Lexus IS F With 270K Miles Doesn’t Break a Sweat on the Nurburgring
With a few mods and a stock V8, this high-mile Lexus IS F proves more than capable of being a fun track toy.
The Lexus IS F is still a beloved vehicle among enthusiasts, years after it departed this earth with no actual replacement. Sure, we can mosey on down to our local Lexus dealer and purchase the next best thing – the also V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive IS 500 F Performance – but it still isn’t quite as hardcore as the F that preceded it. Our only alternative is the used car market, where we may be discouraged to find high-mile examples out there, but as this video from YouTube Misha Charoudin proves, that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
Charoudin recently received an invitation to head out to the legendary Nurburgring in Germany and take some hot laps in a Lexus IS F that has a rather substantial 439,500 kilometers on the odometer, which equates to 273,093 miles. That’s a lot for pretty much any car – even a Lexus – and especially for one that’s routinely driven on the track. However, it seems as if with routine maintenance, this particular car has no problem posting solid performance, in spite of its age.
This particular IS F is mostly stock as well, at least in terms of its powertrain – the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 underhood is unmodified, but has been treated to routine maintenance such as new timing chains at the 200k kilometer mark. It likely makes a little less than its original ratings of 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque, but that’s more than enough to have some fun at the notoriously technical Nurburgring, particularly since there are a few mods present elsewhere.
Those upgrades include a custom-tuned KW coilover suspension, Endless brakes, OZ wheels, and an interior that’s been stripped of a rear seat and fitted with harnesses for safety purposes. For someone wanting a reliable, high-mileage track beater, this is a proven recipe – upgrade some bits and pieces, but leave the stock, stout engine alone for maximum life.
In this case, that combination is a golden one, giving its owner a car that he can drive every day, but also take to the track on the weekend to hone his skills. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also proof that we shouldn’t be afraid to take on a high-mile IS F, so long as it’s been properly maintained, at least.
Join the Club Lexus forums now!
