys are constantly battling for power supremacy with their steroid induced, four-door sedans and coupes. Their performance matches or exceeds many exotic super cars.

Another nameplate recently joining this exclusive fraternity is the Lexus IS F sedan. Those familiar with the IS series are aware of the existence of both the rear-wheel-drive IS 250 and 350 models. An all-wheel-drive model is also offered on the 250. The higher grade IS 350 is a potent machine with 306 horsepower from its 3.5-litre V6, that easily keeps up with BMW’s twin turbo 330i.
Moving the bar significantly higher is the IS F, making its intentions known with muscular bodywork, bulging hood, vertical stacked quad exhausts and wide diameter BBS wheels on road-gripping summer tires. Backing up the attitude is a highly potent 416 horsepower 5.0 litre V8, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering neck-snapping acceleration. For statistical gear-heads, that means a jackrabbit run to 60 miles an hour in 4.6 seconds! If you’re willing to gamble some prison time, the IS F will top out at 170 miles an hour! Slowing down to saner speeds is effortless, thanks to massive Brembo brakes, a must-have with the kind of speeds the IS F is capable of.

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Folks expecting the typical silence from the V8 engine will be surprised to hear a deep throaty symphony, piping out from the quad exhausts. A blip of the gas pedal will awaken the beast within, and a little more pressure gives you a NASCAR stocker, especially when accelerating through the lower gears at maximum revs.

Keeping the IS F glued to the road are grippy Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires – wider at the rear for extra power. A performance-tuned Stability Control System means the driver can misbehave with standby stability insurance, in case he runs out of talent.

As expected of a Lexus, the IS F offers a luxurious and very elaborate cabin. Both front and rear seats are heavily bolstered and supportive to better hold occupants during high-speed cornering. Fine leather materials envelop the seats, door trims and interior. White-faced leather seats add sophistication to the cabin. The carbon fibre silver trim on the centre console, gives the interior a very high-tech appearance.

Overall, Lexus offers a competitive package for affluent drivers.

Lexus IS F Specifications

Engine: 416 horsepower, 5.0-litre
DOHC V8 variable valve timing

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Drivetrain: Rear-wheel-drive

Suspension: Independent front & rear

Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS,
Stability Control System

Starting Price: $64,450

www.lexus.com