The Lexus IS-F
Introducing the brand’s first sports saloon, a variation on the IS saloon, now with an added “F” – which makes all the difference.
Launched by Lexus at the last trade-show in Détroit, it boasts a dash and an “F” (for “flagship” or “fast”, whichever you prefer…), plus a dash of real temperament. If Lexus has so far been synonymous with luxury, quietness and ecology, we now have to add aggressiveness. This beauty has no time for half-measures. Its silhouette first. Fans of tuning will be over the moon : a chassis 25 millimetres lower, a much more impressive grille with wide air intakes, evocative moulding on the hood, 19’’ wheel-rims and two double, super-imposed exhaust pipes in chrome. Inside, one naturally finds Lexus classiness with a sporty touch as a bonus. The seats are made of leather, chrome rubs shoulders with aluminium, and the central console is in sequoia. Which all makes for a unique sensation combining refinement, high tech and dynamism. Though it’s under the hood that the IS-F hides its own personality : a 5-liter 400 hp V8 engine which allows for performances worthy of a top-notch sports car. Transmission is handled by the LS 460’s automatic system with 8 gears, onto which a torque converter has been grafted. The driver can also opt for manual mode using the palettes on the driving-wheel. Thanks to its Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDiM), the IS-F proposes three types of driving : “normal” with electronic assistance, “sporty” for stronger sensations, and “off”, when the driver is left to his own devices. Like the other models in the IS range, this lovely “tornado” benefits from a wide array of safety, stability and driving assistance functions. They include ABS (anti-lock brake system), EBD (electronic brake-power distribution), TRC (engine function control) and VSC (vehicle stability control). The latter kicks in if the driver brakes sharply in a tight bend, recognising a tendency to over- or under-steer, reducing engine power and braking on the front or rear wheels for total and optimal control. A vital player in terms of security, the Pre-Crash Safety function (PCS) detects any obstacles in front of the car by means of a radar and determines the imminence of the collision. In addition to traditional airbags at front and rear, the IS-F benefits from knee airbags for the driver and his front-seat passenger. As standard equipment, one also finds the “nec plus ultra” at technological comfort level with, in particular, the Smart Key opening and starting system, Optitron display, electronic control of air-conditioning, and LPAM (Lexus Parking Assist Monitor). From a wide array of specific options, Lexus proposes its own new navigation system and the now famous Mark Levinson audio system for sound likely to satisfy the most demanding hi-fi specialists. The eagerly awaited IS-F is scheduled to appear on the French market in the first quarter of 2008.
L’IS-F in figures:
Length : 4,66 m
Widht : 1,82 m
Height : 1,41 m
Wheelbase : 2,73 m
From 0 to 100 km/h : 4 s
SORTIE : 1er trimestre 2008
Prce : about 70.000 €
By Cécile Olivéro
