The Lexus reputation for building high-quality, ultra-quiet and fine-driving semi-sporting machines is about to come to an abrupt halt. Because what Lexus has here, with the new IS F, is a bona fide hot-rod — the most un-Lexus-like Lexus ever put into production.
The "F" designation comes from the "Circle-F" internal code that Toyota used more than 20 years ago when it was concocting the upmarket Lexus brand. From now on, F will designate a performance Lexus — of which company officials promise more of in the future. The F logo was inspired by several turns at Fuji Speedway in Japan, a track where the IS F spent much of its development time.
Lexus isn't embarrassed to admit that the IS F's 5.0-liter V-8 is based on the 4.6-liter version that powers the LS 460 and GS 460. In IS F form, this engine makes considerably more power — 416 bhp at 6600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. at 5200 — and, of course, that extra power is stuffed into a smaller car. The IS F doesn't just get its power from the engine's increased size, but from such features as a forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, titanium intake valves, high-flow intake ports as well as aluminum cylinder heads designed and built by Yamaha. A new variable valve-control system (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electrically controlled intake cam, or VVT-iE) is unique in that it uses an electric motor to operate its cam phasing.
A feature that has a huge impact on the alluring sounds that emanate from beneath the car's bulging hood is the IS F's dual air-intake system. The secondary passage opens at 3600 rpm, boosting high-rpm power and turning the engine (if you're at full throttle) from Lexus-quiet to raunchy-V-8 loud. We love it.
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