Lexus IS F

On 6 December 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of a high-performance variant of the second generation Lexus IS which they called Lexus IS F in a press release. The Lexus IS F sedan premiered at the 2007 North American International Auto Show on January 8, 2007 as the launch product of Lexus' F marque lineup of performance-focused vehicles. The vehicle features a 5.0 L direct-injected V8 producing 416 SAE hp (423 PS, 311 kW) at 6,600 rpm, while peak torque is 371 ft·lbf (503 N·m) at 5,200 rpm. The engine also features a two-stage intake system, engine oil and transmission fluid coolers and an oil pump designed for high-speed cornering. Images were leaked a couple of hours before the official announcement.

The specifications upon release are as follows: starting price is $56,000 USD, 5.0L V8 engine, 416 hp (310 kW) at 6,600 rpm, 371 ft·lbf (503 N·m) torque at 5,200 rpm, 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds and a 12.385 seconds at 115.010 mph (185.1 km/h) in the 1/4mile, and a top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h) (electronically limited). According to a test by Motor Trend, the IS F recorded a 331 hp (247 kW; 336 PS) and 276 pound-feet (374 N·m) of torque on a DynoJet dynamometer. Typical dyno results with 93 octane are 357+hp and 345+tq.
The debut of the higher performance variant of the IS was preceded by spy photos of prototype testing in Germany and California, along with other disguised Lexus test vehicles. The previous generation Lexus IS 430 prototype vehicle was indicative of future possibilities for the Lexus IS series, including the likelihood that a second generation high-performance Lexus IS model could come equipped with a V8 engine. It was also rumored that there would be a coupe and a convertible version for a 2009 model, as well as a convertible version of the V8-powered IS.
The chief engineer of the second generation Lexus IS was Suguya Fukusato, a rally driver, while the Lexus IS F project was led by Yukihiko Yaguchi, who worked on the Toyota Supra.

Lexus IS 350

The Lexus IS 350's performance was praised in the February 2007 Road & Track Japanese luxury sports sedan comparison, in which the Lexus IS took first place and clocked a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 13.5 seconds at 103.1 mph (165.9 km/h).Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS' acceleration as the "fastest in its class." Some say this marks Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compares fairly well with its German competitors. However, prevailing criticisms are that its steering is not as communicative as that of the BMW 3 Series, the rear seat legroom (while improved over the first generation) is still tight, and that the higher-performance Lexus IS 350 is only offered with an automatic transmission, lacking a true six speed manual to accompany its V6 engine. In response to criticism regarding the lack of a stability/traction control disable switch on 2006 IS models, Lexus added a VDIM/VSC off switch for the 2007 model year.
For 2006 Lexus IS models, the stability control system/traction control system can be disabled through non-conventional methods by using a code during engine start. This involves starting the car with the parking brake engaged, releasing the parking brake, pushing the brake pedal twice, holding it on the second push, engaging the parking brake twice, holding it on the second, and repeating until the vehicle traction light appears on the dash. This will effectively disable the system until the car is turned off.

History of Lexus IS 350 Coupe

The concept car that is most likely to influence the design of the new Lexus IS Coupe is the 2004 LF-C. Although this vehicle is a retractable hardtop cabriolet, certain features such as the front lights and front spoiler influenced the design of the current Lexus IS sedans.

The styling of the concept vehicle was produced by the Calty Design Research Center, featuring a unique hardtop design that allows the car to transform itself at the touch of a button from a coupe to a convertible, to a targa or to a speedster, depending on the driver’s mood. The powered top diagonally stowed neatly into the trunk through an amazingly negligible rear-deck opening.

The vehicle’s large rear wheel drive platform utilized a high-output, front-mounted V8 engine, mated with a six-speed sequential automatic transmission. With a wheelbase expanded with 5 inches, the Lexus LF-C was only slightly longer overall than the current Lexus IS. Appreciably, the Lexus LF-C sat about 2 inches lower and was 5 inches wider than the current Lexus IS. The wide stance and small overhangs stroke an aggressive pose with generous dimensions that accommodated four adult passengers.

"We used a combination of convex and concave surfaces to control the balance of light and shadow on the car which creates this beautiful contrast of having sharp lines within the sculpted exterior surfaces," said Kevin Hunter, vice president of Calty Design Research, Inc. "The idea was to create a sense of strength and softness at the same time, adding an air of mystery." Calty used long, integrated lines to simplify the overall form of the Lexus LF-C. The individual roof rail tapered as it moved forward from the rear, mimicking the sculpted theme of the main body. The tremendous tapering of the main body shaped from front to rear, which was then wrapped and interlocked by the rear fenders, was designed to show strength and power from every angle. The interior communicated performance with drive-by-wire steering and Formula One inspired shifter and steering wheel with the gauges stacked along the steering column axis, ascending toward the base of the windshield. The gauges were transparent, with needles moving from the ring, rather than the center.

The dynamic and flowing center console, in a solid tapered form, ran the length of the interior. Displays and controls were hidden beneath this transparent console surface that was multi-layered, which created a sophisticated, high-tech look and feel. The console was flanked on each side by arched, wing-like instrument panels situated low in front of the driver and passenger to create a feeling of openness.

Four lightweight individual bucket seats used slender shapes inspired by modern stemware to produce a contrast of sport and elegance. The effect provided roominess along with a snug and secure feeling.

2007 Lexus IS 350

OUR TAKE: Lexus has always been good at aiming for market share, but when it came to the Lexus IS sedan, it seemed Lexus always took that aim and shot itself in the foot. First, the Lexus IS entered the market with an automatic but no stick, a grave omission for a sedan entry with sporty pretensions. Next it offered a manual transmission but a horrendously intrusive stability-control system that neutered any handling promise the chassis suggested. Now the car has a manual transmission but only in the smaller-displacement Lexus IS 250. The 306-hp Lexus IS 350 comes only with a six-speed automatic.

What is with these guys?
However, the 2007 model Lexus IS 350 does finally come with an “off” button for that overly intrusive stability program, called VDIM, among other things. This is progress. Don’t ask why Lexus doesn’t offer an Lexus IS 350 with an off button and a manual transmission. We must take what we can get and run with it. Or drive with it. Or something.
So we took an Lexus IS 350 and drove it to the track, as well as over some spectacular twisty mountain roads.

Lexus IS350, 2009: The Weekly Driver

The Lexus IS 350 debuted in 2006 and is still in its first edition. For 2009, one of the brand's two premium midsize cars has a few minor mechanical changes, including a more advanced stability control system. The interior and exterior designs also received a slight styling makeover.But Lexus has largely left well-enough alone. The Lexus IS 350 is a four-door sedan with more desire to be a two-door sports coupe. It's positioned in a competition market segment, matched largely against the Infiniti G series, Cadillac CTS and perennial favorite BMW.