Lexus Launches ‘IS F’ in Japan

TOKYO, May 17, 2007 — Lexus announced today that it will begin sales in Japan, starting on December 25, of the “IS F”*. The IS F is a Lexus “F” premium sports car based on the concept of
proposing a new level of performance for Lexus through a refinement of
basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology.  The
vehicle was developed to pursue, to the fullest extent possible, the
“joy of driving” — which is one of the fundamental appeals of the
automobile — by responding reliably and performing as intended.
 

Based on the IS series, the IS F boasts a completely new engine and
transmission, an exclusive suspension and specially selected aluminum
wheels and tires.  The vehicle was tested extensively on race circuits
in Japan and overseas, including Fuji Speedway, in order to demonstrate
its full potential.  Detailed attention to the responsiveness of the
acceleration, gear shifting, steering and brakes, as well as to the
actual experience of quality (such as engine sound and the sensation of
acceleration), has created a new type of driving pleasure — not just
for the driver but for passengers as well — thus expressing the
emotional appeal of the Lexus brand.

*
Based on the idea of creating a vehicle that can run on various types
of roads, the vehicle was extensively tested on race circuits,
including Higashifuji Technical Center and Fuji Speedway.  The "F" in
the IS F name comes from the "F" in "Fuji Speedway".

Note: Products described in this and in any attached materials are for the Japanese market only.

Monthly Sales Target

40 units

Assembly Plant

Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices

* Excluding recycling fees

Vehicle Outline

1. Performance that Can Maximize Driving Pleasure

• The newly developed 5.0-liter V8 engine is a D-4S (direct injection
  four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) that combines both port
  and direct fuel injection.  Advanced technologies, including electric
  motor-driven VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by
  Electric motor) on the intake side of the Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable
  Valve Timing-intelligent system), maximize the performance of the
  engine.  This naturally aspirated engine provides a feeling of linear
  acceleration, high acceleration response and powerful, enjoyable
  acceleration even at high engine speeds.
• By adopting the dual-intake system, the IS F provides smooth and
  even torque at low or medium engine speeds and high torque with both
  air inlets open at high engine speeds.  In addition, the engine sound
  goes through three transitions in line with rpm to offer true sports
  car stimulation.

Engine Specifications

1. Specified under the Japanese Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport’s (MLIT) Approval System for Low-emission
Vehicles
2. Outlined by MLIT

• The 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission is based on the
  eight-speed automatic transmission used on the LS460 series, with
  electronic control technology that provides the benefits of both the
  smooth shifting of an automatic transmission for comfortable driving
  and a full-scale, sporty manual transmission that does not need a
  clutch — which is without precedent anywhere in the world* for an
  eight-speed transmission.  The two-pedal sports transmission also
  offers new value and perfectly suits a premium sports car.  In addition
  to smooth shifting when the lever is in "D", the torque converter
  allows smooth and powerful acceleration when starting up in first-gear
  by putting the lever in "M".  In gears two through eight, the direct
  connection between the engine and the transmission results in direct
  acceleration response.  While achieving one of the fastest gear-change
  responses in the world, the transmission also has a blipping (revving)
  control feature that–in the fashion of the heel and toe technique used
  by race drivers–automatically increases engine rotation speed during
  downshifts to avoid downshift jolts.  In addition, the IS F also
  features a special paddle shifter that can be operated without the need
  to remove one’s hand from the steering wheel.
• The springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers and other parts have been
  optimally tuned for an exclusive suspension that is based on the IS
  series suspension, which provides both outstanding stability and a
  feeling of agility.  The vehicle offers excellent cruising performance
  that is capable of handling race circuits.
• In addition to 19-inch forged aluminum wheels that are both strong
  and light, the IS F uses large-diameter, wide 225/40R19 tires at the
  front and 255/35R19 tires at the rear for superior gripping
  performance, excellent handling and cruising stability.
• The IS F has high-performance brakes that can withstand even extreme braking on race circuits.
• The VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system stabilizes
  the vehicle by coordinating control and achieving an optimum balance
  between drive power, steering and braking, thus allowing high
  preventive safety.  The IS F’s VDIM has a "sports" mode that ensures
  safety while maximizing vehicle performance.

* As of September 2007, according to a TMC survey

2. Interior and Exterior Designs and Exclusive Equipment Appeal to a Sports Car Mindset

• The hood, grille, front fenders and front and rear bumpers, rocker
  panel molding, rear spoiler and other elements were designed
  exclusively for the IS F based on the Lexus design philosophy
  "L-finesse"*.  The exterior styling has a dynamic yet simple form that
  expresses the vehicle’s cruising performance and functionality.
• The sharply contrasted interior uses the colors black and white
  with blue accents that are exquisitely placed.  The center console and
  armrests feature special ornamentation.
• The gauges have an exclusive metal ring achieved through cutting
  work.  The gauge needles feature blue LEDs and a speedometer that goes
  up to 300km/h.  (Vehicles with domestic specifications have a function
  to limit speeds that activates at 180km/h.)
• The four sports-car-style seats emphasize a degree of holding power that can withstand cruising on race circuits.
• The 14-speaker Mark Levinson® premium surround-sound audio system
  has been tuned specifically for the IS F (optional on all vehicles in
  the series).

*Created by combining "leading-edge" and "finesse" design concepts

3. Class-leading Safety and Environmental Performance*

• The Pre-crash Safety System, which uses millimeter-wave radar,
  warns drivers that a front-end collision is imminent and works to
  reduce injury if an accident occurs (optional on all vehicles in the
  series).
• Along with an impact-absorbing body and strong cabin, the IS F
  achieves further contributions to class-leading safety performance
  through dual-stage SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags for the
  driver and front passenger seat (SRS twin-chamber airbag for the front
  passenger seat); SRS knee airbags for the driver and front passenger
  seat; SRS side airbags for the driver and front passenger seat; and SRS
  curtain shield airbags for both front and rear seats.
• Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency in order to reduce CO2
  emissions.  The vehicle boasts a fuel efficiency of 8.2km/l in the
  10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land,
  Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) with CO2
  emissions under the test cycle just 283g/km.  Both NOx (nitrogen
  oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have also been reduced,
  achieving emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the
  MLIT’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
• The IS F benefits from Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System) —
  Toyota’s original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system
  — achieving overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the
  vehicle’s entire lifecycle.  Environmental targets were set in the
  initial vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was
  carried out to achieve a reduction of air contaminants and CO2, etc., throughout all stages of the vehicle’s life from production and use to disposal.
• In addition to using highly recyclable materials, greater attention
  has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing the
  use of substances of concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and
  hexavalent chromium, achieving the Japanese automobile industry’s
  voluntary goals of eliminating the use of these substances.

^*Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement

Credit: Lexus Japan

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