2011 Lexus IS F Review

Lexus IS-F

You'll have to look very closely to see the on-the-surface differences made to the refreshed 2011 Lexus IS F, which is slated to make its world debut at this month's 2010 Paris auto show. In fact the only revision to the IS F's exterior are newly fitted LED driving lights, supposedly added to make the Lexus easier to spot at high speeds (and not to follow the Audi-led trend).

Working within a tight budget, chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi tells us that he was basically happy with the car's exterior styling and that he placed far more importance on "taking the IS F to the next level in handling and ride quality." Good idea, because the IS F was certainly in need of some next level work in that area.

With its throaty exhaust note, the IS F is a beast, packing a 416 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 mated to an 8-speed, flappy-paddle gearbox. But pushed hard, the car's chassis would become unsettled, especially at the rear end.

That is not the case with the 2011 revision, which squats nicely in the corners and hangs on like an angry pit bull. Behind the wheel of a pre-production Australian-spec model at Fuji Speedway recently, we were more than impressed at the improvements that Yaguchi and his team have made to the car's high-speed cornering stability.

Although the powertrain and the car's 3800-lb curb weight remain the same, the suspension settings have been totally recalibrated. The combination of spring rate revisions and dampers, fitted with new high performance valves in addition to reinforced suspension member connectors and bushes, permit more front-end suspension stroke yet firm up the rear end. This generates greater traction and stability at high speeds. An unexpected byproduct of this revision is the car's more compliant ride, which Yaguchi says "was a bonus but something we aimed for." Adjustments to the steering power-assist mechanism made for more precise and accurate turn-in as well as greater feedback through the wheel.

The results are that the 2011 IS F can now be pushed even harder into corners; it stays more composed under heavy braking, at turn-in, and while experiencing changes of road camber and elevation. The IS F also exhibits less understeer and more rear wheel grip and stability. In fact, the rear end is now so tied down that a slight enhancement of front-end downforce might generate even greater all-round traction and stability. The new model laps the 2.8-mile Fuji Speedway in 2 minutes, 3.4 seconds -- nearly two seconds faster than its predecessor -- thanks to Yaguchi's subtle, yet substantial, modifications.

Lexus IS-F


Lexus IS-F


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