dont forget that sport also affects traction control. you can do more ballsy things with it on.

 

Since it is VDIM Sport mode. VDIM is a seamless integration of the electronically controlled brakes, electronic power steering, vsc/trac and ABS. VDIM Sport raises the threshold and certainly increases steering input in that mode. that is why the IS F transforms into a whole different car with Sport mode is engaged.

Here's a good explanation of VDIM Sport and the rest of the IS F's features:

http://www.lexus.com/isf/isf/brad/vdim.html

Here's more info on the suspension and steering:

http://www.lexus.com/isf/isf/brad/suspension.html

 

Thanks flipside, clears that up for sure

 

Thanks for the information! It confirms my experience. I knew about the steering and the shifting, but wasn't sure if the suspension settings are changed.

 

335i and ISF are not comparable in term of suspension. Obviously the ISF is more stiff. Compare it with the new M3 or C63 instead. Or compare the suspension of a 335i to that of a IS350. Let's compare apples to apples and nor apples to oranges.

That said I wish the ISF had a suspension with two modes: comfort and sport, but that would require a class above (like the E63 or the rumored GS-F).

 

I agree with you Foup. That was some of the sentiments I shared with Lexus when we were evaluating the car at Laguna Seca last year. I told them it would be nice if the IS F had AVS (adaptive variable suspension) like the GS and the previous ES which featured a Comfort and Sport mode.

 

I haven't driven the M3 or the C63, so I was looking for the comparison with what I have driven, which was the 335i, and which I was very impressed with.

 

IS-F handling is sub par to the power it puts out. It squats under quick acceleration and nose dives more than it should under heavy braking. I owned a 335i and it was less sporty and had it share of nose dive and squat and it was more noticeable when I added Dinan Stage 2 software that produces more torque than ISF at very low rpm's it became even more evident. Anyways needless to say but IS- feels sporty under normal driving and when you push it it becomes "unwound".

ISF is a no match for a 335i BMW performance suspension package and some M3 control arms that are very interchangeable from the M3. When you take a turn the car stays just as planted as it was going in a straight line

I am not here to praise 335i. I had my share of problems with it hence now I have an ISF majorly because of its engine and drive train reliability. I am a little disappointed there is no Lexus parts for thse who want to go further just like ///M sport for unreliable BMW.

 

Driven a 2008 335i sports package, driven the 2011 ISF, own a 2008 ISF.

From my impression, the 2011 ISF with revised suspension is MUCH better than the 2008-2010 models and it will out perform a stock 335i in handling.

2008 ISF vs 335i sports, I would say they're pretty much the same. BMW suspension is "softer" but it handles really well. 270 degree onramps can be carried at the same speed, but the BMW does "feel" more planted especially if the road is not track smooth.

Not touting BMW handling, just what I perceive.

 

Just to clarify my 335i was "sport" package which was close to ISF. The one I said was no match for ISF is a "performance" package that only comes as a kit. Performance package 335i my friend is no joke and is nearly comparable to the M3 which is proven to out handle the ISF all day.