Lexus first introduced the IS-F at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show as a foil to the likes of the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and the Audi RS4. In that time, the Ingolstadt offering has fallen away while the supremely balanced M3 has been doing battle with the Stuttgart sledgehammer. So what does Toyota’s luxury arm bring to the performance saloon table and is its offering a bit late in its arrival.
In the lattermost point it can be argued that the delayed arrival of the IS-F on South African soil is born of an equal measure of madness and genius, with economic and emissions-related issues playing cameo roles here and there. A degree of madness is evident in the fact that its late arrival has allowed its very capable opposition to cement themselves in the marketplace and the psyche of buyer and admirer alike. The genius also presents itself from its relatively late arrival – nothing gets a carmaker more noticed than pitching a V8-engined performance saloon into a marketplace bedevilled by recession and obsessed with fuel economy and green issues.
Be that as it may, the IS-F certainly does present a serious departure from Lexus’ normally very sober approach to its products. Just look at the thing! Ballooning wheelarches with vents behind the rear wheels, sporty side skirts, a two pairs of stacked exhaust tips at the rear and anthracite alloys lend the IS250, upon which this car is based, a bit more visual clout. The cabin also sports some suitably body-hugging seats up front, as well as some sporty touches such as blue speedo and rev counter needles and metallic trim inserts. Being the halo model in what is already a very well-specced range means that the IS-F is suitably well stocked – the list is a bit lengthy to mention here but you can view the full specifications in our IS-F gallery.
Under the bonnet lurks a tuned 5,0-litre V8 engine featuring high-flow cylinder heads designed by Yamaha, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing with electronically-controlled intake cam and intelligent throttle control. The result is a peak power output of 311 kW at 6 600 r/min and 505 N.m of torque at 5 200 r/min. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddleshifters that Lexus claims can allow upshifts in one-tenth of a second. The downshift function is also mated with an automated throttle blip that matches the engine revs to vehicle speed for optimal control.
According to Lexus, the IS-F completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in around 4,8 seconds and reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 270 km/h.
Lexus has beefed up the IS-F’s IS250 underpinnings with additional structural reinforcements whilst lowering and stiffening the existing double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension set-up. The Electric Power Steering system has also been revised for improved steering response and feel, while Lexus’ Sport Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system helps to keep things composed.
Other driver aids form an acronymic assault in the shape of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRC), the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque (via the electronically controlled throttle). Additionally, all local spec IS-Fs feature a Torsen (Torque Sensing) limited slip differential. Stopping duties are taken care of by a Brembo brake set up comprising 360 mm ventilated, drilled front disks with six-piston aluminium callipers, and 345 mm ventilated, drilled rear disks with two-piston callipers.
The IS-F is available now at a cost of R776 900 and is covered by a four year/100 000km full maintenance plan and manufacturer warranty.
View the Lexus IS-F gallery with press release and vehicle specifications
See the IS-F as it tackles a racetrack
Hear the IS-F’s 5,0-litre V8 in full song