Sooner or later, most car manufacturers decide to let their engineers play on a race track to show the world what they can make. Most recently, Kia did it with the Stinger GT S, and back in 2008, Lexus did it with the IS F.
Coming from a brand lauded for its super-refined and reliable hybrid saloons, the IS F’s arrival was a pleasant surprise. Here was a car pitched to take on rivals such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG and it wielded a big and unusual stick in the form of a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre petrol V8 producing 417bhp.
Drive was sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with flappy paddles, a lock-up mechanism from second gear upwards for faster shifts and an ability to go right to the rev limiter. (Check for unusual engine noises caused by over-enthusiastic revving.)
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Below stairs, suspension components were forged from lightweight materials and the antiroll bars were beefed up. The only duff ingredient in this fascinating mix was the adoption of electric power steering.
It was expensive, too, but buyers forgave it because of its quality, technical specification, exclusivity and Lexus’s reputation for customer service. Reviewers praised its styling, engine note, chassis balance and strong brakes but criticised its hesitant gearbox, fidgety ride and absence of a proper limited-slip differential (instead, it has an electronically controlled open diff).
Fortunately, Lexus was listening, at least to complaints about the diff, and swapped the existing unit for a proper limited-slip diff in 2010. The sat-nav system was also upgraded.
More changes followed a few months later when the IS F’s ride deficiencies were partly addressed with the fitment of revised springs and shock absorbers. The rear suspension was also adjusted to provide greater stability. At the same time, the instrument binnacle was restyled and, outside at the front, LED daytime-running lights joined the existing HID headlights.
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Sort of ok but
lacks that certain something that I can't quite put my finger on, the steering wheel for instance is very uninspiring and likely that's the key to "what's generally wrong" with it.
Very nice cars
Shame really.
Always liked the shape, didn't realise it had these annoying little problems which were or could be a constant fettling issue.
xxxx in a shabby disguise
At the very least it has many fewer annoying problems than you, though you as always would have scrabbled around in the dust to find any excuse not to actually buy one...wait, try this one...it's not spelt Lecksus, so you certainly won't buy it now. Idiot.
Superlative engineering
Almost unheard of for a used performance car to have so few issues. It's indicative of the quality engineering that Toyota / Lexus achieves. The benchmark.