2008 Lexus IS F

Interior

The heart of the IS F is a 5.0-liter DOHC V-8 that features both direct-into-the-cylinder and port fuel injection. The cylinder heads were co-developed by Yamaha and feature titanium intake valves—lighter and stronger than steel. These make maximum use of its electronically controlled intake cams. Exhaust cams are the more conventional hydraulically controlled variety.


Lexus says the engine peaks out at 416 horsepower and 371 lb.-ft. of torque, but from our driving experience we suspect that was a very conservative dynamometer. Weight distribution of 56/46 doesn't help handling, but you can have 52/48 and the 204 horsepower of the IS 250, if you choose.


Behind only the engine, the IS F's best feature is its eight-speed automatic transmission. But it's far from a regular slushbox. Like a manual (or a Formula 1 transmission), the clutch is locked up in second through eighth gears. Upshift time is 0.1 second: Beat that in an M3. Downshifts occur in 0.2 seconds and are accompanied by a throttle blip to prevent skidding the rear tires. Race drivers might match it on a perfect day, but the auto does it every time. Drivers can either leave it in the fully automatic mode or use the Formula 1-style shift paddles on the steering wheel. If you choose to use the paddles, a single beep reminds of the approaching redline and a pair of beeps reprimands your attempt to downshift at too high of a speed. Many other semi-automatic transmissions—the otherwise excellent Porsche Tiptronic, for one—gave no audible indication of a rejected downshift, leaving the driver in too high a gear to accelerate out of the corner.

Chassis

Toyota claims 0 to 60 mph acceleration is in the mid-four-second range. Its quick shifting automatic may offset its 200-pound weight penalty over the '08 414-horsepower M3. Lexus says the IS F is electronically limited to 168 mph, which makes it the fastest production Lexus ever.


Other additions include giant Brembo brakes with 14.2-inch front rotors and six-piston aluminum calipers and 12-inch rear rotors. Don't pound on the brake pedal unless you really mean it. There's also multi-level switchable electronic stability control that'll allow you to have plenty of fun on back roads but will help prevent you from immediately wadding up your new toy. Except for experienced racers on a racetrack, fully disengaging the stability control is asking for a crash. Even a simple smoky burnout will significantly reduce the grip of the rear tires by overheating and permanently damaging the rubber. That'll cause the tail to slide excessively on your favorite on ramp. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $56,000.