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Interior Design
The interior of the IS F features an exclusive
design treatment highlighted by aluminized composite trim, striking two-tone
upholstery, aluminum-rimmed main gauges, unique steering-wheel treatment and
other special surface treatments. The instrument panel integrates an
oil-temperature gauge, voltmeter and shift-indicator lights, and the "F" logo is
discretely showcased on the steering wheel, rear-center console and outer seat
cushions. A multi-information display located within the speedometer integrates
a trip computer that provides outside temperature, driving range, average fuel
consumption, average fuel consumption since refueling (per tank), current fuel
consumption, average speed and the F logo. The display also includes an
oil-maintenance reminder and system warnings.
A Performance-Tuned
5.0-Liter V8 Engine
The Lexus IS F is exclusively powered by a
performance-tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine teamed to an eight-speed Sport Direct
Shift transmission. The IS F engine produces 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371
lb-ft of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine's high specific output (83.2
hp/liter) and high operating range (6,800 rpm redline) reflect the thorough
attention to detail underlying the core engineering. The resulting performance
character, while quite responsive in low-speed situations, provides a rush of
power at higher engine speeds.
The forged crankshaft features journals
polished to a mirror finish to minimize the friction generated between the
connecting rods and the crankshaft. Forged sintered iron alloy connecting rods
ensure high-rpm durability. High-flow cylinder heads designed by Yamaha have a
lightweight valvetrain, including forged cam lobes on hollow, chain-driven
camshafts, with the inside of the shafts serving as oil passages. Titanium
intake valves are operated by roller rocker arms.
Innovative technologies
help to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions, including the SFI D-4 fuel
injection (direct-to-cylinder injection system with secondary port injectors)
and the Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i).
Essentially, SFI D-4 integrates two types of fuel injection: A direct-type
high-pressure fuel injection system, which provides a cooling effect in the
cylinders and enables the high compression ratio (11.8:1) employed to extract
maximum energy from the fuel; a set of low-pressure port fuel injectors that
help produce a precise burn to optimize power and efficiency under light- and
medium-load conditions.
A dual air-intake system uses a primary intake
passage for low and medium engine speeds. In the higher engine speed range
(above 3,600 rpm), both the primary and secondary passages are opened, helping
boost high-rpm power.
With the IS F 5.0-liter V8, Lexus made a leap in
valve-control technology with the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence by an
electric motor (VVT-iE). An electric drive motor alters the intake camshaft
phasing, which made it possible to expand VVT operational range to lower engine
speeds, where engine oil pressure is usually not high enough to operate
conventional VVT. The exhaust camshaft uses hydraulically controlled variable
valve timing.
A scavenge pump forces oil from the cylinder heads back to
the oil pan, ensuring a reliable oil supply even during cornering that exceeds
one g. The low-restriction dual-exhaust system terminates in distinctive stacked
quad diffusers.
The world's first eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift
automatic transmission combines the performance characteristics of an automated
manual-type transmission with the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type
automatic transmission. As a result, the driver can choose between ultra-quick
manual shifts for performance driving and smooth automatic shifts when
convenience is the top priority.
Eight speeds allow gear ratios that
maximize torque up to the tire-grip limitations in the lower ranges while
optimizing efficiency. Intuitive powertrain control optimally smoothes out
off-the-line response. The driver can select Normal, Sport or Snow driving modes
with the flip of a switch. Artificial Intelligence-SHIFT (AI-SHIFT) complements
the driver's Sport switch selection by automatically adapting the shifting based
on road conditions and driver input. The IS F transmission is also highly
responsive to uphill/downhill driving, always selecting the best gear for power
or engine braking.
The driver can shift manually using either the console
shift or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Hydraulic-control technology
allows the IS F's eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission to perform on par
with manual transmissions without sacrificing the smoothness of a
torque-converter automatic. Paddle-shifting operation is allowed in either D or
M modes, but shifts are quicker and more direct in M mode. In M mode, the
transmission will hold each gear to the 6,800-rpm redline, and upshifts are
executed in just one-tenth of a second. At higher engine speeds, downshifts are
accompanied by automated and precise throttle blips to match engine rpm to
vehicle speed.
Chassis
The Lexus IS F is based on the
robust IS platform, which was engineered from the start to allow a high dynamic
envelope. The stiff body structure and the rear subframe are connected through
several reinforcements. Much of the IS F development took place at racetracks
around the world, including Germany's legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife,
Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Japan's Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji
Technical Center in Japan. Fuji Speedway is the IS F's home circuit, and the
shape of its turn one inspired the F logo design.
Although using the
basic double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension
configurations of the IS platform, the IS F features a multitude of track-proven
modifications. The IS F sits an inch lower on its suspension than the standard
IS models, which lowers the center of gravity and helps provide a quicker
handling response.
Spring and damper rates are increased, and
larger-diameter stabilizer bars are used. The rear-suspension control arms are
specific to the IS F to optimize geometry for the 19-inch wheels. In addition,
the monotube shock absorbers use a larger-diameter piston rod. As on other IS
models, the sophisticated shock-absorber design utilizes multi-leaf linear
control valves to help improve damping force, and rebound springs offer improved
body control without degrading ride comfort.
Subframe suspension mounts
are stiffer than on other IS models to help reduce sway and ensure control under
acceleration and braking. The engine mounts are also stiffer for a more direct
feel. Special jounce stoppers on both the front and rear suspension come into
play early in the compression stroke to help reduce the sway angle when
cornering and to reduce dive when braking.
The IS F features 19-inch
forged-alloy wheels by BBS with a distinct dark-gray finish and an asymmetrical
10-spoke design. The front wheels are 19 x 8J, with 225/40 R19 tires and 19 x 9J
in the rear, with 255/35 R19 tires. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and Bridgestone
Potenza tires were each developed specifically for the 170-mph track capability
of the Lexus IS F. High-rigidity hub unit bearings are engineered for rigorous,
high g-force track driving. The direct-type tire pressure monitor system allows
two sets of tires to be registered, giving the customer the benefit of a system
with a set of track tires or winter tires. The multi-information display
indicates the tire selector switch.
A specially calibrated version of
Lexus' innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system helps
provide superior handling dynamics and traction control. Combining input from a
variety of sensors, VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid
or slide and help correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering
and throttle control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver.
VDIM integration provides precise management for EPS, Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC), traction control (TRAC), the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist
(BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque (via the
electronically controlled throttle).
During cornering, VDIM suppresses
any tendency for the inside wheel to spin, transmitting more power to the
outside wheel to help maintain traction and momentum. When braking on a
mixed-friction surface, VDIM will direct steering assist in the direction that
will help provide greater control.
In Sport mode, VDIM allows higher
dynamic thresholds before intervening and alters steering assist to increase
steering feel. Sport mode helps provide excellent optimal vehicle control on a
track in areas where the skills of even top-level drivers are challenged. The
experienced driver can disengage VSC/TRAC by pressing and holding the TRAC-off
button for more than three seconds. Even with VSC/TRAC disengaged, however, the
system still provides the brake-based limited-slip differential effect and ABS.
The Torsen rear differential helps provide additional traction in spirited
driving.
Brembo brakes were designed to the specifications of the Lexus
engineering team. The 14.2-inch ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by
rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6-inch ventilated,
drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. Front bumper ducts adjacent to the
fog lamps stream cooling air to the brakes. The brakes are finished with the
Lexus name displayed on the calipers.
Safety and Security Features
Passive-safety technology in the IS F begins with a reinforced passenger
compartment that helps protect the occupants with front-and-rear crush
structures. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters are used for all seating
positions.
In addition to advanced dual-stage front airbags and front
seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
includes side-curtain airbags that extend from A-pillar to C-pillar, plus knee
airbags for the driver and the front passenger.
The available
Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help reduce collision damage. The package
includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to
measure and maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS
relies on the radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. The PCS
computer, taking sensor inputs from vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate,
is designed to determine whether a collision is unavoidable. In such a
situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes BA so
that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the
pedal.
The rear back-up camera, included with the available navigation
system, automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the
car onto the navigation screen when the transmission is in reverse.
Luxury / Comfort / Convenience
The IS F interior features specially
shaped and trimmed seats that help hold the driver comfortably and securely. The
standard SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button start allows the driver to
keep the access fob in a pocket or purse.
Standard amenities include
10-way power front seats; dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter
and smog detector; power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven
open-position settings; power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel;
three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors; all
power windows with automatic up/down operation and jam protection; an
auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink programmable garage door opener;
automated rain-sensing wipers and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors with
integrated puddle lamps.
The air conditioning system's electrically
controlled variable compressor adjusts output to demand rather than simply
cycling on and off. The system can independently adjust upper and lower
temperatures in response to ambient conditions or sunlight. UV-reducing,
heat-absorbing glass is used throughout the car.
The standard Lexus
Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 13 speakers,
USB/iPod connectivity, streaming audio via Bluetooth and an integrated XM Radio
receiver (includes complimentary 90-day trial subscription). Automatic Sound
Levelizer (ASL) maintains consistent sound levels in response to varying
extraneous noise levels. When connected to the USB port, the iPod can be
controlled through the audio system or steering wheel controls, while
information such as names for the artist, track and album is displayed on the
headunit or navigation screen.
Luxury Options
Like all
Lexus models, the IS F offers a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio
System. This 14-speaker audio system features discrete 5.1 multi-channel
playback with 7.1-channel speaker architecture. Its 10 amplifier channels
provide 300 watts total output at less than 0.1 percent total harmonic
distortion from 20 to 20,000 Hz (THD all channels driven). The Mark Levinson
system plays conventional CDs and DVDs, plus MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. DVD movies
can be viewed on the available navigation system's color seven-inch touch screen
when the parking brake is engaged.
The available Intuitive Park Assist
(IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front
and rear bumpers, alerting the driver and showing distance to objects in the
multi-information display within the speedometer. When the IS F is equipped with
the navigation system, information on detected objects is shown in greater
detail on the seven-inch touch screen display.
The optional Lexus
Navigation system features Voice Command casual-language voice recognition and
Bluetooth phonebook download capability. The IS F also offers a telematics
system, Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, available by subscription.
Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all purchases of new
Lexus vehicles equipped with these features. Safety Connect is standard on all
vehicles while Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is on all vehicles equipped with
the optional Navigation system. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response
centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week-every day of the year.
Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of
innovative XM services including XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather and XM Sports and
Stocks services. XM services require separate XM subscriptions. The XM Sports
and Stocks service is included with an XM Radio subscription. All XM services
offer complimentary 90-day trial subscriptions.
Lexus IS F: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications