Lexus IS-F: 400 BHP, 8-Speed Auto, 0-60 in 4.9 sec

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In yet another attempt to one-up Germany and America, Lexus is about to re-launch an old division with a new name...

But first, the origional story:

LLN.com
Lexus' U.S. executives are pressing their counterparts in Japan to give the L-Tuned division another chance, according to Automotive News. "There's nothing to announce yet," Jim Lentz, COO of Toyota Motor Sales said last week. "But the time is right to stretch Lexus as a core-luxury brand."

Lentz said the first L-Tuned vehicles — which were built between 2000 and 2003 — were more about cosmetics than performance. Many observers feel this is the reason the program fizzled out so quickly. There's speculation a new round of L-Tuned vehicles would more effectively target AMG and BMW's "M" division by offering tangible performance improvements.

In April, Lexus General Manager Bob Carter said a performance sub-brand had not been ruled out, but the company would "do high performance in a Lexus way."

And the current story:

LLN.com
Lexus will launch a new high-performance lineup beginning in 2007, according to dealer sources cited by Automotive News. The series will compete with BMW's "M" line and Mercedes' AMG. The automaker has filed for a trademark on the name "IS-F," which is believed to be the name for the company's 425 horsepower IS sedan, previously referred to as the IS 500.

The IS-F will be unveiled in January at the Detroit auto show and go on sale in December 2007. Other "F" models will surely be added in the following months, including a GS-F and an IS-F coupe.

lexus-f.jpg


The company also filed for a trademark on a new "F" logo (pictured). The logo features a stylized letter similar to that of the Lexus logo.

This is indeed interesting news, but allow me to be a bit skeptical. With the disappointing performance of the two newest Lexus models (GS450h, LS460) against the foreign competition they were supposed to "destroy," I can't see these new "performance" versions being any better. Too many computers, too much weight, far too many compromises for luxury purposes. They can cram as much horsepower and technology into a car as they please, but that doesn't make it an instant success. Look no further than the M6 for an example, especially by comparison to the "simple" Jaguar XKR, even when down 80 BHP.
 
Well, if these models ARE entertaining, Toyota might prove that Lexus is capable of producing more than overpriced, overcontented Buicks.

We can hope that the "F" nodels are fun to drive, but with Toyota's contentment with boring automobiles, it's not looking likely.
 
hmm.. their top notch model could be called Super Turbo Fast Underdog, or STFU for short.. :lol:
 
Hmmm, L-Tuned engine in a Toyota......:D


This looks interesting, you can't blame 'em for at least, errr, try?
 
What about "M" ?

I'm sure that some people scoffed at the whole "M" thing back in the '80s, but now that it is an established sporting marque, do you question it? I know I thought the idea of GMPD (General Motors Performance Division) sounded very corny when they first slapped that together, and the whole PVO turned SRT thing was a little odd too.

...If you want "ring" in this business, look no further than AMG or SVT. Hell, even the V-series from Cadillac sounds better than "F-series." Its like they're building a truck...
 
This is indeed interesting news, but allow me to be a bit skeptical. With the disappointing performance of the two newest Lexus models (GS450h, LS460) against the foreign competition they were supposed to "destroy," I can't see these new "performance" versions being any better. Too many computers, too much weight, far too many compromises for luxury purposes. They can cram as much horsepower and technology into a car as they please, but that doesn't make it an instant success. Look no further than the M6 for an example, especially by comparison to the "simple" Jaguar XKR, even when down 80 BHP.
The LS460 is not a good car? How is the XKR more of a success than the M6?

Anyway, Id rather see Infiniti challenge the super-germans, not Lexus. Infiniti already builds great performance sedans in the G34 and M45, and in my opinion are better equiped to challenge. Lexus on the other hand, would do better to give the green light on the L650h and build that monster.

And F is for Ferrari, L doesnt sound sporty (Lexus, Luxury, Limp). They should go with a word and not just a letter, that would be original.
 
On the name issue...I suppose TRD is too "Import Tuner-ish" for a luxury brand?
 
Or maybe they should take TRD and adapt it by replacing "Toyota" with "Lexus" and throwing an "Advanced" in the mix.

I think the name "Lexus Advanced Racing Development" would be very fitting for the way current Lexii handle corners. LARD. :lol:
 
Why the LS460L isn't as good as they said it would be:

1) At a base-price ($71K), it is a value against the competition. But stack up common options to similar spec it to other German and even British models, and you have a car that is $3,000 more than a similarly equipped 750Li, $5000 more than an A8L.

2) Handling isn't up to par with others in the same class. Given the heavy weight, long stance, and Lexus-like ability to ignore the people who actually want to drive, the performance disappoints. Look no further than a lane-change speed of 54.9 MPH for reference, and the absolutely abysmal performance of the brakes: Thats 207 feet from 60 to 0, 207! Compare that to the Jaguar XJ Super V8 at 164 feet, the performance of the Lexus is simply unacceptable.

3) The "excellence" of the 8-speed automatic was downplayed too. Certainly there are benefits of the higher, rated, fuel mileage (19/27)... But it didn't muster any better than the competition in the C/D test, all of whom did 13 MPG. Same can be said for straight-line performance, where the lower-powered and fewer geared BMW 750Li smoked it, but so too did the heaver S550 that did with only two extra BHP, and one fewer cog in the transmission.

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As for the XKR versus the M6, it puts up a damn-good show against the German. It is slightly cheaper, looks arguably better, is lighter (by about 40 pounds), and offers a better shot at the true Gran Turismo experience. It is the "natural" feeling to the Jaguar that makes it a winner in my book, added to that the idea that I'm saving $20K is appealing too. Sure, the M6 is indeed a faster beast (having 80 extra BHP, I'd hope so!), but when you want a civilized sports coupe, Gran Turismo, whatever... The XKR is the better deal.

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But keep in mind, this is a Lexus thread.
 
Some of the names you guys have come up with. You guys are flippin' comedians. :lol:

BMW and Lexus are my two favorite luxury brands. But as far as I'm concerned, "M" sounded cool from very beginning. This "L" thing and "F" logo looks and sounds ridiculous....... for now. "M" has built up reputation for their name and logo. Lexus has been a surprise from the very beginning. I would give them the benefit of the doubt.
 
Or maybe they should take TRD and adapt it by replacing "Toyota" with "Lexus" and throwing an "Advanced" in the mix.

I think the name "Lexus Advanced Racing Development" would be very fitting for the way current Lexii handle corners. LARD. :lol:

I :lol:'d at that one.
 
Or maybe they should take TRD and adapt it by replacing "Toyota" with "Lexus" and throwing an "Advanced" in the mix.

I think the name "Lexus Advanced Racing Development" would be very fitting for the way current Lexii handle corners. LARD. :lol:
Lexus Advanced Perfomance perhaps (LAP). Lexus Advanced Performance Division (LAPD). L-tech, Lex-tech, I can't think of anytihng that runs nicely to do with Lexus. But like YSSMAN said, once it becomes an established band and your used to it, it'll sound a lot better much like BMW M sport is viewed.
 
Unlike some of you, I'm a bit interested. I've been dropping a few hints around the forum that I've been looking at a new GS350 next year while Dave has been looking at IS's. If these F-tuned vehicles are at least fun to drive like the M vehicles we'd driven before, we might consider looking at them.
 
1) At a base-price ($71K), it is a value against the competition. But stack up common options to similar spec it to other German and even British models, and you have a car that is $3,000 more than a similarly equipped 750Li, $5000 more than an A8L.
Have you seen the price of an S-Class these days? And being a similar price to the 750 and A8 is no problem. Those arent class leading cars. Its the S-class the LS is after.
2) Handling isn't up to par with others in the same class. Given the heavy weight, long stance, and Lexus-like ability to ignore the people who actually want to drive, the performance disappoints. Look no further than a lane-change speed of 54.9 MPH for reference, and the absolutely abysmal performance of the brakes: Thats 207 feet from 60 to 0, 207! Compare that to the Jaguar XJ Super V8 at 164 feet, the performance of the Lexus is simply unacceptable.
MT tested 60-0 in 135... and the S-class in 127, so its still decent, not as bad as you say. It also outslalomed the S550 by 1,5 mph.
3) The "excellence" of the 8-speed automatic was downplayed too. Certainly there are benefits of the higher, rated, fuel mileage (19/27)... But it didn't muster any better than the competition in the C/D test, all of whom did 13 MPG. Same can be said for straight-line performance, where the lower-powered and fewer geared BMW 750Li smoked it, but so too did the heaver S550 that did with only two extra BHP, and one fewer cog in the transmission.
According to MT, the S550 was 0,2 seconds slower in the Qtr mile.

If this car is so bad, how was it one of the top 8 finalists in MTs car of the year?


As for the guy who mentioned TRD: TRD still exists, but hasnt done many road cars in recent years (no sports cars to tune I guess), so now they are almost entirely the Toyota racing branch, active in Super GT for example.
 
But as far as I'm concerned, "M" sounded cool from very beginning. This "L" thing and "F" logo looks and sounds ridiculous....... for now. "M" has built up reputation for their name and logo. Lexus has been a surprise from the very beginning. I would give them the benefit of the doubt.

I agree about M: it was short for "Motorsport" right from the beginning, and was marketed that way. L and F just don't work. There was a short article in Evo about a year ago that discussed what is the "most Evo" letter for cars. I can't remember if it was M or S, but I think F was near the bottom. L wasn't even mentioned.

I have no idea on how these could turn out. People (myself included) once had doubts as to whether a Toyota subsidiary could ever create a valid luxury car. Lexus isn't the best, and it may even be a lux' too far, but it's certainly not bad. Taking that into consideration, I think Lexus may be totally capable of creating AMG alternatives, but I think trying to approach Audi's RS (let alone BMW's M) is a bit of a reach for them. They can't even get a good feel from their (now-cancelled) Toyota branded sports cars.

Anything is possible, though. As usual: "I'll believe it when I see it".
 
As a 10 year Motor Trend subscribert, I can say that its because Motor Trend has sucked since C. Van Tune left the editors seat.
While i agree, MotorTrend is still a profetional automotive magazine and their opinion is still relevant to the subject at hand. This isnt a faulty appeal to authority.
 
That logo looks even worse on a car. :yuck: Thanks for the link, Sage. I liked the comment by a guy, Dr1v3r, and the comments in response to what he said. :lol:

I agree about M: it was short for "Motorsport" right from the beginning, and was marketed that way. L and F just don't work. There was a short article in Evo about a year ago that discussed what is the "most Evo" letter for cars. I can't remember if it was M or S, but I think F was near the bottom. L wasn't even mentioned.
I'm especially worried about the birth of this "L-Tune" division. Sounds really, really weak. I guess the weak history won't hurt it though. I don't think many people had heard of it before. I hadn't.

How about "S" for sport, or "A" for athlete or something. Didn't Toyota have a version of Crown called Athlete or something? Well, it doesn't matter.
 
How about Lexus puts the "F" at the beginning of the model name, and then makes an F turbo version of the IS?

The Lexus FIST.

getmecoat.gif
 
If this car is so bad, how was it one of the top 8 finalists in MTs car of the year?

1) Check out the C/D comparison for the deets. Both times they have tested the LS460 they have come up with more than 200 feet in a stop test. That is simply inexcusable from a company so fixated on safety.

2) Why is it in the top eight? Simple, Motor Trend is ran by people with the collective IQ of a Honeybaked Ham. They spend so much time sucking up to Toyota and Honda all while splashing their pages with American supercars in some attempt for flag-waving that I'm simply sick of it. If you want opinion these days, you have to go elsewhere. I haven't seen such senseless dribble on paper since I had read Blinded By the Right last year. Too many oversize pictures, no real interesting stories, and opinions that are as biased as CNN.

...I look to C/D, Automobile, CAR, and Top Gear for information. Motor Trend simply isn't relevant anymore...

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Guys, please take note: The Lexus performance division was formerly called "L-Tuned," the new division will be a part of the "F-series."

So we would have models like the IS-F, GS-F, LS-F, etc. Get it?
 
Guys, please take note: The Lexus performance division was formerly called "L-Tuned," the new division will be a part of the "F-series."

So we would have models like the IS-F, GS-F, LS-F, etc. Get it?
I was confused about that. So, no "L". Just "F".
 
Lexus IS-F teaser.

Shame ’bout those weirdo exhaust outlets.

Now those tuners don't have to buy parts, It's riced out stock:yuck:

So, might the new lexus supercar, which looks awful, be called the LF-F, following this naming trend?

I think lexus has been trying to grow too quickly. I wouldn't be suprised if these new cars had things go wrong in the future that no German car has. They don't have the experience of building high end cars that the Germans have. A lot of immediate drawbacks can also probably be attributed to this.

I do hope, for their sake, that they don't try to create an F version of every vehicle. Because they have not built many fast versions of their cars, people will not know what they would be getting if they bought one. People wouldn't buy any, and F would go back into hiding.

If lexus is trying to build a reputation, they may not know that that takes time. Try again in ten years guys.
 
I still like the old IS200 the best, that was a nice car. I like the new IS350 as well, that picture was awesome 👍 But on the LS:

I don't think those cars should be build on speed, they are being build on comfort, if you want speed, you buy a supercar. However, I agree with YSSMAN on the braking there, that's far too long.


I've been a huge Toyota fan, but their recent models are beginning to annoy me...

Lexus was a nice brand but it feels like they are trying to pulling too much, the IS200 and 350 are lovely but the LS460 is rather :crazy: It looks like heaven from the inside, off course, it's nearly two times as big as a 7-series inside but I never liked those high-luxury cars...
 
"F-Series"...I hope Ford sues Lexus's ass off for that.

I think Toyota, as a company, is making the same mistake that Sega's making wiht the Sonic series: trying to make their products, each and every one of them, please everyone, while ending up pleasing nobody. 'Cept, possibly, the Left Wing, who likes Hybrids.
 
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