First Drive: Lexus IS-F (AutoCar)

Bruce · 10-26-2007, 09:29 PM

By Yoshio Maezawa

What is it?

This is Lexus’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 firm’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?

What’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 it’s quick; we saw well over 140mph on Fuji’s mile-long straight.

Lexuses are not known for steering feel, but the IS-F is easily the company’s best effort yet. Its helm is firm and responsive, endowing the car with nimble handling around Fuji’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 Lexus’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 that’s a different test altogether.

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10-26-2007, 09:29 PM	#1
Bruce Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 10,183 Thanks: 5,331 Thanked 3,852 Times in 2,260 Posts	First Drive: Lexus IS-F (AutoCar) By Yoshio Maezawa What is it? This is Lexus’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 firm’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? What’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 it’s quick; we saw well over 140mph on Fuji’s mile-long straight. Lexuses are not known for steering feel, but the IS-F is easily the company’s best effort yet. Its helm is firm and responsive, endowing the car with nimble handling around Fuji’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 Lexus’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 that’s a different test altogether. >> - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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