2008 Lexus IS F Review

Sizzling Sedan

The Lexus IS F is the automaker's first foray into the high-performance compact luxury segment and propelled by a powerful V8 engine.

The first in what Lexus promises to be a series of enhanced-performance “F” models, the IS F debuted for 2008 as a hot-rodded version of the already sporty IS sedan. The concept is similar to Audi’s S- and RS-designated models, BMW’s M series, and the assorted Mercedes-Benz AMG versions, all of which are the quickest and best-handling entries in their respective lines.

The formula behind the Lexus IS F is simple, and it dates back to the muscle car era of the 1960s: Take an existing sedan, pack the biggest engine possible under the hood, find a transmission and suspension that can handle the power, and give it a few visual tweaks to distinguish it from the standard versions.

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To that end, the rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS F comes powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that generates more than 400 horsepower, which makes it competitive with the segment leaders, the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. The car can leap to 60 miles per hour from a standing start in just over 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mph.

But while the Audi and BMW mate their V8s to manual transmissions, Lexus takes a softer approach by equipping the IS F with an automatic only. Purists may sniff, but it’s one of the most technologically advanced transmissions in the industry.

The Lexus IS F boasts an eight-speed direct-shift automatic that affords ultra-quick manual operation (changing gears takes as little as one-tenth of a second) via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the console shifter. In manual mode, motorists can hold each gear right up to the engine’s red line. Downshifts at higher engine speeds are accompanied by automatic throttle blips.

The transmission can also operate like an ordinary automatic, with "normal," "sport," and "snow" modes.

The Lexus IS F’s chassis, which it shares with the IS 250 and IS 350, has been lowered to reduce the car’s center of gravity and give it quicker handling. Furthermore, the IS F’s steering and suspension systems are modified for maximum cornering ability and the car rides on 19-inch wheels and performance tires. Oversized antilock brakes help bring the car to a stop swiftly and securely.

The Lexus IS F comes with a modified version of the automaker’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system that governs its many chassis-control systems for maximum safety and performance. For example, it creates a limited-slip-differential effect on the rear wheels, helping to suppress wheelspin on the inside wheel while cornering.

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A sport mode delivers greater steering feel and allows accomplished drivers to “drift” through the turns by holding off stability control intervention until a later point. The stability control system can also be switched off altogether.

Visually, the Lexus IS F is distinguished from the rest of the IS line by a unique front bumper, hood, fenders, and rear spoiler that give the sedan a muscular look and optimize airflow. Inside there is an exclusive instrument panel and steering wheel, supportive power sport seats, and a long list of upscale amenities. Noteworthy options include a DVD-based navigation system, back-up camera, 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, radar-based adaptive cruise control, and Lexus’ pre-collision system that automatically tightens the front seat belts and primes the brakes when it feels a crash is imminent.