Lexus IS F High-Performance Sedan Powers Into ’09

The Lexus IS F high-performance sedan is the first production model to wear
the brand’s new "F" marque. Introduced in 2008, the IS F gains a revised
instrument-panel center cluster and striking new black/terra cotta two-tone
interior trim for the new model year. Additional interior trim enhancements
include a new piano black finish for the center cluster and illuminated outside
mirror controls.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus IS F is exclusively powered by a performance-tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine
teamed to an 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. The IS F engine produces
416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. The
engine’s high specific output (83.2 hp/liter) and high operating range (6,800
RPM redline) reflect the thorough attention to detail underlying the core engineering.
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 minimize
the friction generated between the connecting rods and the crankshaft. Forged
sintered iron alloy connecting rods ensure high-rpm 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 new technologies help to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions,
including the SFI D-4 fuel injection (direct-to-cylinder injection system with
secondary port injectors) and the Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
(ETCS-i). Essentially, SFI D-4 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 that
help produce a precise burn to optimize 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 boost high-rpm power.

With the IS F 5.0-liter V8, Lexus made a leap in valve-control technology with
the new Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electrically controlled
intake cam (VVT-iE). An electric drive motor alters 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 oil pan, ensuring
a reliable oil supply even during cornering that exceeds one g. The low-restriction
dual-exhaust system terminates in distinctive stacked quad diffusers.

The world’s first 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 maximize torque up to the tire-grip limitations
in the lower ranges while optimizing efficiency. Intuitive powertrain control
optimally smoothes out off-the-line response. Artificial Intelligence-SHIFT
(AI-SHIFT) complements the driver’s Sport switch selection by automatically
adapting the shifting based on road conditions and driver input. The IS F 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
paddle shifters. New hydraulic-control technology allows the IS F 8-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 rpm to vehicle speed.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
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 Fuji Speedway
and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. Fuji Speedway is the IS F’s
home circuit, and the shape of its turn one inspired the F-logo design.

Although using the basic double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear
suspension configurations of the IS platform, the IS F features a multitude
of track-proven modifications. The IS F sits an inch lower on its suspension
than the standard IS models, helping to lower the center of gravity for quicker
handling response.

Spring and damper rates are increased, and larger-diameter stabilizer bars
are used. The rear-suspension control arms are specific to the IS F to optimize
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 utilizes multi-leaf linear control valves to help improve damping force,
and rebound springs offer improved body control without degrading ride comfort.

Subframe suspension mounts are stiffer than on other IS models to help reduce
sway and ensure control under acceleration and braking. The engine mounts are
also stiffer for a more direct feel. Special jounce stoppers on both the front
and rear suspension come into play early in the compression stroke to help reduce
the roll angle 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 control.

The front wheels are 19 x 8J, with 225/40R19 tires and 19 x 9J in the rear,
with 255/35R19 tires. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and Bridgestone Potenza tires
were each developed specifically for the 170-mph track capability of the Lexus
IS F. High-rigidity hub unit bearings are engineered for rigorous, high g-force
track driving. The direct-type tire pressure monitoring system allows two sets
of tires to be registered, giving the customer the benefit of a system with
a set of track tires or winter tires. The multi-information display indicates
the tire selector switch.

A specially calibrated version of Lexus’ innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated
Management (VDIM) system 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 skid or 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 Electric Power
Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), the
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution
(EBD), and engine torque (via the electronically controlled throttle).

VDIM also provides an electronically controlled brake-based limited-slip differential
effect on the rear wheels. During cornering, VDIM suppresses any tendency for
the inside wheel to spin, transmitting more power to the outside wheel to maintain
traction and momentum. When braking on a mixed-friction surface, VDIM will direct
steering assist in the direction that will help provide the greatest control.

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 enables optimal
vehicle control on a track in areas where the skills of even top-level drivers
are challenged. The experienced driver can disengage VSC/TRAC by pressing and
holding the TRAC-off button for more than three seconds. Even with VSC/TRAC
disengaged, however, the system still provides the brake-based limited-slip
differential effect and ABS.

Brembo® brakes were designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering
team. The 14.2-inch ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful
six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6-inch 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.

Safety/Security Features
Passive-safety technology in the IS F begins with a reinforced passenger compartment
that helps protect the occupants with front-and-rear crush 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-pillar to C-pillar, plus knee airbags for the driver
and the front passenger.

The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help reduce collision damage.
The package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave
radar to measure and maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead.
PCS relies on the radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. The
PCS computer, taking sensor inputs from vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw
rate, is designed to determine whether a collision is unavoidable. In such a
situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake
Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses
the pedal.

The rear back-up camera, included with the available navigation system, automatically
projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the car onto the navigation
screen when the transmission is in reverse. The available Intuitive Park Assist
(IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car’s front
and rear bumpers, alerting the driver and showing distance to objects in the
multi-information display within the speedometer. When the IS F is equipped
with the navigation system, information on detected objects is shown in greater
detail on the seven-inch touch screen display.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
The IS F interior features specially shaped and trimmed seats that hold the
driver comfortably and securely. 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 10-way power front seats; dual-zone automatic climate
control, a pollen filter and smog detector; power moonroof with one-touch open/close
and seven open-position settings; power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel;
three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors;
all power windows with automatic up/down operation and jam protection; an auto-dimming
rear-view mirror with HomeLink® programmable garage door opener, automated
rain-sensing wipers and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors with integrated
puddle lamps.

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.

The standard Lexus Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer,
and 13 speakers. Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) maintains consistent sound
levels in response to varying extraneous noise levels. A convenient mini-jack
in the center console enables connection of an iPod® or other portable music
players.

Luxury Options
Like all Lexus models, the IS F offers a Mark Levinson® Premium Surround
Sound Audio System. This 14-speaker audio system features 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. DVD movies can be viewed on the navigation
system’s color seven-inch touch screen when the parking brake is engaged.

Exterior Design
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
hood’s raised center section makes room for the V8 powerplant, and the front
fenders were widened to envelop the 19-inch low-profile tires. Total grille
area is increased to ensure adequate cooling for the 5.0-liter 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" marque.

The car’s wedge-like profile is accentuated by functional front fender air
outlets with lower edges that transition into larger rocker 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 recognizable
design elements.

Four vertically stacked exhaust diffusers, two per side, are integrated into
the rear bumper. Above them, light-emitting diode (LED) stop and tail lamps
behind clear lenses give the IS F a unique nighttime appearance.

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

Interior Design
The interior of the IS F features an exclusive design treatment highlighted
by aluminized composite trim, striking two-tone upholstery, aluminum-rimmed
main gauges, unique steering-wheel treatment and other special surface treatments.
The instrument panel integrates a new 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. A multi-information display located
within the speedometer integrates a trip computer that provides outside temperature,
driving range, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption since refueling
(per tank), current fuel consumption, average speed and the F logo. The display
also includes an oil-maintenance reminder and system warnings.

Warranty
All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty
with roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint
system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation
protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. The hybrid-related
components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control
module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.

Credit: Lexus USA