is-f official release

[FARIS]

http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/07/1004.html

 

October 4, 2007

 

Lexus Launches 'IS F' in Japan

TOKYO, May 17, 2007 — Lexus announced today that it will begin sales in Japan, starting on December 25, of the "IS F"*.

 

http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/07/image/1004.jpgIS F (with options)

The IS F is a Lexus "F" premium sports car based on the concept of proposing a new level of performance for Lexus through a refinement of basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology. The vehicle was developed to pursue, to the fullest extent possible, the "joy of driving" — which is one of the fundamental appeals of the automobile — by responding reliably and performing as intended.

 

Based on the IS series, the IS F boasts a completely new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and specially selected aluminum wheels and tires. The vehicle was tested extensively on race circuits in Japan and overseas, including Fuji Speedway, in order to demonstrate its full potential. Detailed attention to the responsiveness of the acceleration, gear shifting, steering and brakes, as well as to the actual experience of quality (such as engine sound and the sensation of acceleration), has created a new type of driving pleasure — not just for the driver but for passengers as well — thus expressing the emotional appeal of the Lexus brand.

 

* Based on the idea of creating a vehicle that can run on various types of roads, the vehicle was extensively tested on race circuits, including Higashifuji Technical Center and Fuji Speedway. The "F" in the IS F name comes from the "F" in "Fuji Speedway".

 

Note: Products described in this and in any attached materials are for the Japanese market only.

 

 

Monthly Sales Target

 

40 units

 

Assembly Plant

 

Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

 

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices

(Prices in Hokkaido differ; unit: yen)ModelEnginePowertrainTransmissionPrice (including

consumption tax)*IS F2UR-GSE

5.0-liter V8Front-engine,

rear-wheel drive8-Speed

Sport Direct Shift7,660,000* Excluding recycling fees

 

 

Vehicle Outline

 

1. Performance that Can Maximize Driving Pleasure

 

 

• The newly developed 5.0-liter V8 engine is a D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) that combines both port and direct fuel injection. Advanced technologies, including electric motor-driven VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor) on the intake side of the Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system), maximize the performance of the engine. This naturally aspirated engine provides a feeling of linear acceleration, high acceleration response and powerful, enjoyable acceleration even at high engine speeds.
  
• By adopting the dual-intake system, the IS F provides smooth and even torque at low or medium engine speeds and high torque with both air inlets open at high engine speeds. In addition, the engine sound goes through three transitions in line with rpm to offer true sports car stimulation.

Engine Specifications

Model2UR-GSETypeV8 DOHCDisplacement [cc]4,968Bore x stroke [mm]94.0 x 89.5Fuel supply systemD-4S (direct fuel injection + port fuel injection)Fuel typePremium unleaded gasolineCompression ratio11.8:1Maximum output [kW (PS) / rpm]311 (423) / 6,600Maximum torque [N-m (kg-m) / rpm]505 (51.5) / 5,200Exhaust emissions levels compared to the Japanese 2005 standards175% lowerFuel efficiency in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle2 [km/l]8.21. Specified under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's (MLIT) Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles

2. Outlined by MLIT

 

 

• The 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission is based on the eight-speed automatic transmission used on the LS460 series, with electronic control technology that provides the benefits of both the smooth shifting of an automatic transmission for comfortable driving and a full-scale, sporty manual transmission that does not need a clutch — which is without precedent anywhere in the world* for an eight-speed transmission. The two-pedal sports transmission also offers new value and perfectly suits a premium sports car. In addition to smooth shifting when the lever is in "D", the torque converter allows smooth and powerful acceleration when starting up in first-gear by putting the lever in "M". In gears two through eight, the direct connection between the engine and the transmission results in direct acceleration response. While achieving one of the fastest gear-change responses in the world, the transmission also has a blipping (revving) control feature that—in the fashion of the heel and toe technique used by race drivers—automatically increases engine rotation speed during downshifts to avoid downshift jolts. In addition, the IS F also features a special paddle shifter that can be operated without the need to remove one’s hand from the steering wheel.
  
• The springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers and other parts have been optimally tuned for an exclusive suspension that is based on the IS series suspension, which provides both outstanding stability and a feeling of agility. The vehicle offers excellent cruising performance that is capable of handling race circuits.
  
• In addition to 19-inch forged aluminum wheels that are both strong and light, the IS F uses large-diameter, wide 225/40R19 tires at the front and 255/35R19 tires at the rear for superior gripping performance, excellent handling and cruising stability.
  
• The IS F has high-performance brakes that can withstand even extreme braking on race circuits.
  
• The VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system stabilizes the vehicle by coordinating control and achieving an optimum balance between drive power, steering and braking, thus allowing high preventive safety. The IS F's VDIM has a "sports" mode that ensures safety while maximizing vehicle performance.

* As of September 2007, according to a TMC survey

 

 

2. Interior and Exterior Designs and Exclusive Equipment Appeal to a Sports Car Mindset

 

 

• The hood, grille, front fenders and front and rear bumpers, rocker panel molding, rear spoiler and other elements were designed exclusively for the IS F based on the Lexus design philosophy "L-finesse"*. The exterior styling has a dynamic yet simple form that expresses the vehicle's cruising performance and functionality.
  
• The sharply contrasted interior uses the colors black and white with blue accents that are exquisitely placed. The center console and armrests feature special ornamentation.
  
• The gauges have an exclusive metal ring achieved through cutting work. The gauge needles feature blue LEDs and a speedometer that goes up to 300km/h. (Vehicles with domestic specifications have a function to limit speeds that activates at 180km/h.)
  
• The four sports-car-style seats emphasize a degree of holding power that can withstand cruising on race circuits.
  
• The 14-speaker Mark Levinson® premium surround-sound audio system has been tuned specifically for the IS F (optional on all vehicles in the series).

*Created by combining "leading-edge" and "finesse" design concepts

 

 

3. Class-leading Safety and Environmental Performance*

 

 

• The Pre-crash Safety System, which uses millimeter-wave radar, warns drivers that a front-end collision is imminent and works to reduce injury if an accident occurs (optional on all vehicles in the series).
  
• Along with an impact-absorbing body and strong cabin, the IS F achieves further contributions to class-leading safety performance through dual-stage SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags for the driver and front passenger seat (SRS twin-chamber airbag for the front passenger seat); SRS knee airbags for the driver and front passenger seat; SRS side airbags for the driver and front passenger seat; and SRS curtain shield airbags for both front and rear seats.
  
• Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency in order to reduce CO2 emissions. The vehicle boasts a fuel efficiency of 8.2km/l in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) with CO2 emissions under the test cycle just 283g/km. Both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have also been reduced, achieving emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
  
• The IS F benefits from Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System) — Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system — achieving overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle. Environmental targets were set in the initial vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was carried out to achieve a reduction of air contaminants and CO2, etc., throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.
  
• In addition to using highly recyclable materials, greater attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing the use of substances of concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, achieving the Japanese automobile industry's voluntary goals of eliminating the use of these substances.

*Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement

[SLegacy99]

I want.

[NateWA]

how much horsepowers?

[Richard B.]

how much horsepowers?

 

looks like 423.

 

running an 8 speed auto.

 

meh.

 

i'd rather drop a fatty turbo and put 245's all around on the subaru.

[SLegacy99]

how much horsepowers?

Not enough!

[wukindada]

Not enough!

 

For 60k+ it sure isn't.........

[IwannaSportSedan]

For $60K, an M3 4-door is going to bitch-slap this car.

 

I don't like the new M3's front bumper cover, (the M5's is nicer) but that is a small issue compared to the ugliness on the front of this car. The hood line as seen from the side is just bizarre, and the fender strakes are gaudy.

 

A V8 M3 4-door 6-speed, with an aftermarket front bumper cover, and maybe a Dinan or Active Autowerke or other bit of BMW tuning is going to be the V8 sedan to have, or maybe the upcoming CTS-V.

 

The IS-F is a bit laughable. And if this represents the L-finesse design language, the LF-A is going to be 'funny', too.

 

It will be funny to see the G8 GT 6-speed embarrass this thing performance wise, for just over half the price with a bit of small-block tuning (as if that isn't cheap and plentiful... )

[wukindada]

Acceleration wise I bet not.....

 

Basically the same HP & the F has a much larger tq curve not to mention another 50+ftlbs

 

I would def. take the M3 though

[IwannaSportSedan]

I wonder about the price, though. For $60k, one might be able to afford a small amount of tuning on the M3, if the M3 is priced in the low to mid 50s

 

Plus, I also wonder about the weight on both cars.

[SLegacy99]

I wonder about the price, though. For $60k, one might be able to afford a small amount of tuning on the M3, if the M3 is priced in the low to mid 50s

 

Plus, I also wonder about the weight on both cars.

Tuning the new M models is difficult and costly. I imagine most of the people who can afford/want these cars (men in their 40s and 50s) won't be buying an M3 to tune.

[Richard B.]

For $60K, an M3 4-door is going to bitch-slap this car.

 

I don't like the new M3's front bumper cover, (the M5's is nicer) but that is a small issue compared to the ugliness on the front of this car. The hood line as seen from the side is just bizarre, and the fender strakes are gaudy.

 

A V8 M3 4-door 6-speed, with an aftermarket front bumper cover, and maybe a Dinan or Active Autowerke or other bit of BMW tuning is going to be the V8 sedan to have, or maybe the upcoming CTS-V.

 

The IS-F is a bit laughable. And if this represents the L-finesse design language, the LF-A is going to be 'funny', too.

 

It will be funny to see the G8 GT 6-speed embarrass this thing performance wise, for just over half the price with a bit of small-block tuning (as if that isn't cheap and plentiful... )

 

for 45k you can get a lightly optioned 335xi.

 

then...ahem...add a procede chip. should be about 400 crank.

 

i see absolutely no reason to even look at that lexus. prolly just something toyota is saying...look what we CAN do. imo, it is nothing special.

[Richard B.]

Tuning the new M models is difficult and costly. I imagine most of the people who can afford/want these cars (men in their 40s and 50s) won't be buying an M3 to tune.

 

 

what in the world is there to tune on an m3? i am guessing the new one will be a tech masterpiece. NOTHING some "hack" tuner is going to really be good at.

 

we can't even get cobb to drop an ap for an 07 legacy. the new m3 will not be some wannabe tuner's wet dream. i'd be willing to bet there isn't much IF anything they can do.

[SLegacy99]

we can't even get cobb to drop an ap for an 07 legacy. the new m3 will not be some wannabe tuner's wet dream. i'd be willing to bet there isn't much IF anything they can do.

 

Yes thats what I said. Clearly it went over your head.

 

My point: The Lexus is puttin out more hp.

[RobY]

Auto transmission BLEH. At least put an SMG in there. It will be fun but there will be somthing missing and it is going to suck ass to the extreme. Automatics will never reproduce the excitement of a manual.

[SLegacy99]

Auto transmission BLEH. At least put an SMG in there. It will be fun but there will be somthing missing and it is going to suck ass to the extreme. Automatics will never reproduce the excitement of a manual.

Lexus' problem with the IS350 when it debuted was that they didn't have a MT that could handle the power. 3 years later they still don't.

[Penguin]

Well I guess Toyota has finally made a V8 making better than 400hp. Funny it took them 1 more liter to do it than BMW, but who is keeping score? I don't really care about displacement as long as the engine isn't an out sized heavy monster.

 

Overall I am unimpressed with this car compared to it's competition. Toyota fan boys will love it though.

[John M]

I wouldn't want the M3 when there's the twin turbo 6 available in the "plain" 3 series. That'd leave me far more potential than the M3's v8 and plenty of cash to make the car as I wanted it.

 

However, I don't want 2wd no matter how fast they are in ideal conditions. I saw that BMW's twin turbo is available with AWD in the 5 series. That might be an interesting sleeper.

[sactojesse]

The lack of a MT is a deal killer for me.

 

The IS F is a Lexus "F" premium sports car based on the concept of proposing a new level of performance for Lexus through a refinement of basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology. The vehicle was developed to pursue, to the fullest extent possible, the "joy of driving" — which is one of the fundamental appeals of the automobile — by responding reliably and performing as intended.

 

Sounds like Engrish ad-copy to me. WTF does "refinement of basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology" mean?

 

Based on the IS series, the IS F boasts a completely new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and specially selected aluminum wheels and tires.

 

WTF are aluminum tires?

 

Somebody needs to hire an ad agency who actually knows English and cars. I look forward to hearing more about the "exclusive" suspension and "specially selected" wheels and tires.

[Penguin]

I wouldn't want the M3 when there's the twin turbo 6 available in the "plain" 3 series. That'd leave me far more potential than the M3's v8 and plenty of cash to make the car as I wanted it.

 

However, I don't want 2wd no matter how fast they are in ideal conditions. I saw that BMW's twin turbo is available with AWD in the 5 series. That might be an interesting sleeper.

 

Check out BMW's web site, the 335xi is now a reality. AWD, twin turbo inline six. Yummy.

[SLegacy99]

X drive isn't anything special.

[Penguin]

X drive isn't anything special.

 

In my experience it works pretty well, no worse than the AWD in the LGT.

[SLegacy99]

In my experience it works pretty well, no worse than the AWD in the LGT.

IMO Symmetrical and Quattro are significantly better than X drive and All-trac for that matter.

[Richard B.]

IMO Symmetrical and Quattro are significantly better than X drive and All-trac for that matter.

 

why?

 

 

well, besides the marketing factor which you just repeated.

[SLegacy99]

why?

 

 

well, besides the marketing factor which you just repeated.

 

Subaru AWD is significantly better. PERIOD.

 

BMW also has slow reacting auto trans. and choppy shifting MTs in their cars equiped with x drive. Don't get me wrong, I love BMW. But if your are looking for AWD, there are way better alternatives.

[Penguin]

Subaru AWD is significantly better. PERIOD.

 

BMW also has slow reacting auto trans. and choppy shifting MTs in their cars equiped with x drive. Don't get me wrong, I love BMW. But if your are looking for AWD, there are way better alternatives.

 

I have driven both extensively and I feel that X drive gives very good performance. I have never noticed choppy shifting in the MT BMW's hooked up to X drive, and the autos take some time to learn driving habits (admitedly frustrating at first).

 

For 99% of people that buy AWD cars getting down the road in inclement weather is all that matters. Hell that's all I really care about, if I wanted absolute performance I would get something really powerful with RWD.