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2011 Lexus IS F news, pictures, and information | ||
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Lexus IS F High-Performance Sedan Provides Stimulating Driving Dynamics
• Improved Suspension Provides More Driver Confidence • Úpdated Electronic Power Steering Gives Driver Additional Control
• Torsen® Rear Differential Helps Provide Additional Traction
As the first production model to wear the brand's 'F' marquee, the Lexus IS F offers a thrilling, fun-to-drive experience. The Lexus IS F high-performance sport sedan races into 2011 wîth several updates including LED daytime running lamps, and an improved suspension.
To improve responsiveness and ride comfort, in addition to providing the driver wîth more control, engineers revised the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system and suspension. With revised front and rear spring rates, shock absorber dampening, rear bushings and rear camber angle, the IS F provides a confident ride.
The sporty interior is complemented wîth new IP gauges, a silver colored-trimmed §teering wheel, and dark finish aluminum composite ornamentation. The Sport mode switch has also been moved to the §teering wheel for easier access.
In addition, vehicles wîth a Black interior receive Alcantara® seat inserts wîth leather bolsters that enhance its exhilarating sportiness. An all-new Orange and Black leather interior wîth contrast stitching flaunts the IS F's vivacious attitude and replaces the Terra Cotta interior.
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus IS F is exclusively powered by a performance-tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine teamed to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The IS F engine produces 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine's high specific output (83.2 hp/liter) and high operating range (6,800 rpm redline) reflect the thorough attention to detail underlying the core engineering. The resulting performance character, while quite responsive in low-speed situations, provides a rush of power at higher engine speeds.
The forged crankshaft features journals polished to a mirror finish to minimize the friction generated between the connecting rods and the crankshaft. Forged sintered iron alloy connecting rods ensure high-rpm durability. High-flow cylinder heads designed by Yamaha have a lightweight valvetrain, including forged cam lobes on hollow, chain-driven camshafts, wîth the inside of the shafts serving as oil passages. Titanium intake valves are operated by roller rocker arms.
Innovative technologies help to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions, including the SFI D-4 fuel injection (direct-to-cylinder injection system wîth secondary port injectors) and the Electronic Throttle Control System wîth intelligence (ETCS-i). Essentially, SFI D-4 integrates two types of fuel injection: A direct-type high-pressure fuel injection system, which provides a cooling effect in the cylinders and enables the high compression ratio (11.8:1) employed to extract maximum energy from the fuel; a set of low-pressure port fuel injectors that help produce a precise burn to optimize power and efficiency under light- and medium-load conditions.
A dual air-intake system uses a primary intake passage for low and medium engine speeds. In the higher engine speed range (above 3,600 rpm), both the primary and secondary passages are opened, helping boost high-rpm power.
With the IS F 5.0-liter V8, Lexus made a leap in valve-control technology wîth the Variable Valve Timing wîth intelligence by an electric motor (VVT-iE). An electric drive motor alters the intake camshaft phasing, which made it possible to expand VVT operational range to lower engine speeds, where engine oil pressure is usually not high enough to operate conventional VVT. The exhaust camshaft uses hydraulically controlled variable valve timing.
A scavenge pump forces oil from the cylinder heads back to the oil pan, ensuring a reliable oil supply even during cornering that exceeds one g. The low-restriction dual-exhaust system terminates in distinctive stacked quad diffusers.
The world's first eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission combines the performance characteristics of an automated manual-type transmission wîth the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) As a result, the driver can choose between ultra-quick manual shifts for performance driving and smooth automatic shifts when convenience is the top priority.
Eight speeds allow gear ratios that maximize torque up to the tire-grip limitations in the lower ranges while optimizing efficiency. Intuitive powertrain control optimally smoothes out off-the-line response. The driver can select Normal, Sport or Snow driving modes wîth the flip of a switch. Artificial Intelligence-SHIFT (AI-SHIFT) complements the driver's Sport switch selection by automatically adapting the shifting based on road conditions and driver input. The IS F transmission is also highly responsive to uphill/downhill driving, always selecting the best gear for power or engine braking.
The driver can shift manually using either the console shift or §teering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Hydraulic-control technology allows the IS F's eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission to perform on par wîth manual transmissions without sacrificing the smoothness of a torque-converter automatic. Paddle-shifting operation is allowed in either D or M modes, but shifts are quicker and more direct in M mode. In M mode, the transmission will hold each gear to the 6,800-rpm redline, and upshifts are executed in just one-tenth of a second. At higher engine speeds, downshifts are accompanied by automated and precise throttle blips to match engine rpm to vehicle speed.
Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The Lexus IS F is based on the robust IS platform, which was engineered from the start to allow a high dynamic envelope. The stiff body structure and the rear subframe are connected through several reinforcements. Much of the IS F development took place at racetracks around the world, including Germany's legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife, Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Japan's Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. Fuji Speedway is the IS F's home circuit, and the shape of its turn one inspired the F logo design.
Although using the basic double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension configurations of the IS platform, the IS F features a multitude of track-proven modifications. The IS F sits an inch lower on its suspension than the standard IS models, which lowers the center of gravity and helps provide a quicker handling response.
Spring and damper rates are increased, and larger-diameter stabilizer bars are used. The rear-suspension control arms are specific to the IS F to optimize geometry for the 19-inch wheels. In addition, the monotube shock absorbers use a larger-diameter piston rod. As on other IS models, the sophisticated shock-absorber design utilizes multi-leaf linear control valves to help improve damping force, and rebound springs offer improved body control without degrading ride comfort.
Subframe suspension mounts are stiffer than on other IS models to help reduce sway and ensure control under acceleration and braking. The engine mounts are also stiffer for a more direct feel. Special jounce stoppers on both the front and rear suspension come into play early in the compression stroke to help reduce the sway angle when cornering and to reduce dive when braking.
The IS F features 19-inch forged-alloy wheels by BBS® wîth a distinct dark-gray finish and an asymmetrical 10-spoke design. The front wheels are 19 x 8J, wîth 225/40R19 tires and 19 x 9J in the rear, wîth 255/35R19 tires. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and Bridgestone Potenza tires were each developed specifically for the 170-mph track capability of the Lexus IS F. High-rigidity hub unit bearings are engineered for rigorous, high g-force track driving. The direct-type tire pressure monitor system allows two sets of tires to be registered, giving the customer the benefit of a system wîth a set of track tires or winter tires. The multi-information display indicates the tire selector switch.
A specially calibrated version of Lexus' innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system helps provide superior handling dynamics and traction control. Combining input from a variety of sensors, VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and help correct the situation wîth a combination of braking, §teering and throttle control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. VDIM integration provides precise management for EPS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque (via the electronically controlled throttle).
During cornering, VDIM suppresses any tendency for the inside wheel to spin, transmitting more power to the outside wheel to help maintain traction and momentum. When braking on a mixed-friction surface, VDIM will direct §teering assist in the direction that will help provide greater control.
In Sport mode, VDIM allows higher dynamic thresholds before intervening and alters §teering assist to increase §teering feel. Sport mode helps provide excellent optimal vehicle control on a track in areas where the skills of even top-level drivers are challenged. The experienced driver can disengage VSC/TRAC by pressing and holding the TRAC-off button for more than three seconds. Even wîth VSC/TRAC disengaged, however, the system still provides the brake-based limited-slip differential effect and ABS. The Torsen® rear differential helps provide additional traction in spirited driving.
Brembo brakes were designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 14.2-inch ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6-inch ventilated, drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. Front bumper ducts adjacent to the fog lamps stream cooling air to the brakes. The brakes are finished wîth the Lexus name displayed on the calipers.
Safety/Security Features
Passive-safety technology in the IS F begins wîth a reinforced passenger compartment that helps protect the occupants wîth front-and-rear crush structures. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters are used for all seating positions.
In addition to advanced dual-stage front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes side-curtain airbags that extend from A-pillar to C-pillar, plus knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger.
The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help reduce collision damage. The package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS relies on the radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. The PCS computer, taking sensor inputs from vehicle speed, §teering angle and yaw rate, is designed to determine whether a collision is unavoidable. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes BA so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.
The rear back-up camera, included wîth the available navigation system, automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the car onto the navigation screen when the transmission is in reverse.
Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
The IS F interior features specially shaped and trimmed seats that help hold the driver comfortably and securely. The standard SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button start allows the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse.
Standard amenities include 10-way power front seats; dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter and smog detector; power moonroof wîth one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings; power tilt-and-telescoping §teering wheel; three-position memory function for front seats, §teering wheel and mirrors; all power windows wîth automatic up/down operation and jam protection; an auto-dimming rear-view mirror wîth HomeLink® programmable garage door opener; automated rain-sensing wipers and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors wîth integrated puddle lamps.
The air conditioning system's electrically controlled variable compressor adjusts output to demand rather than simply cycling on and off. The system can independently adjust upper and lower temperatures in response to ambient conditions or sunlight. ÚV-reducing, heat-absorbing glass is used throughout the car.
The standard Lexus Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 13 speakers, ÚSB/iPod® connectivity, streaming audio via Bluetooth® and an integrated XM Radio receiver (includes complimentary 90-day trial subscription). Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) maintains consistent sound levels in response to varying extraneous noise levels. When connected to the ÚSB port, the iPod can be controlled through the audio system or §teering wheel controls, while information such as names for the artist, track and album is displayed on the headunit or navigation screen.
Luxury Options
Like all Lexus models, the IS F offers a Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System. This 14-speaker audio system features discrete 5.1 multi-channel playback wîth 7.1-channel speaker architecture. Its 10 amplifier channels provide 300 watts total output at less than 0.1 percent total harmonic distortion from 20 to 20,000 Hz (THD all channels driven). The Mark Levinson system plays conventional CDs and DVDs, plus MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the available navigation system's color seven-inch touch screen when the parking brake is engaged.
The available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers, alerting the driver and showing distance to objects in the multi-information display within the speedometer. When the IS F is equipped wîth the navigation system, information on detected objects is shown in greater detail on the seven-inch touch screen display.
The optional Lexus Navigation system features Voice Command casual-language voice recognition and Bluetooth® phonebook download capability. The IS F also offers a telematics system, Lexus Enform® wîth Safety Connect®, available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped wîth these features. Safety Connect® is standard on all vehicles while Lexus Enform wîth Safety Connect is on all vehicles equipped wîth the optional Navigation system. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—every day of the year.
Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative XM services including XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™ and XM Sports and Stocks services. XM services require separate XM subscriptions. The XM Sports and Stocks service is included wîth an XM Radio subscription. All XM services offer complimentary 90-day trial subscriptions.
Exterior Design
Based on the IS luxury sport sedan, the IS F is clearly differentiated when viewed from the front, rear and in profile. A trapezoid-shaped front bumper fascia, a theme that is repeated at the rear, sets off the V-shape grille. The hood's raised center section makes room for the V8 powerplant, and the front fenders were widened to envelop the 19-inch low-profile tires. Total grille area is increased to ensure adequate cooling for the 5.0-liter V8, and both upper and lower grilles feature a special wire-mesh pattern. The lower grille is flanked by large brake cooling ducts adjacent to standard fog lamps. The front fenders wear a discrete silver, black and blue 'F' marque.
The car's wedge-like profile is accentuated by functional front fender air outlets wîth lower edges that transition into larger rocker panels and continue as a character line into the rear bumper. The rear view conveys a strong parting signature for the IS F, wîth a dramatic trapezoid shape and easily recognizable design elements.
Four vertically stacked exhaust diffusers, two per side, are integrated into the rear bumper. Above them, light-emitting diode (LED) stop and tail lamps behind clear lenses give the IS F a unique nighttime appearance. The subtle rear spoiler is one of many aerodynamic enhancements, which also include special underbody panels to optimize airflow.
Interior Design
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 5.0 L., 8-cylinder Power: 416 hp Torque: 371 ft-lbs | |
8-speed All-synchro | |
Warranty
All new Lexus vehicles come wîth a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty wîth roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage.Source - Lexus
Though smaller than the BMW, the Lexus IS300 carried a fairly tight rear seat, though it had a high level of comfort. In Japan the Lexus IS300 was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Introduced in 1999, the IS 300 went on sale in June of 2000. Shortly afterward it appeared as the CART Championship pace car. Along with the IS 300 SportCross, a five-speed manual-transmission version was debuted. The sedan and the little-known SportCross was somewhat publicized by two racing entries in the 2001 Grand-Am Cup North American Street Stock Series. Competitive immediately, the IS scored its first pole position in its fourth race and first race win in the fifth round at Virginia internatiojnal Raceway.
In March of 2003 the IS SportDesign was introduced, basically a cosmetic package equipped with a special grille, tailpipe along with other touches. Sharing its in-line six-cylinder engine with the Supra, the Lexus IS 300 came with rear-wheel drive and an interior that was more sport than luxury. 215 horsepower was produced with the six along with 218 lb-ft of torque that used variable valve timing to broaden its torque curve. The IS 300 also had a two-stage induction system along with a two-way bymass muffler that enhanced breathing and lower noise. Excellent handling was provided by a double wishbone suspension.
When desired, the SportCross and the automatic transmission sedan featured E-Shift steering wheel-mounted shift buttons for finger-tip control over gear shifts. Basically a wagon/crossover version with the same dimensions as the sedan, the IS 300 featured a rear tailgate, a split fold-down rear seatback and fold-down front passenger seatbacks that allowed it to carry either long or odd-shaped items. A rear power outlet and a seatback table were also located in the folding passenger seat.
Wind noise was lowered due to a low 0.29 coefficient of drag, while the interior was quieted with sound-dampening asphalt sheets in the roof. Optional on sedans was a real spoiler, while the SportCross featured a unique spoiler as standard equipment. The IS300 had drill drilled aluminum pedals with rubber pads, supportive height-adjustable seats and stainless steel doorsill scuff plates. 17-inch wheels, low-profile performance-tread tires, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, a high-power audio system with both a cassette player and six-disc in-dash CD changer with eight speakers, and High-Intensity Discharge headlights were all standard features.
Optional on the IS300 was eight-way power driver's and passenger seats, heated front seats and a power moonroof. The interior could be outfitted with an optional leather/Alcantara trim package or a full leather-trimmed interior in either ivory or black.
The SportCross offered the Vehicle Stability Control system as an option. This was also optional on the automatic sedan. This feature was helpful in controlling traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by utilizing throttle intervention. To help limit rear-wheel slip on acceleration the VSC supplements the standard full-range traction control. Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution was featured on the four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system. To determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, brake assist is designed to figure this out, along with if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS. The system supplements the braking power applied until pedal pressure is released.
Pretensioners and height-adjustable anchors are incorporated on the front seatbelts in the Lexus IS 300 to help avoid the forces to the upper torso in a serious frontal collision. The SRS, Supplemental Restraint Systems included dual front airbags, side curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, and front seat-mounted side airbags. A personal security feature is the speed-sensitive and shift-linked automatic door lock/unlock system.
An optional feature on the Lexus IS 300 was the Lexus Navigation System which used a DVD for map storage. All on one disc, the DVD contains all of the U.S. and the major cities in Canada. High-speed route calculation, multi-route calculation, route preview, a dual-map screen mode and simplified highway junction graphics are functions of the Navigation System. Deployed from the dashboard, the System is easily hidden when not in use. The remote controls for the system are hidden in the center console between the front seats. A dashboard storage compartment with a spring-loaded retractable lid is featured on models not equipped with the Navigation System.
For 2004 all Lexus IS models added a standard maintenance indicator light along with automatic power door locks. In October of 2005 the second generation of IS models were introduced, the IS250 and the IS350.By Jessica Donaldson
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2011| Similar Automakers | |
| Audi | BMW |
| Infiniti | Jaguar |
| Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Lexus: 2011-2020 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Lexus History |
| Other models by Lexus |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| CT 200h ES | GS GX | HS IS | LFA LS | LX RX | SC |
| 2010 IS F | 2012 IS F |
