To some, the 2011 Lexus IS F represents the company's response to other carmakers' performance divisions. To others, it shows what might happen if your teenage son absconded with your Lexus IS and your platinum credit card. Either way, only the exotic Lexus LFA sports car sends a stronger high-performance message for Toyota's premium brand than the 2011 Lexus IS F. The problem is that this car comes up short in terms of ride comfort and passenger space when compared to its chief rivals.
The IS F formula is certainly spot on, with an array of high-performance hardware added to the goodness of the midsize Lexus sedan, including a potent 416-horsepower V8, bigger brakes, a suspension that's calibrated for aggressive driving and sticky performance tires on 19-inch wheels. Styling comes next, with a meaner front fascia, a bulging hood, wide fender flares, low-slung rocker-sill skirts, quad exhaust pipes and a rear spoiler. Needless to say, the IS F doesn't look like any other Lexus model.
Yes, the IS F is a far cry from the typical Lexus. The problem is that in transition from on-paper specs to reality, the IS F is a bit of a letdown. Besides the slightly adolescent styling cues, this production tuner car lacks the type of refined ride quality that the luxury brand is known for. Unless you're driving on glass-smooth pavement, the IS F feels harsh and unyielding, even when compared to cars that offer similar performance.
Some tweaks for 2011 have been designed to take the edge off the IS F and make it a little more adult. New suspension tuning is said to reduce some of that ride harshness, and last year's uncommunicative electronic-assist steering should be helped by retuning for 2011. There's also a new mechanical limited-slip rear differential that replaces the previous electronically controlled unit for improved traction. But short of a complete redesign, engineers can do little to add more space to the relatively cramped passenger compartment, something inherent in all IS sedans.
There's no doubt the 2011 Lexus IS F is a potent performer, but the drawbacks are substantial enough for us to recommend other more well-rounded luxury sport sedans. The BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG all deliver similar driving satisfaction along with more real-world usability.
INTERIOR
For the latest model year the interior is complemented with new IP gauges, a silver colored-trimmed steering wheel, and dark finish aluminum composite ornamentation. The Sport mode switch has also been moved to the steering wheel for easier access.
In addition, vehicles with a Black interior receive Alcantara seat inserts with leather bolsters that enhance its sportiness. An all-new Orange and Black leather interior with contrast stitching flaunts the IS F's attitude and replaces the Terra Cotta interior.
Much of the development of the new IS-F took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The IS-F is based on the rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension.
A USB/iPod connector is standard, and the IS-F comes with the Lexus Safety Connect telematics system that has similar functionality to GM's OnStar service. It comes with a year's worth of service free; after that you'll have to pay a subscription fee. IS-F interior changes compared with the IS 250/IS 350 include:
Body-hugging sport seats in black, white or a new two-tone option
F logos all around
Carbon fiber trim
Chrome shift paddles
EXTERIOR
Cosmetic exterior and interior changes are always part of the high-performance package. Changes compared with the IS 250/IS 350 include:
Wider fenders
Flared bumper with a larger mouth
Vents behind the front wheels
High-domed hood
Quad tailpipes
Small trunklid spoiler
19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires
ENGINE
The 416-hp V-8 cranks out 371 pounds-feet of torque; the redline is 7,000 rpm. The IS-F has one transmission — with enough gears for two. The eight-speed automatic has a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. There is no true manual available. Lexus says the transmission, which it calls Sport Direct Shift, changes gears within one-tenth of a second and executes rev matching for smoother downshifts and decreased wear. Not to be confused with some automated-manual transmissions, like Audi's S tronic, this one uses a fluidic torque converter.
416-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 with 371 pounds-feet of torque
Eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters
Upgraded brakes with larger, cross-drilled discs and six- and two-piston calipers in the front and rear, respectively
Brembo-brand calipers are gloss black and bear the Lexus logo
Upgraded springs, shocks, stabilizer bars, bushings and steering tuning are all optimized for performance driving
Car sits 1 inch lower than the IS 250/IS 350
Electronic stability system with special mode between fully engaged and fully disengaged, with Sport mode that allows more wheelspin and sliding before interrupting and keeping you on track
SAFETY
Standard safety features for the 2011 Lexus IS F include antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A one-year complimentary subscription to Safety Connect, which provides collision notification, stolen vehicle location and an "SOS" emergency help button is also included. A pre-collision system is also available with the optional adaptive radar cruise control that senses an impending collision and automatically adjusts seatbelt tension and braking force.
The IS-F has not been crash-tested, but results from the IS 250/350 versions on which it is based should yield similar results. In government crash testing, the IS models managed four stars (out of a possible five) in frontal impacts for the driver and front passenger as well as side impacts for rear passengers. Side impact protection for the driver garnered five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the IS a top "Good" rating for its performance in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
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