IS-F

GENEVA, March 8, 2007 - The new IS-F is the first production iteration of the Lexus 'F' designation, an ultra-high performance sports series for the premium automotive segment. The new F-Sports saloon has been designed specifically to allow drivers to realize their passion for the ultimate in precision, high-performance engineering, whether for circuit racing or in everyday use.

The IS-F maintains the traditional Lexus values of technological sophistication, leading edge engineering and unparalleled refinement, whilst redefining the driving experience through a state-of-the-art powertrain and chassis dynamics tuned to provide outstanding performance and instant, precision response to inputs, rewarding the driver with unparalleled involvement and entertainment under all driving conditions.

5.0 litre V8 Petrol Engine
The IS-F's new, 2UR-GSE 5.0 litre V8 engine combines all the precision engineering and technological sophistication of the LS 600h's renowned 5.0 litre powerplant -from which it is derived with a range of specific, sports tuning enhancements designed to realise ultra-high performance appropriate to the new Lexus FSports marque without compromise to the brand's legendary engine refinement and durability.

Generating over 300kW/400DIN hp and 500Nm/37 0lb.ft of torque, the new Lexus V8 is mated to an 8-speed direct sport shift (an 8-speed manual/automatic transmission), and is capable of accelerating the IS-F 0-100km/h in under 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of over 270kmh/169mph, whilst remaining fully compliant with Euro IV legislation and generating CO2 emissions below 285 g/km.

The new 5.0L unit features a D-4S stoichiometric direct injection system, the world's only high compression ratio injection system to adopt two injectors per cylinder. The system combines the strengths of both direct and port injection, realising optimum engine efficiency throughout the power band and improving torque whilst minimising fuel consumption and emissions. Under heavy throttle loads, D-4S employs direct injection alone, which improves the efficiency of each charge and allows for a higher compression ratio, thus improving engine output and balanced performance.

The V8 powerplant is also equipped with Lexus' third-generation Dual VVT-i. This optimised, low pressure loss, variable intake and exhaust timing system incorporates VVT-iE, the world's first electric motor driven intake camshaft which, unlike hydraulic VVT, is capable of operating across the full engine rpm range down to idle and totally independent from air temperature.

Allied to D-4S and Dual VVT-i, the 5.0 litre unit's sports tuning enhancements include a new cylinder head design and dual air intake, whilst the extra throttle operation for the secondary port controls intake air volume under high performance driving conditions without compromising performance in the lower part of the rpm band.

Designed with circuit performance in mind, the Lexus IS-F's new V8 also benefits from heavy duty engine oil and transmission fluid coolers, as well as a head scavenger oil pump to maintain optimum engine oil circulation under lateral gravitational forces of up to over 1.2G. The 5.0 litre powerplant further features a unique, low pressure loss Sports exhaust system incorporating a semi dual exhaust manifold which reduces interference in the flow of exhaust gases for improved output and combustion efficiency.

Particular attention has been paid to the tuning of the new engine and exhaust systems to create the IS-F's unique, highly distinctive sound signature. Lexus engineers focused on a sound that changes linearly through each speed range, with an emphasis placed on exhaust sound at low speeds and in response to light throttle pressure, air intake sound in the high speed range and mechanical sound during times of maximum performance.

Tuning centred on an air intake flow optimisation that responds in a linear relation to the throttle opening angle, whilst an emphasis on the purity of the engine's mechanical sound signature at peak output has been reinforced through the absolute minimisation of friction and the ultimate in precision assembly throughout the engine in order to eliminate, rather than simply suppress, the sources of all unwanted noise generation.

8-speed direct paddle shift
The new 5.0 litre V8 is mated to a highly sophisticated, 8-speed automatic transmission which features 'Flash Shift' -the segment's fastest paddle-shift gear change- to elicit instantaneous gear engagement, prompt throttle response and entirely linear acceleration throughout the rev' range.

A derivation of the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission featured on the LS 460, the new gearbox's sports shift control facilitates its operation in both fully automatic and manual modes, and has been designed to combine refined performance in everyday use with the ultimate in manual response under circuit driving conditions.

With the goal of a gear shift speed of just 0.1 seconds (the fastest shift time in Formula 1 cars is 0.05 seconds), over 100 shift-related components have been re-evaluated and optimised, including control software and structure, the dimension of the brake plates and its supporting spring forces, and the movement of the solenoid valves that switches and controls the oil pressure.

Rather than attempting to erase all sense of gear shifting, the norm with a Lexus automatic gear change, the IS-F's F-Sports transmission has been designed to incorporate tolerable shift response torque steps to further enliven the sports driving experience without the previously associated penalties of time lag and hesitation in power delivery. To that end, an ultra-fast engine control system has also been developed to eradicate the potential errors associated with an exceptionally rapid gearshift - just 0.1 seconds - such as partial combustion or non-synchronised engine speed.

In addition, the sports control system automatically blips the throttle whenever the driver downshifts a gear, ensuring a perfectly smooth downshift under all driving conditions.

Furthermore, in order to maximise the speed of response to throttle inputs -traditionally dulled by the use of a torque converter within automatic transmissions- the new 8-speed gearbox implements lockup in all gear steps from 2nd and above in manual mode. The lockup clutch offers a mechanical connection between the torque converter's pump and turbine wheel, transmitting engine torque directly to the transmission. Though lockup can be implemented in every gear step, general torque converter characteristics actually enhance off-the-line acceleration, obviating the need to engage lockup in 1st gear.

Driving Dynamics
The new IS-F shares the double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system, incorporating high-performance monotube shock absorbers, with the rest of the Lexus IS model range. However, every aspect of this sophisticated configuration has been re-evaluated and fine-tuned to provide the ultimate in stability, precision handling, road-holding and body control within a circuit racing environment, without compromising the everyday ride comfort and refinement appropriate to a Lexus saloon.

GT Motorsport data logging technology was employed to monitor suspension behaviour both at the Fuji Speedway -the home of the Lexus F-Sports programme- and other race circuits around the world, including the legendary Nürburgring in Germany. The resultant data has effected a stiffening of spring and damper settings in both bound and rebound damper characteristics, a lowering of ride height by 25mm, and comprehensive modifications to the bushing characteristics throughout the bespoke suspension system.

The Lexus IS-F has also been equipped with a powerful, all-new braking system to achieve the exceptionally high braking forces required under circuit driving conditions. The system employs large 360mm diameter ventilated discs with Brembo 6-piston opposed aluminium callipers to the front, and 345mm ventilated discs with 2-piston opposed aluminium callipers to the rear. In conjunction, high friction brake pads have been adopted throughout, the whole affording drivers consistently strong, stable, fade-free braking from the highest speeds, yet still providing the low-speed sensitivity and feel essential to smooth urban driving.

To further complement these extensive suspension and brake system modifications, the new IS-F is equipped with large, 225/40-R19 8J front and 255/35-R19 9J rear forged aluminium BBS wheels. The IS-F's tyres, which include the first use of a 35 aspect ratio, feature an unusually strong structural framework with a newly developed tyre compound which exhibits both high grip performance and wear resistance to combine optimum sports performance with durability.

The new IS-F has also been fitted with a bespoke, sports version of Lexus' state-of-the-art Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM) to enhance performance, traction control and vehicle stability. With comprehensive status data provided by sensing brake pressure, steering angle, torque steer, yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, and vehicle speed sensors throughout the vehicle, VDIM fully integrates the IS-F's Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems. By the application of integrated control of all the elements related to vehicle movement, including engine torque, brakes and steering, VDIM not only optimises the activation of braking, stability and traction control systems, but is also able to further improve the overall kinetic performance of the vehicle, promoting smoother 'on-the-limit' vehicle behaviour through unobtrusive intervention and, hence, a more rewarding drive.

The IS-F features a new three-mode version of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. It includes a Sport mode, which allows for more wheel slip and even oversteer, without disengaging the system. Additionally, VDIM may be switched of completely for those drivers that want to push the IS-F to its ultimate level of handling performance.

Design
Developed in harmony with the Lexus L-finesse design philosophy, the subtle, yet powerful styling enhancements which differentiate the Lexus F-Sports saloon from the rest of the IS model range are fundamentally driven by the requirement to provide the additional aerodynamic downforce essential to an ultra-high performance saloon, as well as accommodating a large displacement powerplant and a revised suspension system.

The IS-F is 4660mm long, 1815mm wide and 1410 high. A 73 mm increase to the front overhang accommodates the new V8 powerplant and its attendant oil cooling system whilst, astern, an additional 12mm to the rear overhang signifies the installation of the quadruple-pipe Sports exhaust system and extensive aerodynamic treatment to the rear bumper area. Allied to bespoke, 10 spoke, hand finished 19 " forged alloy wheels the IS-F has a 20mm wider front track, whilst the sports suspension results in an overall body height reduction of 25mm.

Painstaking research has been carried out into significantly enhancing the IS-F bodywork's aerodynamic performance, downforce generation and engine bay cooling capacity without overtly compromising the standard IS model's highly competitive drag coefficient.

To the front, the IS-F features a distinct, F-Sports mesh grille above a deep, aggressive front air dam which reinforces the high-performance saloon's broad, muscular stance and wider front track, channels air flow over and below the vehicle and accommodates trapezoidal, high-volume, engine bay air inlets. To the side, air outlets located behind the front wheel arch indicate the presence of a large displacement powerplant whilst maximizing the through-flow of engine bay cooling air.

To the rear, the boot lid features a discreet, yet highly efficient spoiler to reduce aerodynamic lift force, whilst the rear bumper has also been extensively remodelled to accommodate four flush mounted, fully integrated trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

On board the IS-F, the clean, uncluttered luxury of the IS model range interior has been further enhanced through bespoke, F-Sports detailing and finishes featuring a unique, high-contrast, White, Black and Accent Blue colour scheme. The exceptional lateral support provided by the IS-F's purpose made seating is reinforced through the use of white leather for the main seat area, contrasting black for the lateral bolsters, and blue accent stitching.

Strongly patterned redwood has been adopted for the centre console finish, the wood having been bleached and layered with aluminium to create a unique, high-tech, sporting finish. The trademark blue of the F-Sports interior has further been incorporated within a revised driver's instrument binnacle featuring blue tachometer and speedometer needles sweeping aluminium meter rings, and incorporating an oil temperature gauge and gear shift-indicator lights.

Interior Technology
The new Lexus IS-F high-performance saloon boasts a comprehensive standard equipment package including a Smart Keyless Entry and Start System, electronic climate control, electric windows and electric, heated door mirrors, windscreen de-icing, sequentially illuminated LED entry lighting, Optitron instrument lighting, full leather power adjusted, heated and ventilated front seats, electrochromatic interior and door mirrors, bixenon I-AFS headlamps and Lexus Parking Assist Sensors.

This class-leading range of standard equipment may be further supplemented by numerous, unique, high technology options, including the Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System. It comprises the new Lexus navigation system, the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System and the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor.

The new Lexus navigation system, premiered in the Lexus IS, features 3-language voice activation, and combines 7", 32,000 colour range, LCD touch screen technology with voice guidance in 10 languages. Bluetooth connectivity is integrated into the system for hands-free cellular phone operation. For those wanting the best in automotive infotainment, a new Mark Levinson Premium Surround System features a 10 channel, 300-Watt RMS amplifier and 14 speakers, including the company's first use of a 200mm inverted subwoofer. It utilises Mark Levinson Surround (MLS) audio software to reproduce 'discreet' 5.1 sound, via a surround sound 7.1 channel speaker topography, from both stereo CD and 5-channel DVD source material.

Safety
The new IS-F also offers the highest content of sophisticated, active and passive safety technology in this segment, including a unique, Sports derivative of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. A Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system uses a millimetre-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and to determine, in advance, whether a collision is unavoidable. If the system determines that this is the case, it will pre-emptively activate the Pre-Crash front seatbelt pretensioners and simultaneously prepare the emergency Brake Assist system for optimum efficiency once the brake pedal is depressed.

Complimentary to the PCS system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can automatically match the speed of the vehicle in front and, once the road ahead is clear, accelerate back up to the selected cruising speed.

Within a highly rigid, extensively reinforced body structure, a comprehensive range of airbags includes driver and passenger SRS knee airbags, and Lexus' unique twin chamber front passenger airbag, which offers improved protection to sensitive facial areas. The new IS-F further benefits from swivelling, bi-xenon, Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting (I-AFS) for both low and high beam, featuring 4-bulb high beam lamps.

IS-F PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine	5.0L V8, over 400DIN hp, 500Nm
Top speed	270km/h (electronically limited)
0-100 km/h acceleration	4.9s
Combined CO2 emissions	285g/km

Lexus Europe reserves the right to alter any details of specifications and equipment without notice. Details of specifications and equipment are also subject to change to suit local conditions and requirements.

Vehicles pictured and specifications detailed in this publication may vary from models and equipment available in your area. Vehicle body colour might differ slightly from the printed photos in this publication.