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Lexus IS F

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Lexus IS F
Overview
ManufacturerLexus
Production2007–present
Model years2008–present
AssemblyTahara, Aichi, Japan
Body and chassis
ClassSport compact luxury car
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFR layout
RelatedLexus IS
Powertrain
Engine5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8
Transmission8-speed Paddle Shift AA80E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2730 mm (107.5 in)
Length4660 mm (183.5 in)
Width1815 mm (71.5 in)
Height1415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb weight1714 kg (3,780 lbs)

The Lexus IS F is a high performance version of the Lexus IS series of sport luxury cars. It is the first vehicle in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus.[1] The first generation IS F, model code USE20, premiered at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007. The IS F features a larger, more powerful engine than standard IS models, improved suspension and brakes, body design enhancements, and other vehicle changes. The IS F sports 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 4.6 seconds.[2] The vehicle went on sale for late 2007 in Japan, in early 2008 in the United States,[3] and in Europe in 2008.

Development

In 2006, several automotive publications reported on rumors of a higher performance variant of the IS being tested at various stages of development. Spy photos of such a vehicle being tested in Germany and California were published in several magazines and websites. Among these spy reports, several photos were shown of a heavily modified and camouflaged IS sedan at the Nürburgring test track in Germany along with other disguised Lexus test vehicles. The previous generation IS 430 prototype vehicle was indicative of future possibilities for the IS series, including the likelihood that a second generation high-performance IS model could come equipped with a V8 engine. It was rumored that there would be a coupe and a convertible version for a 2009 model, as well as a convertible version of the V8-powered IS.[4]

Lexus IS F at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

On 6 December 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of the vehicle which they called IS F in the press release.[5][6][note 1] At the North American International Auto Show on January 8, 2007, the new IS F was debuted to the public along with the LF-A supercar concept. Images were leaked a couple of hours before the official announcement.[7] At its press debut, Lexus revealed that a separate "skunk works" team designed the IS F in a manner distinct from typical Lexus engineering efforts. The chief designer of the IS F, Yukihiko Yaguchi, previously worked on the Toyota Supra.

Lexus IS F on showroom display in Minato, Tokyo.

In October 2007, the IS F premiered in Japan, with a 500-unit yearly target for that country, and a 5,000-6,000 yearly unit target for the U.S. market.[8] Top speed was listed at 168 mph (270 km/h).[8] An earlier Autoweek item had speculated that Lexus may build only 1,000 IS Fs for the US market,[9] and also suggested that the vehicle would have a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) (contradicting the generally accepted standard for this automotive class), which led automotive news sites to question the accuracy of their information.[10][11][12] In 2007, the head of Lexus GB stated in an interview that 150 IS Fs would be allocated for the UK market.[13] For 2008, the IS F carried a base price of US$56,000.

Overview

Engine

The Lexus IS F features a 5.0 L direct-injected 2UR-GSE V8 producing 416 SAE hp (423 PS, 311 kW) at 6600 rpm, while peak torque is 371 ft⋅lbf (503 N⋅m) at 5200 rpm.[14] The engine redlines at 6800 rpm and also features a two-stage intake system, engine oil and automatic transmission fluid coolers and an oil pump designed for high-speed cornering. Along with both port and direct injection, the engine features VVT-iE camshaft timing, and has a compression ratio of 11.8:1.[15]

The Lexus IS F engine and transmission.

The 2UR-GSE is derived from the Lexus UR-series V8 engines, which first debuted as the 1UR-FSE on the 2007 Lexus LS 460.[15] Of the UR-series V8s, the 2UR-GSE is most closely related to the 2UR-FSE used in the 2008 LS 600h, and features the same bore and stroke dimensions (3.70 in x 3.52).[15] However, extensive modifications carried out by the IS F engineering team in conjunction with Yamaha's Formula One (F1) engine program resulted in a cast-aluminum intake manifold, new cylinder heads, and titanium intake valves.[15] Additionally the engine features a forged crankshaft, connecting rods and cam lobes. At maximum acceleration above 3400 rpm, the secondary intake opens.[16]

Lexus IS F 2UR-GSE V8
Lexus IS F dynamometer test
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Compared with the LS 600h's 2UR-FSE (measured alone without its hybrid-electric motors), the IS F 2UR-GSE has more horsepower and torque at higher rpm, and 17 ft·lbf less torque.[15]

Transmission

The Lexus IS F features an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission with sequential shift which can lock-up the torque converter from 2nd through 8th gears. The SPDS is derived from the unit introduced in the 2007 Lexus LS, which was the first vehicle to carry an 8-speed transmission.[17] The SPDS allows for shifts to occur in 0.1 s (100 ms),[18] compared to 0.05 s (50 ms) of F1 race cars.[19] The wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow for gear shifting while steering, and a manual mode can be selected for added control. The 8-speed transmission also improves fuel economy,[20] with lower overall consumption than BMW, Mercedes, and Audi rivals,[18][20] and avoidance of the U.S. gas-guzzler tax.[21]

The Lexus IS F transmission gear ratios are as follows:[22]

Gear 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Differential Reverse
Ratio 4.596:1 2.724:1 1.863:1 1.464:1 1.231:1 1:1.000 0.824:1 0.685:1 2.937 2.18:1
Rear quarter view of the Lexus IS F.

Chassis

The IS F uses an all-electric rack and pinion steering system with a 13.6:1 gear ratio. The drivetrain is linked to a new sport version of Lexus' electronic stability control system (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, or VDIM, featuring three distinct on-off modes).[23] The Lexus IS F comes equipped with Brembo cross-drilled brake rotors (14.2 in front, 13.6 rear) and 6-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers stamped with the Lexus emblem, along with 19-inch BBS forged aluminum alloy wheels. For 2010, the IS F added a Torsen limited-slip differential.[24] For the 2011 model year the electric power steering system and suspension were revised, with tweaks to the front and rear spring rates, shock absorber dampening, rear bushings and rear camber angle.[25]

Exterior and interior

The vehicle body was lowered by 1 cm (0.5 inches) compared to the standard IS.[26] The hood features a bulged appearance, with sharper curve than the standard IS,[27] due to the added space needed to contain the 5.0 L V8 engine. The drag coefficient is 0.30.

2008 Lexus IS F interior (USE20; Japan)

The exterior also features a wire-mesh grille, changed side fenders and skirts, along with side air vents.[27] Noticeable about the pre-production IS F's design were its faux quad exhaust tailpipes consisting of two vertically stacked exhaust tips on each side that did not directly connect to the actual exhaust pipes (part of bumper), the production Ferrari California shares a similar setup;[1][28] and the U.S. production models however had fully connected exhaust tips.[29]

The interior features a four-passenger cabin with braided aluminum panels, steering wheel paddle shifters, and F marque emblems. The IS F also features different seating, with bucket seats in front and rear.[27] In 2010, the IS F received standard iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming audio capability, casual language voice commands, and standard XM Satellite Radio.[24] For 2011, an interior update included the addition of the Sport button to the steering wheel.[30]

Performance

Official and tested performance specifications for the Lexus IS F are as follows:

Engine type 2UR-GSE V8 0-60 mph (97 km/h) 4.2 sec.[31] (official)
Valvetrain DOHC 4-valves/cylinder 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 4.6 sec.[32][33] (official)
Displacement 4,969 cc (303.2 cu in)[34] 0-100 mph (160 km/h) 9.9 sec.[34] (tested)
Power 311 kW (423 PS; 417 hp) @ 6600 rpm[32] 1⁄4 mi (400 m) 12.5 sec.[34] (tested)
Torque 503 N⋅m (371 ft⋅lbf) @ 5200 rpm[32] Lateral acceleration 0.96 G[34] (200 feet (61 m) skidpad)
Curb weight 3,825 lb (1,735 kg)[34] Top speed 170 mph (270 km/h)[31][35] (limiter)

Road & Track tested the IS F in their January 2008 issue, attaining a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds, a slalom speed of 71.2 mph (114.6 km/h) (0.3 mph (0.48 km/h) and an electronically limited top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h).[27] Car and Driver also tested the IS F in 2008 and achieved a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds.[20] It is also rumored that the IS F can break 200 mph (320 km/h) without the electronic limiter.[36]

British television show Top Gear tested the Lexus IS F against the BMW M3. The time for the IS F was of 1’26.9, compared to the M3's time of 1’25.3 around their test track.[37]

Motorsport

See also: Lexus IS in motorsport
Lexus IS F race car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

In 2009, Gazoo Racing produced a Lexus IS F VLN racing vehicle, which was entered in the SP8 class of the ADAC-Westfalenfahrt VLN 4h endurance race. The vehicle finished second to the team's Lexus LF-A in the race.[38] The IS F VLN racer was also entered in the 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring race and finished third in the SP8 class.[39] The IS F was also later entered in the DMV Grenzlandrennen VLN 4h endurance race in August 2009 where it won the SP8 class.[40] In Gazoo's win at the DMV Grenzlandrennen VLN race in August 29, 2009,[40] Kazunori Yamauchi, the developer of Gran Turismo series who had little experience in actual motorsport, was also one of their drivers,[41] along with Peter Lyon and Hideshi Matsuda.[40] An IS F driven by Peter Lyon, Hideshi Matsuda, Kazunori Yamauchi, and Owen Mildenhall participated in the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring and finished in 4th place in the SP8 class, behind the 1st place ranked Lexus LFA.[42]

Special models

In October 2007, Lexus announced a 50-unit limited edition Neiman Marcus edition IS F. Priced at US$68,000, the Neiman Marcus edition had a custom black with white accented interior with exterior black color. Each vehicle was individually numbered, and the owner also received a training session at the Skip Barber Racing School.[43]

Humberside Police Lexus IS-Force police cruiser

Aftermarket tuners such as Wald[44] and FiveAxis have also produced special IS F models. In 2009, Humberside police, UK acquired Lexus IS F models for police cruiser duty, following a 12-month period of testing along with similar vehicles. The vehicles, selected for their performance chassis and electronic platform capabilities, were named IS-Force models.[45]

IS F CCS concept

Lexus IS F CCS at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon

At the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, Lexus debuted a modified higher performance IS F concept named the IS F CCS concept (CCS for Club Circuit Sports Club).[46] The vehicle featured a carbon fiber reinforced polymer hood, trunk and rear spoilers, along with a rear titanium muffler, 19-inch magnesium wheels, and modified suspension and brakes. The carbon fiber components were produced using technology developed for the Lexus LFA supercar.[46] The vehicle also featured additional aero parts, and a separate bright orange color scheme. Engine output was raised to 428 horsepower (319 kW).[47] The IS F CCS concept was reportedly developed as an example club racer variant for the F marque sedan.[46]

Custom modified Lexus IS F

In 2009, Best Car magazine had reported a higher performance version of IS F called IS F Evolution, which includes weight reduction (-300 lbs), handling mods and brake upgrades. Front and rear bumpers, along with the front fenders, are replaced by carbon fiber parts. It uses 245/35R19 front and 275/30R19 tires, carbon ceramic brakes. Interior also incorporates carbon fiber parts and Recaro racing seats.[48]

IS F Racing concept

At the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon, the IS F Racing Concept was shown. Few details were released at the show, other than that the concept was the work of chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi who built the concept "just for fun", to show "true driving pleasure", and exhibit a potential IS F race car. The IS F Racing Concept had larger fenders, wheels, and spoilers, in a similar manner as DTM racing cars. Reports at the event suggested that the vehicle was not planned for actual racing; rather instead different IS F models were being prepared for racing.[49]

Awards

In November 2009, the Lexus IS F was named Best New Sports / Performance Car over CDN$50,000 for the year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).[50] In October 2008, the IS F received a Good Design Award from the Japanese Industrial Design organization.[51] In April 2008, Evo magazine's test of the IS F awarded the vehicle the publication's highest rating of five stars.[52] That same month, AutoWeek's comparison test of the IS F with the GT-R found the former to be the "more satisfying to drive" winner.[53] Also in 2008, Car magazine named the IS F as a finalist for its Performance Car of the Year award.[54]

Gaming

IS F Track Time

In March 2008, Atari released the freeware computer game, Lexus IS F Track Time. [1] The program was created in partnership with Lexus and based on the IS F production model specifications.[55] Designed by Image Space Incorporated (ISI) using their rFactor computer racing simulator software, the program allows users to configure and race the IS F. Three race courses are offered, namely Orchard Lake (an oval and road course), Toban Raceway (a road course), and Essington Park, Lienz (a mountain road and rally course).[55] The software incorporates artificial intelligence modeling of competing vehicles, and its physics engine simulates actual driving conditions.[56]

Gran Turismo

The race-prepped Lexus IS F which competed at the 24 Hours Nürburgring race in October 2009 carried a prototype of a "GPS-track day" unit co-developed by the Gran Turismo game designers and Lexus supplier Denso corporation. The unit allows a GPS recording of an actual track drive, which is then stored on a memory card. The recording can then be plugged in to a PlayStation 3 where one can view a virtual recreation of the race, or compete against one's own race record.[57]

References

Notes

  1. ^ a b ROADandTRACK.com -- Road Tests - Road Test: 2008 Lexus IS F
  2. ^ Lexus - Future/Concept Vehicles - IS-F
  3. ^ Winding Road - Lexus IS-F Sales Start
  4. ^ "Report: Lexus working on IS-F Convertible, new replacement for SC430". egmCarTech. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  5. ^ New Lexus Performance Vehicles to Make World Debut at 2007 North American International Auto Show
  6. ^ F Story
  7. ^ Neff, John (2007-01-08). "Detroit Auto Show: Lexus IS-F pics leaked!". Autoblog. Retrieved 2007-01-08.
  8. ^ a b Kageyama, Yuri (2007-10). "Fastest Lexus ever: Toyota shows off new sportscar". Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ Lavrinc, Damon (2007-01-31). "Lexus building only 1,000 IS F for U.S. market". Autoblog. Retrieved 2007-01-31.
  10. ^ "Autospies - Say It Isn't So: Lexus To Limit IS F Production to Under 1000 Units?". Autospies. 2007-01-30. Retrieved 2007-02-24.
  11. ^ Ruhi Jr., Joaquin (2007-01-29). "The Lexus IS F: A 200 mph top speed? Less than 1000 annually for the U.S.?". my.IS. Retrieved 2007-02-24.
  12. ^ Lexus Pressroom IS F and LF-A Press Conference - 2007 NAIAS, Detroit
  13. ^ "Lexus GB plans for growth on the back of its hybrid models". Motor Trader. 2007-04-18. Archived from the original on 2007-06-05. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  14. ^ TOYOTA: News Releases
  15. ^ a b c d e "Test Drive: 2008 Lexus IS-F car review, What IS is". San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  16. ^ "2008 Lexus IS F - Short Take Road Test - Auto Reviews". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  17. ^ "Automotive Engineering International - LS 460 2007 Best Engineered Vehicle". SAE International. 2007-04-10. Retrieved 2007-05-06. {{cite web}}: Text "Society of Automotive Engineers" ignored (help)
  18. ^ a b "Lexus IS-F delivers formidable, enjoyable performance". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  19. ^ "Face-Off: Lexus IS-F versus BMW M3". Varreview.com. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  20. ^ a b c "The Hottest Lexus Ever". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  21. ^ Cars.comparison: Luxury Sports Cars
  22. ^ "Lexus IS F Specs: 2009 Lexus IS F Specifications and Options". Autoguide.com. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  23. ^ Lexus IS F Spotlight of the New York Auto Show
  24. ^ a b "2010 Lexus IS-F Pricing, Images, Specifications". egmCarTech. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  25. ^ 2011 Lexus IS-F- Top Speed
  26. ^ Lexus Unveils Two High-Performance Vehicles at the 2007 North American International Auto Show
  27. ^ a b c d Mike Monticello. "Road Test: 2008 Lexus IS F". Road & Track. Retrieved 2007-12-21.
  28. ^ "2009 Ferrari California First Drive on Inside Line". Edmunds.com. 2008-11-06. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  29. ^ "New Info on Lexus IS-F Quad Exhausts". The Lexus Enthusiast. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  30. ^ Lexus IS350 AWD Model Announced, ES350 Tuned for Regular Fuel | AutoGuide.com News
  31. ^ a b "IS F". Lexus. Retrieved 2009-08-15. {{cite web}}: Text "Detailed Specifications" ignored (help)
  32. ^ a b c Lexus IS-F EU specs
  33. ^ "『レクサスIS-F』ロード アンド トラック テストドライブレポート :". Nihoncar.com. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  34. ^ a b c d e 2008 Lexus IS F data sheet
  35. ^ "Lexus.ca - 2009 IS F Specifications & Features". Lexus.ca. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  36. ^ Jonathan Elfalan. "Road Test: Long Term Test: 2008 Lexus IS F". Road & Track. Retrieved 2008-12-18. [dead link‍]
  37. ^ Top Gear Season 12, Episode 5
  38. ^ "BFGoodrich Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring - Chronologie 56. ADAC Westfalenfahrt". VLN. 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-04-05.
  39. ^ 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring
  40. ^ a b c "32. RCM DMV Grenzlandrennen Classes results". VLN. August 30, 2009.
  41. ^ "Kazunori Yamauchi, Class Winner in the Nürburgring 4 Hour Race". Gran Turismo Official Website. September 21, 2009.
  42. ^ ADAC 24 Hours of Nürburgring results
  43. ^ "Lexus IS F for the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  44. ^ "Lexus IS-F gets tuned by Wald". Autoblog. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  45. ^ Lieberman, Jonny. "UK police replace Imprezas with Lexus IS-F cruisers". Autoblog. Retrieved 2009-09-30.
  46. ^ a b c "Auto Salon Lexus IS · F dedicated circuit driving 2010年01月15日" (in Japanese). Hobidas.com. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  47. ^ Lexus brings IS F Circuit Club Sports Concept to TAS
  48. ^ Lexus IS F Evolution still rumored to be in the works
  49. ^ Japan Report: Lexus IS-F Racing Concept | NextAutos.com and Winding Road
  50. ^ "Eight more join winners' row". Vancouver Province. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  51. ^ "Good Design Award". www.g-mark.org. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  52. ^ "BMW M3 vs. Lexus IS-F". '"Evo, April 2008.
  53. ^ AutoWeek 2009 Nissan GT-R vs. 2008 Lexus IS-F
  54. ^ "Performance Car of the Year 2008". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 2009-08-15. [dead link‍]
  55. ^ a b "News: IS F Tracktime: Kostenlose rFactor-Lexus IS F-Demo" (in German). Motorsport Total. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  56. ^ "Lexus IS-F Track Time" (in Czech). Victorygames.eu. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  57. ^ Race at the Track, Then Against Yourself Virtually in GT5

Designations

  1. ^ Note: Lexus dropped the hyphen in official press documents as of vehicle launch, referring to it as IS F. Several media sites continue to use the hyphen in error.
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