Lexus IS-F Coming to SA

The launch of the exhilarating Lexus IS-F opens a new chapter in the South African Lexus story. The luxury brand has carved a successful path for itself in SA since re-launching the brand in 2006 and continues to expand the model line-up to appeal to new markets at every turn.

SA’s most satisfying car to own (according to J.D. Power and Associates), the Lexus IS250, came to SA in 2006 and quickly became known as the car that offered options as standard. The well-specced IS250 S and IS250 SE were joined by a mid grade EX model grade late last year, and now the high-performance flagship IS-F whets the appetite of performance car enthusiasts.

 

“South African customers have had to be patient to get their hands on the IS-F, but we are glad they have held out in order to receive the best IS-F we can give them,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. While launched internationally in 2008, the IS-F received significant upgrades for 2010 as shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show late last year and these improvements are all passed on to cars for the SA market.

The IS-F is SA’s first taste of Lexus’ performance “F” brand, although the brand is no stranger to performance motoring. Introducing a range of PERFORMANCEHYBRID models to SA in 2008, a fast Lexus has been around for some time, the GS450h being capable of sub-six second 0-100km/h acceleration. F performance has since been epitomised by the approval for production of the LFA, Lexus’ bespoke limited production supercar.

Fuji Speedway in the shadow of Mount Fuji in Japan is the spiritual birthplace of the IS-F and the inspiration for Lexus’ performance brand. The brainchild of two enthusiastic engineers, Yaguchi-san and Sakamoto-san, the IS-F began as an underground project when they began developing a previous generation IS300. Their personal enthusiasm for high performance resulted in the go-ahead for what became known internally as the “F project” and Fuji Speedway provided the proving ground to develop Lexus’ ultimate sports saloon.

 

Styling

 Based on the IS luxury sport sedan, the IS-F is clearly differentiated when viewed from the front, rear and in profile. A trapezoid-shaped front bumper fascia, a theme that is repeated at the rear, sets off the V-shape grille. The bonnet’s raised centre section makes room for the V8 powerplant, and the front wheel arches are widened to envelop the 19-inch wheels. Total grille area is increased to ensure adequate cooling for the 5.0-litre V8, and both upper and lower grilles feature a special wire-mesh pattern. The lower grille is flanked by large brake cooling ducts adjacent to standard fog lamps. The front fenders wear a discrete silver, black and blue “F” badge.

The car’s wedge-like profile is accentuated by functional front fender air outlets with lower edges that transition into larger sill panels and continue as a character line into the rear bumper. The rear view conveys a strong parting signature for the IS-F, with a dramatic trapezoid shape and easily recognisable design elements.

Vertically stacked exhaust tail pipes are integrated into the rear bumper. This unique styling feature also serves purpose to manipulate the airflow underneath the car to better extract disperse exhaust gases for improved performance and lower emissions. At 270 g/km, the IS-F has the lowest emissions in its class.

The subtle rear spoiler is one of many aerodynamic enhancements, which also include special underbody panels to optimise airflow. Contributing to both design and performance, new 19-inch forged-alloy wheels produced by BBS^® feature a distinct dark-grey finish and an asymmetrical 10-spoke design.

 

 

Interior Design

 The IS-F’s interior features an exclusive design treatment highlighted by silver fibre and black aluminium finishes, unique steering-wheel treatment and other special surface treatments. The instrument panel integrates an oil-temperature gauge, voltmeter and shift-indicator lights, and the “F” logo is discretely showcased on the steering wheel, rear-center console and outer seat cushions.

  

Power train

 The Lexus IS-F is exclusively powered by a performance-tuned 5.0-litre V8 engine mated to a sophisticated eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. The IS-F engine produces 311kW at 6,600 rpm and 505Nm of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine’s high specific output (62kW/litre) and high operating range (6,800 rpm redline) reflect the thorough attention to detail underlying the core engineering of Lexus’ V8. The resulting performance character, while quite responsive in low-speed situations, provides a rush of power at higher engine speeds.

The forged crankshaft features journals polished to a mirror finish to minimise the friction generated between the connecting rods and the crankshaft. Forged sintered iron alloy connecting rods ensure high-rev durability. High-flow cylinder heads designed by Yamaha have a lightweight valvetrain, including forged cam lobes on hollow, chain-driven camshafts, with the inside of the shafts serving as oil passages. Titanium intake valves are operated by roller rocker arms.

Innovative technologies help to optimise efficiencies and reduce emissions, including the EFI D-4S fuel injection (direct-to-cylinder injection system with secondary port injectors) and the Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i). Essentially, EFI D-4S integrates two types of fuel injection: A direct-type high-pressure fuel injection system, which provides a cooling effect in the cylinders and enables the high compression ratio (11.8:1) employed to extract maximum energy from the fuel; a set of low-pressure port fuel injectors (indirect injection) that help produce a precise burn to optimise power and efficiency under light- and medium-load conditions.

A dual air-intake system uses a primary intake passage for low and medium engine speeds. In the higher engine speed range (above 3,600 rpm), both the primary and secondary passages are opened, helping to boost power and give the IS-F its characteristic roar.

Lexus made a major leap in valve-control technology with the IS-F’s 5,0-litre V8. The Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electrically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE) use an electric drive motor to alter the intake camshaft phasing, which made it possible to expand VVT operational range to lower engine speeds, where engine oil pressure is usually not high enough to operate conventional VVT. The exhaust camshaft uses hydraulically controlled variable valve timing.

A scavenge pump forces oil from the cylinder heads back to the sump, ensuring a reliable oil supply even during cornering that exceeds one g. The low-restriction dual-exhaust system terminates in distinctive stacked quad tail pipes.

The world’s most advanced eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission combines the performance characteristics of an automated manual-type transmission with the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type automatic transmission. As a result, the driver can choose between ultra-quick manual shifts for performance driving and smooth automatic shifts when convenience is the top priority.

Eight speeds allow gear ratios that maximise torque up to traction limits in the lower ranges while optimising efficiency. Intuitive powertrain control smoothes out off-the-line response. Artificial Intelligence-SHIFT (AI-SHIFT) complements the driver’s Sport switch selection by automatically adapting the shift pattern based on road conditions and driver input. The IS-F’s transmission is also highly responsive to uphill/downhill driving, always selecting the best gear for power or engine braking.

The driver can shift manually using either the console shift or steering-wheel-mounted paddles. New hydraulic-control technology allows the IS-F’s eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission to perform on par with manual transmissions without sacrificing the smoothness of a torque-converter automatic. Paddle-shifting operation is allowed in either D or M modes, but shifts are quicker and more direct in M mode. In M mode, the transmission will hold each gear to the 6,800 rpm redline, and upshifts are executed in just one-tenth of a second. At higher engine speeds, downshifts are accompanied by automated and precise throttle blips to match engine revs to vehicle speed.

 

Handling

  The Lexus IS-F is based on the robust IS platform, which was engineered from the start to allow a high dynamic envelope. The stiff body structure and the rear subframe are connected through several reinforcements. Much of the IS-F development took place at racetracks around the world, including Germany’s legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife, Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Japan’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center and, of course, Fuji Speedway, the spiritual home of the IS-F.

Although using the basic double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear set-up of the IS platform, the IS-F features a multitude of track-proven modifications. It sits 25mm lower than the standard IS models, which lowers the center of gravity and helps provide quicker handling response.

Spring and damper rates are increased, and larger-diameter stabiliser bars are used. The rear-suspension control arms are specific to the IS-F to optimise geometry for the 19-inch wheels. In addition, the monotube shock absorbers use a larger-diameter piston rod. As on other IS models, the sophisticated shock-absorber design uses multi-leaf linear control valves to help improve damping force, and rebound springs offer improved body control without sacrificing ride comfort.

Subframe suspension mounts are stiffer than on other IS models to help reduce roll and ensure control under acceleration and braking. The engine mounts are also stiffer for a more direct feel. Special bump stops on both the front and rear suspension come into play early in the compression stroke to help reduce roll when cornering and to reduce dive when braking. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system has been remapped for improved steering response and feel, while providing precise control and excellent straight-line stability.

The front wheels are 19 x 8J, with 225/40 R19 tyres and 19 x 9J in the rear, with 255/35 R19 tyres. Bridgestone Potenza tyres were developed specifically for the 270km/h track capability of the Lexus IS-F. High-rigidity hub unit bearings are engineered for rigorous, high g-force track driving.

 A specially calibrated version of Lexus’ innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)  system, dubbed Sport VDIM, helps provide superior handling dynamics and traction control. Combining input from a variety of sensors, VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle slide and help correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. VDIM integration provides precise management for EPS, 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).

Using a dashboard switch, the driver can select Normal, Sport or Snow driving modes. In Sport mode, VDIM allows higher dynamic thresholds before intervening and alters steering assist to increase steering feel. Sport mode helps provide excellent optimal vehicle control on a track in areas where the skills of even top-level drivers are challenged. The experienced driver can disengage VSC/TRC by pressing and holding the TRC-off button for more than three seconds.

All SA spec IS-Fs benefit from a Torsen^® (Torque Sensing) limited slip differential. This mechanical unit provides additional traction in spirited driving, transferring power more effectively to the road.

Brembo^® brakes were designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 360mm ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 345mm ventilated, drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. Front bumper ducts adjacent to the fog lamps stream cooling air to the brakes. The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers.

 

 

Luxury

The IS-F interior features specially shaped and trimmed seats that help hold the driver comfortably and securely. Other IS-F identifiers include unique silver fibre trim and a multi-function steering wheel with F logo. The standard SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button start allows the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse.

 Standard amenities include 8-way electric front sport seats with lumbar support; dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter and smog detector; a moonroof with one-touch open/close; electric tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors; electric windows with automatic up/down operation and jam protection; an auto-dimming rear-view mirror; automatic rain-sensing wipers and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors. Park Distance Control is also standard along with a reverse camera and back guide monitor.

The air conditioning system’s electrically controlled variable compressor adjusts output to demand rather than simply cycling on and off. The system can independently adjust upper and lower temperatures in response to ambient conditions or sunlight. UV-reducing, heat-absorbing glass is used throughout the car.

Effectively the IS-F shares its luxury specification with SE grade IS models. That means the standard inclusion of the acclaimed 14-speaker Mark Levinson^® Surround Sound Audio System with discrete 5.1 multi-channel playback with 7.1-channel speaker architecture. Its 10 amplifier channels provide 300 watts total output at less than 0.1 percent total harmonic distortion from 20 to 20,000 Hz (THD all channels driven). The Mark Levinson system plays conventional CDs and DVDs, plus MP3/WMA-formatted CDs and features full iPod connectivity by USB. DVD movies can be viewed on the navigation system’s colour seven-inch touch screen when the parking brake is engaged.

As with the rest of the IS range, the IS-F features Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with voice activation. The advanced system allows more accurate mapping with faster activation, while up to 2 000 songs can be stored onboard.

 

Safety

 Passive-safety technology in the IS-F begins with a reinforced passenger compartment that helps protect the occupants with front-and-rear crash structures. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters are used for all seating positions.

 In addition to advanced dual-stage front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes side-curtain airbags that extend from A- to C-pillar, plus knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger.

 Sport VDIM controls all the usual Lexus active safety systems including ABS with Brake Assist (BAS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).

There are child locks on the rear doors and ISO-Fix anchors in the rear seat. Automatic door locking and a double door lock system ensure the ultimate in security along with an alarm system with immobiliser.  There is also a key detection system in order not to lock the keys in the car with the convenience of SmartAccess keyless entry.

 

 Warranty

 All new Lexus vehicles come with a four-year/100 000km full maintenance plan and warranty. In addition, the IS-F is covered by a six-year corrosion warranty and services are required every 15 000km. The Lexus IS-F is recommended to retail for R776,900.