Full Test: Lexus IS-F!!

[Thai]

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/d...Id=123125?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..2.*

Vehicle Tested:
2008 Lexus IS-F 4dr Sedan
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $62,540

What Works:
Silken fury of the 5.0-liter V8; rule-bending automanual transmission; Michelin PS2 tires make any car better.

What Needs Work:
Short-travel suspension rides like aftermarket job; zippy exterior designed by a little kid; electric power steering still doesn't communicate feeling.

Bottom Line:
As the first in a series of enthusiast-driven F cars, the IS-F shows Lexus can perform, though

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Sweet car but I wish Toyotsa would offer something sporty and daring for us regular joes. Scions don't count.

Nothing since the demise of the MR-S or the Celica. Their cheaper lineup has definetly gone vanilla.

 

[sharp4runr]

Agreed! Bring back the Supra!

 

[GatorGreg]

Agreed! Bring back the Supra!

Plus one. 62K for the IS-F is way overpriced IMO for something that ugly (no offense to anyone who buys one). Also, I was expecting it would be much faster

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Definetly should be quicker considering Subaru Legacys can hit pretty close to the Lexus' 1/4 mile times with over 160 less ponies,also the MazdaSpeed 3 is only a tad behind it too with fwd and the same HP deficit as the Subaru.

 

[Thai]

This class is getting real competitive with the Audi RS, Mercedes C63 AMG, and BMW M3 sedan/coupe! German brands are having a power war on their own!

Here is what the IS-F is up against:

2008 Mercedes C63 AMG:
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=121540/pageNumber=1
http://magazine.windingroad.com/windingroad/200712/?folio=31

2008 BMW M3 Sedan: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=122934

2007 Audi RS4: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=115689

And just for kicks, here is something just as cool at half the price: http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/14125/tested-2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-gsr.html?al=92

Tough competition!

 

[Thai]

Here is another excellent review of the IS-F:http://magazine.windingroad.com/windingroad/200712/?folio=31

Good read.

 

[rook]

Its a rocket!

C&D strapped their test equipment on an IS-F and WHOAH! Acceleration numbers equal to an M3 with a manual trans. Many other tests had the IS running about a half second slower 0-60 and 1/4mile.

IS
0-60 4.2sec

 

[rook]

Its a rocket!

C&D strapped their test equipment on an IS-F and WHOAH! Acceleration numbers equal to an M3 with a manual trans. Many other tests had the IS running about a half second slower 0-60 and 1/4mile.
http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroadtests/14266/tested-2008-lexus-is-f.html?al=164



**Data from different tests**

IS-F
0-60 4.2sec
5-60 4.6sec
1/4 12.7@114mph

M3
0-60 4.3
5-60 5.0
1/4 12.8@113

Skidpad

IS-F 0.92g
M3 0.91g

Braking 70-0

IS-F 159 ft
M3 156 ft

If you want the hot rod of this group, get a C63, there is no substitute for cubic inches!

C&D noted the electric assist needs work, but unlike edmonds, thought the low stance allowed for "tight control" of the chassis.

The test numbers tell only part of the story. In vehicles of this caliber, its about precision, behavior at the limit, and the ability to produce consistent results. Hopefully, C&D will run some laps at Virginia Raceway and let these two heavyweights duke it out.

We can thank BMW for making the M3 so good for so long, forcing the competition to strive for a new benchmark.

 

[josh220]

That's a nice car.

 

[Koz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fV23whh68k

Koz

 

[josh220]

Wow that lexus is nice, thanks for the video.

 

[Thai]

Wow!! Very nice.

 

[BuffsRunner]

i saw this thread a few weeks ago and since i have the occasional access to the ISF and the rare opportunity to have a BMW M3 we decided to take off at about 30 and stop well over the speed limit. The ISF sounds amazing when the dual intakes open up and its very fast, the M3 was right there the intire time just slowing a little at the shifts. both cars very fun to drive but not the most comfortable cars for roadtrips unless you can drive at sonic speeds. Its fast, fun, but not worth the price tag. IMHO i would much rather buy an STI and mod it out and then have money left to pay speeding tickets

 

[Thai]

IMHO i would much rather buy an STI and mod it out and then have money left to pay speeding tickets

Nah, EVO X MR is my favorite among that class....

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I love the IS-f. I normally have a very level head about cars that I'd actually own. All bets off for an IS-f and the LX570. I was passed by an IS-f the other day. I haven't got truly excited about a car since 86-87 Buicks, the IS-f does it for me.
:cheers: