click above image to view more high-res photos of the Lexus IS-F
Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump.
[Source: Lexus via MT forums]
Gallery: Lexus IS-F
PRESS RELEASE:
Lexus Launches 'IS F' in Japan
TOKYO, October 4, 2007 - Lexus announced today that it will begin sales in Japan, starting on December 25, of the "IS F"*.
The IS F is a Lexus "F" premium sports car based on the concept of proposing a new level of performance for Lexus through a refinement of basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology. The vehicle was developed to pursue, to the fullest extent possible, the "joy of driving" - which is one of the fundamental appeals of the automobile - by responding reliably and performing as intended.
Based on the IS series, the IS F boasts a completely new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and specially selected aluminum wheels and tires. The vehicle was tested extensively on race circuits in Japan and overseas, including Fuji Speedway, in order to demonstrate its full potential. Detailed attention to the responsiveness of the acceleration, gear shifting, steering and brakes, as well as to the actual experience of quality (such as engine sound and the sensation of acceleration), has created a new type of driving pleasure - not just for the driver but for passengers as well - thus expressing the emotional appeal of the Lexus brand.
* Based on the idea of creating a vehicle that can run on various types of roads, the vehicle was extensively tested on race circuits, including Higashifuji Technical Center and Fuji Speedway. The "F" in the IS F name comes from the "F" in "Fuji Speedway".
Note: Products described in this and in any attached materials are for the Japanese market only.
Monthly Sales Target (in Japan): 40 units
Assembly Plant : Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation
Model: IS F
Engine: 2UR-GSE
Powertrain: 5.0-liter V8, Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift
Price (including consumption tax)*: 7,660,000
* Excluding recycling fees
Vehicle Outline
1. Performance that Can Maximize Driving Pleasure
The newly developed 5.0-liter V8 engine is a D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) that combines both port and direct fuel injection. Advanced technologies, including electric motor-driven VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor) on the intake side of the Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system), maximize the performance of the engine. This naturally aspirated engine provides a feeling of linear acceleration, high acceleration response and powerful, enjoyable acceleration even at high engine speeds.
By adopting the dual-intake system, the IS F provides smooth and even torque at low or medium engine speeds and high torque with both air inlets open at high engine speeds. In addition, the engine sound goes through three transitions in line with rpm to offer true sports car stimulation.
Engine Specifications
Model: 2UR-GSE
Type: V8 DOHC
Displacement [cc]: 4,968
Bore x stroke [mm]: 94.0 x 89.5
Fuel supply system: D-4S (direct fuel injection + port fuel injection)
Fuel type: Premium unleaded gasoline
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Maximum output [kW (PS) / rpm]: 311 (423) / 6,600
Maximum torque [N-m (kg-m) / rpm]: 505 (51.5) / 5,200
Exhaust emissions levels compared to the Japanese 2005 standards(1): 75% lower
Fuel efficiency in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle(2) [km/l]: 8.2
1. Specified under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's (MLIT) Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles
2. Outlined by MLIT
The 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission is based on the eight-speed automatic transmission used on the LS460 series, with electronic control technology that provides the benefits of both the smooth shifting of an automatic transmission for comfortable driving and a full-scale, sporty manual transmission that does not need a clutch - which is without precedent anywhere in the world* for an eight-speed transmission. The two-pedal sports transmission also offers new value and perfectly suits a premium sports car. In addition to smooth shifting when the lever is in "D", the torque converter allows smooth and powerful acceleration when starting up in first-gear by putting the lever in "M". In gears two through eight, the direct connection between the engine and the transmission results in direct acceleration response. While achieving one of the fastest gear-change responses in the world, the transmission also has a blipping (revving) control feature that-in the fashion of the heel and toe technique used by race drivers-automatically increases engine rotation speed during downshifts to avoid downshift jolts. In addition, the IS F also features a special paddle shifter that can be operated without the need to remove one's hand from the steering wheel.
The springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers and other parts have been optimally tuned for an exclusive suspension that is based on the IS series suspension, which provides both outstanding stability and a feeling of agility. The vehicle offers excellent cruising performance that is capable of handling race circuits.
In addition to 19-inch forged aluminum wheels that are both strong and light, the IS F uses large-diameter, wide 225/40R19 tires at the front and 255/35R19 tires at the rear for superior gripping performance, excellent handling and cruising stability.
The IS F has high-performance brakes that can withstand even extreme braking on race circuits.
The VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system stabilizes the vehicle by coordinating control and achieving an optimum balance between drive power, steering and braking, thus allowing high preventive safety. The IS F's VDIM has a "sports" mode that ensures safety while maximizing vehicle performance.
* As of September 2007, according to a TMC survey
2. Interior and Exterior Designs and Exclusive Equipment Appeal to a Sports Car Mindset
The hood, grille, front fenders and front and rear bumpers, rocker panel molding, rear spoiler and other elements were designed exclusively for the IS F based on the Lexus design philosophy "L-finesse"*. The exterior styling has a dynamic yet simple form that expresses the vehicle's cruising performance and functionality.
The sharply contrasted interior uses the colors black and white with blue accents that are exquisitely placed. The center console and armrests feature special ornamentation.
The gauges have an exclusive metal ring achieved through cutting work. The gauge needles feature blue LEDs and a speedometer that goes up to 300km/h. (Vehicles with domestic specifications have a function to limit speeds that activates at 180km/h.)
The four sports-car-style seats emphasize a degree of holding power that can withstand cruising on race circuits.
The 14-speaker Mark Levinson® premium surround-sound audio system has been tuned specifically for the IS F (optional on all vehicles in the series).
*Created by combining "leading-edge" and "finesse" design concepts
3. Class-leading Safety and Environmental Performance*
The Pre-crash Safety System, which uses millimeter-wave radar, warns drivers that a front-end collision is imminent and works to reduce injury if an accident occurs (optional on all vehicles in the series).
Along with an impact-absorbing body and strong cabin, the IS F achieves further contributions to class-leading safety performance through dual-stage SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags for the driver and front passenger seat (SRS twin-chamber airbag for the front passenger seat); SRS knee airbags for the driver and front passenger seat; SRS side airbags for the driver and front passenger seat; and SRS curtain shield airbags for both front and rear seats.
Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency in order to reduce CO2 emissions. The vehicle boasts a fuel efficiency of 8.2km/l in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) with CO2 emissions under the test cycle just 283g/km. Both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have also been reduced, achieving emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
The IS F benefits from Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System) - Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system - achieving overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle. Environmental targets were set in the initial vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was carried out to achieve a reduction of air contaminants and CO2, etc., throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.
In addition to using highly recyclable materials, greater attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing the use of substances of concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, achieving the Japanese automobile industry's voluntary goals of eliminating the use of these substances.
Sydney 2007: Holden debuts VE Commodore Sportwagon
Sydney 2007: Holden HSV Maloo R8 a "coupe with a damn big boot!"
DARN! Forbes was right, UAW strike against Chrysler is over
Tokyo 2007 Preview: Daihatsu Mud Master-C
UAW strike against Chrysler begins
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
In The Autoblog Garage: 2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5X
Walkaround: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT
By the Numbers: September 2007
In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Nick @ Oct 4th 2007 9:58AM
The IS-350 also has both Direct and Port Injection...
The IS-250 has Direct Injection only.
One's for economy, and response, the other for more power.
Kunal Shah @ Oct 4th 2007 10:06AM
I am a full proponent of function over form, but this is purely defunct!! I mean when you are going up against the best (///M, ///AMG, //S), institutions that have a cult following and a long history, you need to come up with something that will look a little better than this.
What is worse is that lexus is trying to shed its image of vehicles for people with rheumatoid artharytis with something that looks like this.
I dont even want to know what its performance is like, although I have always been pleased with what lexus does with the IS, the only car in its range that I would consider (and almost did when I bought my car earlier this year)
DarkKnight67 @ Oct 4th 2007 10:08AM
Santa can keep mine ... that looks like it was put together by a kid with leftover parts.
Johnnie @ Oct 4th 2007 10:11AM
Gosh that car is ugly.
No thanks for me.
Reuben @ Oct 4th 2007 10:14AM
Still can't get over this car's ricer-esque hideous looks, in fact, it plain hurts to look at.
Daniel @ Oct 4th 2007 10:21AM
CTS-V please...
Mondo @ Oct 4th 2007 10:22AM
Just to be contrary I was looking for a way to defend the looks of this car but I really can't, it's pretty ugly. It does have offset quad exhaust. That's something, right? Right?
Hwins @ Oct 4th 2007 10:26AM
Forget the looks, I bet it drives like a bloated turd like every other "sporty" Toyota of the last decade.
Screw the power, make it ACTUALLY FUN to drive for a change. Thanks.
psarhjinian @ Oct 4th 2007 12:11PM
Now, to be fair, Toyota has had some very sporty cars in the last decade:
* Last-gen (7th Gen, I think) Celica (yes, yes, front-drive, but it was a better handler than the RSX and weighed in at several hundred pounds less).
* MR2 (cheapest mid-engine car you could buy; definitely more extreme than the Miata of the same period)
* Lexus IS300 (remember this one? The one that was criticized for being "too raw" to compete with the 3-Series)
* 2G RAV4 (ok, so we're talking SUVs, but this was called--by every reviewer--the only trucklet to handle like a sportscar).
* If we're going back ten years, you can just include the TT Supra as well, which was very much not a boring car.
Unfortunately, the market hath spoken and Toyota axed all these due to poor sales. Making Camrys pays the bills; making funmobiles does not. If you wanted sporty Toyotas, you should have bought them. No one did, and Toyota axed the whole concept in North America.
Majortom1981 @ Oct 4th 2007 10:35AM
I like it. Maybe I am the only one (could be a good thing) but if it looks bad but has awesome performance then i wont mind. If it looks bad then maybe it wont get stolen.
Mercedes and BMW @ Oct 4th 2007 10:37AM
I don't know. It doesn't look as nearly as good as AMD Mercedes or M3. Seems more like a 96' modified Civic.
shadysi @ Oct 4th 2007 10:41AM
is-f... f for fail... still and automatic... I'll take a M3 or RS4 any day over this car. It doesn't look bad, but based on performance, looks, and price.. the later two choices look much better to me. The only Lexus I ever though was real possibility for me was the is300. Its a shame they never offered one with the 2jz-gte.
nezromatron @ Oct 4th 2007 10:42AM
It doesn't have enough pedals. They can keep it.
Reuben @ Oct 4th 2007 10:43AM
Thank you autoblog for changing the picture, that angle doesn't hurt my eyes as much.
Killenmedpirogen @ Oct 4th 2007 10:44AM
I dont know what you guys have bin smoking! the exhaust is fugly but other than that...It looks GREAT!!
Johnny Rotten @ Oct 4th 2007 10:46AM
Yes, it is nasty looking, but even worse is its powertrain. Are you f'n kidding me lexus. 417 hp and 372 ft-lb out of a 5.0 liter V-8. If you want to be a BMW/audi fighter in that category, you need more power than that out of your bloated, auto-only girls-car. You need to go the Merc route and squeeze a monster under that hood. Lexus, like merc will never build a true sports car. They need to build sledgehammers like merc if they want to get into the performance game.
Kunal Shah @ Oct 4th 2007 11:05AM
Dont be so sure... the C63 seems to be the best regular production AMG ever. The engineers claim that this time round they have actually changed and tweaked the physical parts as opposed to planting a HUGE monster of an engine and tweaking the ECU. Journalists have given this car a better chance against the M3 and RS4, so much so that they feel that its the M3 this time round which will feel the bite.
TriShield @ Oct 4th 2007 10:50AM
I agree, it's a terrible looking car. The standard IS looks much better which is a shame.
John P. @ Oct 4th 2007 11:04AM
This won't be winning over many AMG or M Series Drivers. Oh I'm sure a few will buy it, but man, that giant Gill on the side? Who's idea was that? Yuck!!!
Doesn't really matter, 2 years out after the lease is up, they'll all be in their proper environment, where it seems all Lexus end up, in the hood with gold plated logos and spinner wheels.
BLS @ Oct 4th 2007 11:18AM
Truely one of the only Toyota products I would even think about considering. But I hate the upkink on the rear doors, way too Pontiac Grand Prix for my taste. Actually, get rid of the rear doors all together. (as in I would prefer a coupe, not a giant pass through for carrying 2x4s horizontally)