Lexus IS F takes on the 'Alphabet Gang' North Carolina

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The letter F has always been a special one at Lexus. The first prototype Lexus was codenamed "Circle-F," after all. So, when it came time to select a name for a new, high-performance skunk-works mircrobrand to compete with Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M division, among others, calling it F was a natural choice.

The IS F is the first Lexus product to be developed by a small team rather than a large committee. The IS F team was about one-tenth the size of the average Lexus engineering crew, and the result is a Lexus with a mood and a sense of soul like no other before it. Could this be the first Lexus with--gasp--a personality?

Judging from a purely aesthetic standpoint, the answer is a resounding "maybe." The design differences between the IS F and IS350 are subtle, but not hard to notice upon second glance. Above all else, purists will appreciate the fact that the IS F is a functional vehicle. This sports sedan exhibits a distinct lack of extraneous styling fillips and tack-ons; everything that's changed has changed for a reason. Larger air intakes and grilles up front facilitate improved airflow, and the outer edges of the front airdam house brake cooling ducts. The vents behind the front wheels are also functional brake cooling apparatus. The IS F's hood has a distinct power bulge to accommodate the 5.0 V8 beneath. At the rear, quad stacked exhausts and a deep rear fascia provide obvious visual distinction from the IS350's angular tail. The IS F also sports a widened track and a lowered body. The poseurs down at the country club will only notice the unique BBS wheels, but those in the know will recognize the 2008 Lexus IS F for the beast that it is.

"Beast" is an appropriate moniker, too. The IS F team discarded the IS350's six-cylinder engine in favor of a 416-horsepower 5.0 liter V8. The V8 is related to the 4.6 V8 that powers the LS460. It's got direct injection and VVT-iE variable valve timing. With 371 foot-pounds on tap, the IS F is stronger than a BMW M3. Top speed is 170 miles per hour--and it's electronically limited. It'll even return decent fuel economy, provided you don't drive the IS F like Ayrton Senna. Of course, the IS F makes this a hard thing to refrain from doing. Lexus wanted the IS F to have an emotional sound, and it does thanks to a dual air intake whose second plenum opens up around 3600 rpm with a satisfying guttural roar. It's a noise that says, "We are going fast now!" and it doesn't lie.

An eight-speed automatic is standard, and the new transmission has the same footprint as the six-speed automatic in the IS350. In manual/sport mode, second through eighth gears have a direct connection to the transmission, just like a stick, thanks to a locked torque convertor. Only first gear has the usual autobox disconnect, to avoid stalling when stopped at traffic lights. It shows, too--the shift from first to second is delivered with a hard, solid jerk reminiscent of a heavy-clutched supercar, while blipping through the rest of the gears is smooth as butter. Once underway, the IS F offers lightning-quick direct shifts through steering wheel paddles and is one of the fastest and most intuitive systems on the road today. Attempting to reach the IS F's limits on public roads is an exercise in stupidity, but nailing it into tight bends and downshifting elicits an instantaneous and satisfying response from the paddles. It still lacks the sheer joy of driving with a clutch pedal, but the 2008 Lexus IS F's rapid gear changes will make for good track times.

The suspension geometry is the same as that of the IS350--double wishbones up front and a multi-link rear. However, the lowered stance and massively stiffened springs and shocks at all four corners give the IS F a much harder edge and greater limits. Stiffer suspension bushings and subframe mounts are used to improve road feel and control at the limit, and the IS F is a very communicative, easy-to-drive performance car as a result. Special 19" BBS directional wheels in staggered sizes are unique to this car, as are the monstrous six-piston Brembo brakes up front.

The IS F's standard VDIM system also features a sport mode, that allows a little bit of slip to facilitate high-performance driving. Unlike in other Lexus products, the 2008 Lexus IS F's VDIM can also be turned off completely, a nod to those hairy-chested drivers who are really hoping to wreck their IS Fs. Make no mistake--even with the electronic aids turned on, this car is powerful enough to be quite an entertaining handful to drive.

Interior modifications are tasteful. The seats are heavily bolstered, and available in monochrome black or high-contrast black and white interior treatments. With the darker seats specified, the IS F's interior is somber and businesslike, but the elegant, watch-face gauges and impeccable build quality are reminders that this is still a luxury vehicle. Aluminum sport-style pedals and metallic trim on the console are also indicators of the IS F's exalted sports-sedan status. Optional equipment includes a navigation system and back-up camera, Lexus' cool Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) and a Mark Levinson Premium surround-sound system.

Which raises the obvious question: is the 2008 Lexus IS F ready to be added to the sports-car alphabet soup that's already out there? Is it worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as M,AMG, V, S or R? It most certainly is. With a powerful yet refined V8 and handling reflexes to match the power boost, Lexus' first "F" vehicle is more than ready to join the race. Pricing hasn't been set yet, and when asked, Lexus' PR people were quick with the standard, cagey, "It will be competitive" response.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2008 Lexus IS F
Length: 183.5 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 55.7 in.
Wheelbase: 107.5 in.
Curb weight: 3780 lb.
Cargo space: 13.3 cu.ft.
Engine: 5.0 liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Drivetrain: eight-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 416 @ 6600
Torque: 371 @5200
Fuel capacity: 16.9 gal.
Est. mileage: 16/23