Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 (A) Review
27 Jan 2011|19,454 views
Big engines, bulging bonnets and aggressively-spoked wheels are difficult to hide and not everyone enjoys such visual enticements. What's more, cars like these are usually powered by a never-ending supply of dynamite. And some just don't have the heart strong enough to take it.
But if that's how you roll, your car has arrived.
Lexus has finally brought in a bona fide driving machine and ironically, it's the Japanese marque's most un-Lexus-like car ever created.
Powered by a V8 5.0-litre engine that drives the 19-inch rear wheels via the world's first automatic eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission, the long awaited Lexus IS F is targeting the likes of the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. And identical to the German marques, the letter 'F' is used by Lexus to mark out its high-performance models such as the IS F and the LFA.
So what does the 'F' stand for? Well, the iconic Fuji Speedway in Japan was where the IS F spent much of its testing and development time and it serves as the F-brand's philosophical inspiration. Hence, the 'F' represents Fuji Speedway.
Exterior
Although there are some resemblances to the IS250, the IS F is visually distinguished by its 'F' logos, oversized hood, sporting flared fenders, 19-inch wheels and the quad exhaust outlets that look like a shotgun. In fact, it looks like a predator that has just eaten something large, with an undeniable aggressive presence.
But if that's how you roll, your car has arrived.
Lexus has finally brought in a bona fide driving machine and ironically, it's the Japanese marque's most un-Lexus-like car ever created.
Powered by a V8 5.0-litre engine that drives the 19-inch rear wheels via the world's first automatic eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission, the long awaited Lexus IS F is targeting the likes of the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. And identical to the German marques, the letter 'F' is used by Lexus to mark out its high-performance models such as the IS F and the LFA.
So what does the 'F' stand for? Well, the iconic Fuji Speedway in Japan was where the IS F spent much of its testing and development time and it serves as the F-brand's philosophical inspiration. Hence, the 'F' represents Fuji Speedway.
Exterior
Although there are some resemblances to the IS250, the IS F is visually distinguished by its 'F' logos, oversized hood, sporting flared fenders, 19-inch wheels and the quad exhaust outlets that look like a shotgun. In fact, it looks like a predator that has just eaten something large, with an undeniable aggressive presence.
 |
Speaking of oversized hood, the pronounced swelled-up bonnet makes the car look apt, hinting of something menacing lurking underneath. I reckon the sinister design Lexus was aiming for sends the message across but ultimately it's a matter of function because the raised bonnet is needed to accommodate the biggish V8.
For the enthusiasts, the steroid-enhanced Lexus IS F is a clenched fist of aggression that makes even its competitors seem demure. But in the eyes of the Jacks and Jills, the IS F may well be misunderstood for an IS250 from a distance. So much so that the arrogant-looking driver of a Subaru WRX sitting next to us at a red light didn't notice our test car - not until we gave him heart palpitations when the lights turned green, of course.
 |
Interior
It's a familiar sight in the cabin of the IS F. Almost everything is carried over from the IS250 and although the interior may appear to be rather ordinary, the sporty two-toned leather seats that are sculpted to enable a more aggressive driving might grow on you, especially in the orange and grey upholstery that came with the test car.
To add on to the visual excitement, the 'F' logo is displayed on the steering wheel, rear-centre console and outer seat cushions while blue LED illuminated needles are adopted for the speedometer and tachometer - something that's unique to the 'F'.
Lexus being Lexus, the cabin is still as flawless as ever. Gauges are easily readable and it's extremely user-friendly and straightforward. From the front cabin, the interior conveys the sporty intentions of the 'F', with premium interior materials and attention to detail remaining consistent to the Lexus identity.
It's a familiar sight in the cabin of the IS F. Almost everything is carried over from the IS250 and although the interior may appear to be rather ordinary, the sporty two-toned leather seats that are sculpted to enable a more aggressive driving might grow on you, especially in the orange and grey upholstery that came with the test car.
To add on to the visual excitement, the 'F' logo is displayed on the steering wheel, rear-centre console and outer seat cushions while blue LED illuminated needles are adopted for the speedometer and tachometer - something that's unique to the 'F'.
Lexus being Lexus, the cabin is still as flawless as ever. Gauges are easily readable and it's extremely user-friendly and straightforward. From the front cabin, the interior conveys the sporty intentions of the 'F', with premium interior materials and attention to detail remaining consistent to the Lexus identity.
And unlike the IS250, the three-person backseat was removed in favour of a two-person scalloped seating area with a resin tray taking centre stage.
Unfortunately, unlike its rivals, the IS F's boot space is merely adequate. It'll fit a golf bag with ease and two with some difficulty.
On the whole, with or without the 'F', the cabin is distinctively Lexus, with luxurious wood ornaments and top grade materials filling the interior all round. Just that this time round, the car comes with a beast within (which I'll get to later), making the IS F a win-win for Lexus supporters.
Unfortunately, unlike its rivals, the IS F's boot space is merely adequate. It'll fit a golf bag with ease and two with some difficulty.
On the whole, with or without the 'F', the cabin is distinctively Lexus, with luxurious wood ornaments and top grade materials filling the interior all round. Just that this time round, the car comes with a beast within (which I'll get to later), making the IS F a win-win for Lexus supporters.
 |
The Drive
With a press of the start button, the V8 springs to life with a pleasantly faint rumble note. Shift the gear lever into Drive and the car moves out of the lot with none of the aural drama associated with its genre.
As afore mentioned, the IS F has an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission. Drop the right foot and the beast awakes underneath, flying like a fiend out of hell, finishing the century sprint in just 4.8 seconds. Push it through a corner and the tyres stick to the tarmac like magnets to a refrigerator - smooth, swift and confident. This 5.0-litre powerplant makes the well-received IS250 seem completely undersized indeed.
It's like the IS F has a split personality. You can cruise around in it like a standard Lexus IS model and let the eight-speed transmission do the work when you want to relax or you can choose to unleash the sleeping beast, with brutality at its best, when you feel the urge to drive like a maniac.
Of course, with such a powerful car, it can almost be a tough mission to fully realise the car's potential on our roads. Cruising at 60km/h between traffic junctions is easy. But driving at that speed in an IS F requires much discipline, especially when the roads are empty. I can immediately see a major drawback with this machine - you're going to be addicted to empty roads.
With a press of the start button, the V8 springs to life with a pleasantly faint rumble note. Shift the gear lever into Drive and the car moves out of the lot with none of the aural drama associated with its genre.
As afore mentioned, the IS F has an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission. Drop the right foot and the beast awakes underneath, flying like a fiend out of hell, finishing the century sprint in just 4.8 seconds. Push it through a corner and the tyres stick to the tarmac like magnets to a refrigerator - smooth, swift and confident. This 5.0-litre powerplant makes the well-received IS250 seem completely undersized indeed.
It's like the IS F has a split personality. You can cruise around in it like a standard Lexus IS model and let the eight-speed transmission do the work when you want to relax or you can choose to unleash the sleeping beast, with brutality at its best, when you feel the urge to drive like a maniac.
Of course, with such a powerful car, it can almost be a tough mission to fully realise the car's potential on our roads. Cruising at 60km/h between traffic junctions is easy. But driving at that speed in an IS F requires much discipline, especially when the roads are empty. I can immediately see a major drawback with this machine - you're going to be addicted to empty roads.
The Lexus launches itself from naught with the vigour you'd expect. But the sound is something else. Listen to the music coming from the exhaust and visions of redlining rev counters, exotic racetracks and provocative pit babes start appearing in my head. The secondary passage opens at 3,600rpm - 4,000rom, turning the engine from Lexus-quiet to gratifying-V8 loud. The audio track of the IS F is near perfect. It is never tiring or monotonous and it always seems to get the pulse racing just right.
The aural enticement alone will justify your reasons to become a full-time 'empty-stretch-of-road' hunter.
Conclusion
The IS F could just prove to be too big for our small and congested roads. With a maximum power and torque of 417bhp and 505Nm respectively, when will owners of an IS F really be able to test its true raw power? Plus, with the IS250's outlooks almost matching the beast at half its price, the IS F might just be a tough seller.
But one thing's for sure - the IS F is a distinctive Japanese execution of design which means it does everything it was designed to do with quality, precision and reliability. It may be just a Lexus, but it sure is angry and out for German blood.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The aural enticement alone will justify your reasons to become a full-time 'empty-stretch-of-road' hunter.
Conclusion
The IS F could just prove to be too big for our small and congested roads. With a maximum power and torque of 417bhp and 505Nm respectively, when will owners of an IS F really be able to test its true raw power? Plus, with the IS250's outlooks almost matching the beast at half its price, the IS F might just be a tough seller.
But one thing's for sure - the IS F is a distinctive Japanese execution of design which means it does everything it was designed to do with quality, precision and reliability. It may be just a Lexus, but it sure is angry and out for German blood.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Big engines, bulging bonnets and aggressively-spoked wheels are difficult to hide and not everyone enjoys such visual enticements. What's more, cars like these are usually powered by a never-ending supply of dynamite. And some just don't have the heart strong enough to take it.
But if that's how you roll, your car has arrived.
Lexus has finally brought in a bona fide driving machine and ironically, it's the Japanese marque's most un-Lexus-like car ever created.
Powered by a V8 5.0-litre engine that drives the 19-inch rear wheels via the world's first automatic eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission, the long awaited Lexus IS F is targeting the likes of the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. And identical to the German marques, the letter 'F' is used by Lexus to mark out its high-performance models such as the IS F and the LFA.
So what does the 'F' stand for? Well, the iconic Fuji Speedway in Japan was where the IS F spent much of its testing and development time and it serves as the F-brand's philosophical inspiration. Hence, the 'F' represents Fuji Speedway.
Exterior
Although there are some resemblances to the IS250, the IS F is visually distinguished by its 'F' logos, oversized hood, sporting flared fenders, 19-inch wheels and the quad exhaust outlets that look like a shotgun. In fact, it looks like a predator that has just eaten something large, with an undeniable aggressive presence.
But if that's how you roll, your car has arrived.
Lexus has finally brought in a bona fide driving machine and ironically, it's the Japanese marque's most un-Lexus-like car ever created.
Powered by a V8 5.0-litre engine that drives the 19-inch rear wheels via the world's first automatic eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission, the long awaited Lexus IS F is targeting the likes of the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. And identical to the German marques, the letter 'F' is used by Lexus to mark out its high-performance models such as the IS F and the LFA.
So what does the 'F' stand for? Well, the iconic Fuji Speedway in Japan was where the IS F spent much of its testing and development time and it serves as the F-brand's philosophical inspiration. Hence, the 'F' represents Fuji Speedway.
Exterior
Although there are some resemblances to the IS250, the IS F is visually distinguished by its 'F' logos, oversized hood, sporting flared fenders, 19-inch wheels and the quad exhaust outlets that look like a shotgun. In fact, it looks like a predator that has just eaten something large, with an undeniable aggressive presence.
|
Speaking of oversized hood, the pronounced swelled-up bonnet makes the car look apt, hinting of something menacing lurking underneath. I reckon the sinister design Lexus was aiming for sends the message across but ultimately it's a matter of function because the raised bonnet is needed to accommodate the biggish V8.
For the enthusiasts, the steroid-enhanced Lexus IS F is a clenched fist of aggression that makes even its competitors seem demure. But in the eyes of the Jacks and Jills, the IS F may well be misunderstood for an IS250 from a distance. So much so that the arrogant-looking driver of a Subaru WRX sitting next to us at a red light didn't notice our test car - not until we gave him heart palpitations when the lights turned green, of course.
|
Interior
It's a familiar sight in the cabin of the IS F. Almost everything is carried over from the IS250 and although the interior may appear to be rather ordinary, the sporty two-toned leather seats that are sculpted to enable a more aggressive driving might grow on you, especially in the orange and grey upholstery that came with the test car.
To add on to the visual excitement, the 'F' logo is displayed on the steering wheel, rear-centre console and outer seat cushions while blue LED illuminated needles are adopted for the speedometer and tachometer - something that's unique to the 'F'.
Lexus being Lexus, the cabin is still as flawless as ever. Gauges are easily readable and it's extremely user-friendly and straightforward. From the front cabin, the interior conveys the sporty intentions of the 'F', with premium interior materials and attention to detail remaining consistent to the Lexus identity.
It's a familiar sight in the cabin of the IS F. Almost everything is carried over from the IS250 and although the interior may appear to be rather ordinary, the sporty two-toned leather seats that are sculpted to enable a more aggressive driving might grow on you, especially in the orange and grey upholstery that came with the test car.
To add on to the visual excitement, the 'F' logo is displayed on the steering wheel, rear-centre console and outer seat cushions while blue LED illuminated needles are adopted for the speedometer and tachometer - something that's unique to the 'F'.
Lexus being Lexus, the cabin is still as flawless as ever. Gauges are easily readable and it's extremely user-friendly and straightforward. From the front cabin, the interior conveys the sporty intentions of the 'F', with premium interior materials and attention to detail remaining consistent to the Lexus identity.
And unlike the IS250, the three-person backseat was removed in favour of a two-person scalloped seating area with a resin tray taking centre stage.
Unfortunately, unlike its rivals, the IS F's boot space is merely adequate. It'll fit a golf bag with ease and two with some difficulty.
On the whole, with or without the 'F', the cabin is distinctively Lexus, with luxurious wood ornaments and top grade materials filling the interior all round. Just that this time round, the car comes with a beast within (which I'll get to later), making the IS F a win-win for Lexus supporters.
Unfortunately, unlike its rivals, the IS F's boot space is merely adequate. It'll fit a golf bag with ease and two with some difficulty.
On the whole, with or without the 'F', the cabin is distinctively Lexus, with luxurious wood ornaments and top grade materials filling the interior all round. Just that this time round, the car comes with a beast within (which I'll get to later), making the IS F a win-win for Lexus supporters.
|
The Drive
With a press of the start button, the V8 springs to life with a pleasantly faint rumble note. Shift the gear lever into Drive and the car moves out of the lot with none of the aural drama associated with its genre.
As afore mentioned, the IS F has an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission. Drop the right foot and the beast awakes underneath, flying like a fiend out of hell, finishing the century sprint in just 4.8 seconds. Push it through a corner and the tyres stick to the tarmac like magnets to a refrigerator - smooth, swift and confident. This 5.0-litre powerplant makes the well-received IS250 seem completely undersized indeed.
It's like the IS F has a split personality. You can cruise around in it like a standard Lexus IS model and let the eight-speed transmission do the work when you want to relax or you can choose to unleash the sleeping beast, with brutality at its best, when you feel the urge to drive like a maniac.
Of course, with such a powerful car, it can almost be a tough mission to fully realise the car's potential on our roads. Cruising at 60km/h between traffic junctions is easy. But driving at that speed in an IS F requires much discipline, especially when the roads are empty. I can immediately see a major drawback with this machine - you're going to be addicted to empty roads.
With a press of the start button, the V8 springs to life with a pleasantly faint rumble note. Shift the gear lever into Drive and the car moves out of the lot with none of the aural drama associated with its genre.
As afore mentioned, the IS F has an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift Transmission. Drop the right foot and the beast awakes underneath, flying like a fiend out of hell, finishing the century sprint in just 4.8 seconds. Push it through a corner and the tyres stick to the tarmac like magnets to a refrigerator - smooth, swift and confident. This 5.0-litre powerplant makes the well-received IS250 seem completely undersized indeed.
It's like the IS F has a split personality. You can cruise around in it like a standard Lexus IS model and let the eight-speed transmission do the work when you want to relax or you can choose to unleash the sleeping beast, with brutality at its best, when you feel the urge to drive like a maniac.
Of course, with such a powerful car, it can almost be a tough mission to fully realise the car's potential on our roads. Cruising at 60km/h between traffic junctions is easy. But driving at that speed in an IS F requires much discipline, especially when the roads are empty. I can immediately see a major drawback with this machine - you're going to be addicted to empty roads.
The Lexus launches itself from naught with the vigour you'd expect. But the sound is something else. Listen to the music coming from the exhaust and visions of redlining rev counters, exotic racetracks and provocative pit babes start appearing in my head. The secondary passage opens at 3,600rpm - 4,000rom, turning the engine from Lexus-quiet to gratifying-V8 loud. The audio track of the IS F is near perfect. It is never tiring or monotonous and it always seems to get the pulse racing just right.
The aural enticement alone will justify your reasons to become a full-time 'empty-stretch-of-road' hunter.
Conclusion
The IS F could just prove to be too big for our small and congested roads. With a maximum power and torque of 417bhp and 505Nm respectively, when will owners of an IS F really be able to test its true raw power? Plus, with the IS250's outlooks almost matching the beast at half its price, the IS F might just be a tough seller.
But one thing's for sure - the IS F is a distinctive Japanese execution of design which means it does everything it was designed to do with quality, precision and reliability. It may be just a Lexus, but it sure is angry and out for German blood.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The aural enticement alone will justify your reasons to become a full-time 'empty-stretch-of-road' hunter.
Conclusion
The IS F could just prove to be too big for our small and congested roads. With a maximum power and torque of 417bhp and 505Nm respectively, when will owners of an IS F really be able to test its true raw power? Plus, with the IS250's outlooks almost matching the beast at half its price, the IS F might just be a tough seller.
But one thing's for sure - the IS F is a distinctive Japanese execution of design which means it does everything it was designed to do with quality, precision and reliability. It may be just a Lexus, but it sure is angry and out for German blood.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Lexus IS F 5.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|8.6km/L
Horsepower
311kW (417 bhp)
Torque
505 Nm
Acceleration
4.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus IS F
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