Vehicle: 2008 Lexus IS-F with Series 2 Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$68500

Performance: What the “F” stands for in Lexus language equals the “M” of BMW and “RS” of Audi, as its their performance division. As you would probably already guess, “F” stands for “fast”. Its pretty damn true for this IS-F. Unlike the lesser IS250 and IS350, which are powered by 2.5 and 3.5 V6s. The IS-F is powered by a Yamaha-tuned 5.0 liter V8 based on LS460’s proven mechanicals. It scores well with VVTi-E, which is an intelligent electrically driven on intake cam for better performance. It does have a desired effect because it actually works effectively with this 32-valve 5.0 liter V8. It got 416 horses and 371 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal, which makes it one of the fastest cars in its class. The amount of torque delivery is linear and silky-smooth, something we all expect from Lexus. Even with this much power goes through the IS, Yamaha engineers continue to produce an exceptionally refined and smooth powertrain that feel very much in a luxury car than in a sports car, even with the sporty exhaust notes. What makes this IS-F so quick and responsive has to be its 8-speed Sport Direct Shift gearbox, which is a similar system to Audi’s S-Tronic. Similar concept to S-Tronic, it got 2 clutches. The first clutch controls 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th while second clutch controls 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th. Although its the world’s first 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it just has too many gears. The first three gears are good for peppy acceleration while 7th and 8th for quiet cruising. There are just five too many gears for mid-range acceleration. The paddle’s shifter’s speed is on par with the best in the industry, although the beeping sound for upshifting is very annoying. When you are driving a sports car on a track, its expected to upshift at redline. Since this Sport Shift already got gearbox protected for redlinning, the buzzer sound should be deleted. Why not make an upshift warning light for driver instead?

Handling: Lexus engineers wish the “F” stands for fun other than being fast. What they have done is to stiffer up the suspension, also add a “sport” mode to the VDIM. What this “sport” mode does is to allow enthuisasts to have more oversteer fun instead of stability control steps in too abruptly. Unfortunately, it remains as instrusive as other VDIM Lexus I have ever driven. The difference is with the “sport” on, stability control’s threshold would set a bit higher for a little bit of oversteer when pushed extremely hard. While its electric power steering already the better one when it comes to Lexus steering feel, its steering weight remains featherweight and not much feedback communicates through the thick leather-rimmed steering. Even though we have tried to push the IS-F oversteer during a rainy day on the track, it manages to have quite amount of understeer dialled it before VDIM steps in. Just when the tail begins to get out, VDIM already stepped in at an alarming rate. Frankly, for a sports sedan with 415hp, IS-F feels as sterile to drive as other Lexus. But it isn’t so with its rough ride quality. Its sports suspension seems to be lack of any kind of suppleness when going through even the smoothest surface. It eats up every patholes and roughness when the going gets tough. The ride is bouncy and noisy. While this suspension is capable enough to attack corners with confidence, its ride quality certainly doesn’t live up to Lexus reputation. The “F” does mean its fast but certainly far from fun.

Brakes: With large 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the IS-F’s braking performance is capable even on this rainy day. The stopping distance is commandable while ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily. That is very important on a wet track surface for driver’s modulation on the brake pedal.

Interior: The biggest differences between standard IS and F are the bolstered sports seats and tasty carbon fiber trim. Those sports seats provide excellent shoulder and side supports. The use of leather materials continue to be soft and supple, which are the qualities of what we expect from Lexus.

The F is a 4-seater sports sedan. While the legroom continues to be very tight, as this is an IS. There are more room for two persons to move due to its 4-seater configuration. The backseat continues to be semi bucket type for better support.

Conclusion: If you consider the F as a very fast IS, you will definitely be satisfied with it. It got the usual array of luxurious and comfortable features one expects from a Lexus. But if you are looking for a fast yet fun sports sedan, Lexus still haven’t produced a proper one yet.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Lexus IS-F
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5