Lexus IS-F is out.
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And there's good comments about it..
What is it?
This is LexusÂ’s first rival to the BMW M3, and if it is to succeed it has to have superb handling far removed from that of the firmÂ’s luxury barges and SUVs.
It was no coincidence, then, that Toyota chose Fuji Speedway – still coated in rubber from the Japanese Grand Prix 10 days earlier – to give journalists their first taste of the Lexus IS-F. Where better to show it off than the circuit where most of its development work was carried out?
WhatÂ’s it like?
Like the M3, the IS-F uses a V8 engine, in this case a 5.0-litre unit. But unlike the Beemer, the Lexus is available with an automatic gearbox only, an eight-speed unit based on the LS460’s transmission. It has ‘manual’ functionality via steering wheel paddles, and first impressions are that its improved shift responses (0.1sec upshifts in sport mode) are quick enough. Its auto-blip on downshifts is neat, too.
The engine is a bit of a star; it rumbles nicely up to 4000rpm, at which point it takes on the same sort of snarl you might expect from a Honda VTEC north of 6000rpm. And itÂ’s quick; we saw well over 140mph on FujiÂ’s mile-long straight.
Lexuses are not known for steering feel, but the IS-F is easily the companyÂ’s best effort yet. Its helm is firm and responsive, endowing the car with nimble handling around FujiÂ’s twistier sections.
Body roll is well contained, too, and the tyres – 225/40 R19 at the front and 235/35 R19 at the rear – offer colossal grip. They do appear to have a rapid drop-off once you go beyond their limits, though; a more progressive choice of rubber might be better for everyday use.
Should I buy one?
On track, the IS-F does appear to have covered the basics. But whether LexusÂ’s first crack at a sporting saloon can truly match an M3 or Audi RS4 will depend on its behaviour on public roads in the UK when it arrives next spring. And thatÂ’s a different test altogether.
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out alr mehh?
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Lexus are good cars.
But no matter what, people will always associate with Toyota (cheap). -
This is unique to Singapore; you don't see such "..." in the States, UK etc. Even in Singapore, it's only the heartlanders la, or the lower class who by uncanny circumstances find themselves swimming in wealth. On the contrary, when I look at Merc - I always wonder whether the driver's occupation is chicken rice seller; don't play play ok, uncle bai ji fan can live in bungalow and drive foreign car (whose name he cannot pronounce right).Originally posted by Pion:Lexus are good cars.
But no matter what, people will always associate with Toyota (cheap). -
i only like the front air output.
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Yep..out liao..if not how can Autocar test it?Originally posted by iaintmad:out alr mehh? 
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And the quad tailpipes of the IS-F is cool..instead of placing the twin tailpipes side-by-side at each side, it's stacked up..unique..
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it will never be as good or even anywhere as near as the RS4 or the M3....apart from price-wise
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Thus Autocar is waiting for the car to be available in the UK before pitting it against the M3 which is undoubtedly the benchmark for small performance saloons..But Autocar's first impression of the IS-F is good nonetheless..Originally posted by AE86tofu:it will never be as good or even anywhere as near as the RS4 or the M3....apart from price-wise
Still, I like the M3's styling better..But I didn't like the fact that the new M3 is more refined now..I expected the M3 to be a sort of hooligan..maybe the new M3 CSL will be more hooligan in it's behaviour.. -
Not exactly recent news.
Some data, though rather vague: http://www.worldcarfans.com/2070109.015/lexus-is-f-performance-sedan-unveiled
IS-F in Japan: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071009.009/lexus-is-f-details-ja
Photos: http://www.worldcarfans.com/3070109.007/lexus-is-f-performance-sedan
And video: http://www.worldcarfans.com/4071012.001/video-lexus-is-f-race-track-driving-scenes