The Spies render a verdict on the IS-F

After months and months of hype, speculation and uncertainty, the IS-F is finally here. Agent 008 has spent the past couple of days in Carmel Valley, CA test driving it and here's the verdict: The hype is legit!

Lexus has delivered a true contendor to the luxury sports sedan market, bringing luxury, comfort, performance and styling together into one mean package. While pricing has not yet been set, it is widely expected to fall in the low to mid $60k range, depending on options. Here's a quick run-down on some of the highlights of the car:

- The 5.0-liter V8 has immense power. While it doesn't rev as high as the M3 it still has constant power and acceleration from top to bottom.

- The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts beautifuly in manual mode. 0.10 second shifts are exactly that - split-second and crisp. A rev blip on downshifts is extremely effective, too. We're still not totally sold on the idea of an 8-speed, as it requires more shifting due to the shorter gears, but with limited driving opportunity, this has yet to be determined.

- Handling is as good as we expected it to be. The car will definately tend to understeer with traction control turned on. When in sport mode, you can bring the rear end around, get loose on the corners, and drift just enough to get your heart racing, yet still feel like you aren't on the brink of dumping it. With all traction control off, well, good luck; its a hand full if you don't know what you're doing.

- One thing lacking that would be a great asset is a HUD. Having to look down for the current gear and speed is somewhat cumbersome. As we stated back when we reviwed the M6, the HUD was extremely helpful, as it provided crucial telemetry needed to drive the car as effortlessly as it should be. Word from Lexus is that a HUD is indeed coming, but no dates have been given.

- The engine is electronically limited to 170 mph, and has already been proven to get there, and we're convinced it can exceed that speed with ease. During our track time we got it up to about 125 mph, but it was barely breaking a sweat at that speed.

We tested the car on the roads around Carmel Valley, as well as on the Laguna Seca raceway. Professional race car driver Scott Pruitt was on hand to give demo laps, and we've got some in-car video that will be available shortly.

Stay tuned for a full review and videos, but in the meantime enjoy these photos from today.

UPDATE: The stars and planets must be aligned! Lexus has agreed to let the Spies take an IS-F on a road trip! We'll be driving it the 500 miles from Monterey to Las Vegas tomorrow. Keep in touch, as we'll give updates on how our "long term" testing goes. Considering that no other media outlet has been given this kind of access to the car, you know that the Spies are going to be the place to fill all of your IS-F information needs.

Will_ - 10/26/2007 2:24:13 AM

+10 Boost

This only gets posted at 2:15 in the morning? What a coincidence that I am both awake and on the site?

Their first attempt at a performance vehicle and Lexus got it RIGHT. This car will expose a whole new demographic of customers to the brand and put faith in a whole new set of buyers that are not traditional Lexus buyers. I can't help but remember nearly everyone expecting this car to be absolutely horrible. At least now we know that it's not.

The initial impressions of the IS-F have me extremely excited about the upcoming LF-A and future Lexus-F products.

dlin - 10/26/2007 2:28:53 AM

+2 Boost

Judging from Edmund's video, it seems IS-F got a great potential. The power slide angle is really wide and the grip allows it to hang in there for quite a while, indicating the suspension has been well tuned. However, you can still see the "snap" of rear at the corner exit sometimes, which I believe is the inevitable result of 54/46 weight distribution.

It's easy to get smoother and more powerful engine than BMW, but it's very hard to get the 50:50 weight distribution. This will be the next major task for LEXUS and INFINITI, although GT-R already proposed a interesting solution- put the gearbox at the rear wheel.

chris760 - 10/26/2007 7:08:33 PM

+1 Boost

yeah--also the bmw m3 has the lightest v8 in the business

henbmw - 10/26/2007 7:25:05 PM

-3 Boost

"It's easy to get smoother and more powerful engine than BMW"

Really? Tell that to all the competitors to the 335i, and the M3 for that matter.

dlingkk - 10/27/2007 1:14:03 AM

+2 Boost

It kinda surprised me the tranny is behind.

http://www2.nissan.co.jp/GT-R/R35/0710/index.html

minimalist - 10/26/2007 2:41:50 AM

+1 Boost

as far as i can tell, the is-f does have actual quad mufflers. the mufflers just arent connected to the tips.

will there be any is-f review out there that will tell me how the visibility is considering that massive bonnet? please help!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/26/2007 9:58:45 AM

0 Boost

Yes, it does have a Huge Schnauzer : )

Will_ - 10/26/2007 2:49:56 AM

+6 Boost

Did Lexus say HUD was coming? I wouldn't mind that feature trickling up the Lexus product line...

XYZZ - 10/26/2007 3:11:45 AM

+5 Boost

it took a little time, but lexus has REFINED the traction/stability control to have three settings.

they recognize that while many guys TALK about macho driving, some really cannot handle fast cornering without help.

farabira1 - 10/26/2007 3:13:52 AM

+6 Boost

Well Lexus has 54:46 weight distribution probably because of the big displacement engine and other machinery at the front part of the car, but that said today's electronic controls can actually correct for less than perfect mechanical engineering. Distribution of power to the wheels can be controlled for stability and prevention of under or over steering. Like you get in the Mitsubishi EVO X, and the recently introduced Nissan GTR. From the videos that i have observed, this car is an absolute beast, almost similar to an RS4. The car seems heavy but that means more torsional rigidity and so a more compliant ride. Looks good overall, no doubt the car looks fabulous in the shiny black color coat.

M35MT - 10/26/2007 9:19:43 AM

+3 Boost

Finally - A BLACK ONE! Looks awesome. And it makes the quad pipes look better than on that burple color.

I think it has the best interior as well. This is just my opinion, I like the gauges and lighting. I also like the tight feel of the cockpit - I dont have a fat ass. I almost bought an IS250 but didnt at the last second due to its poor performance (I was stuck on the styling).

MunichRob - 10/26/2007 5:10:44 AM

+5 Boost

The car looks mean in black. I'm getting used to the side vents but the tailpipes just aren't working for me.

henbmw - 10/26/2007 7:30:03 PM

-2 Boost

Your putting a lot of faith in seeing it real life....sounds like someone describing your next blind date.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:25:55 PM

+1 Boost

Hey, a lot of cars are like that. Look at the S/CL: hideous in the press shots but stunningly beautiful in person.

Kinger - 10/26/2007 6:01:59 AM

+5 Boost

That red really does look great, I thought I would like the car best in black but mica red seems to suit it best.

r15mohd - 10/26/2007 8:19:19 AM

+5 Boost

if you think the Red Mica is beautiful in pix...just wait until you see it up close. I have the very same color on my GS and everytime I wash the vehicle, I am amazed at the quality of paint thats layed down.

it truly is a great color...and sports wise, the gunmetallic wheels make it look even better.

between the red and the white, i dont think any other color suits the IS-F better.

i am anxious, can't wait for the review of the 500 mile trip...

every day the IS-F is climbing a step...from won't even have a chance to now getting it rite.

GOOD JOB LEXUS, well deserved!!!

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:38:44 PM

+3 Boost

They have some sort of magic knack for paint. Their white (Starfire Pearl) is the best white color I've ever seen. The way they coat the paint is just very lustrous.

WayneDash - 10/26/2007 8:41:20 AM

-6 Boost

I dont know, this car really doesnt do it for me... The performance sounds excellent but the interior is lame. Definitely not worth $65k.

montyz81 - 10/26/2007 9:40:08 AM

-4 Boost

I agree. 65k is way to much Money for a car that started life as a Corolla.

cdoke - 10/26/2007 11:45:11 AM

+5 Boost

The question that must be asked about the interior relates to whether or not it differs significantly in material composition from the competition. The answer is no. You may not like the form of it relative to something else, but I have no doubt that it is functional and does what it needs to do.

r15mohd - 10/26/2007 12:12:15 PM

0 Boost

the IS-F interior is by far the best in this class. the bmw is the typical bland layout. the only other that offers above standard is the RS4, and the IS-F really outshines the RS4 as well. the MB, well lets just say they need to go back to the brawing board on it.

hands down the IS-F delivers best when interior is the decider.

montyz81 - 10/26/2007 4:10:33 PM

-2 Boost

Interesting that you are so outwardly defensive over my comments. You worried that it isn't much more then a corolla. I hear the current IS250/350 are rattling like a Buick after only 25k miles. Lexus is a luxury company trying to build a sports car. They do Luxury well and nothing else. Leave the sports sedans to Audi,Bim,and Infiniti.

stash84 - 10/26/2007 5:08:00 PM

+2 Boost

wow, u dont like the interior? its the nicest in its class and the touchscreen nav is great. Actually, the m3 has one of the ugliest interiors ive seen. Does mercedez and bmw use pleather?

henbmw - 10/26/2007 7:32:07 PM

0 Boost

Do you use spellcheck? I thought not, but no, Mercedes and BMW do not use pleather.

minimalist - 10/26/2007 8:40:46 PM

+1 Boost

have i said that the bmws still have one of the worst and backend navigation systems currently available? the thing is garbage! just as complicated and time consuming as the i-drive! it takes like 10 different steps to enter a new destination unless its already been preset. each letter needs to be inputted with the control! no voice command either. the benz is not too much better. the acura and new civic come with a better navi.

i think ive used it less than 10x in this decade ive since its been offered on a bmw.

garbage! germans can learn a thing or two about electronics from the japanese. when?

minimalist - 10/26/2007 8:45:44 PM

+3 Boost

wrong! both bmw and benz offer its version of "pleather." bmw offers leatherette and benz offers mb-tex, a name slightly less obvious. lol.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:40:48 PM

+1 Boost

The interior is of course high-quality, but I don't think it's different enough from the standard model to really create a sporty atmosphere.

Motorhead - 10/26/2007 9:26:49 AM

-5 Boost

Toyota has left the sport car world for so long they have to earn back a reputation. With the wait for Toyota to come out with something decent, and this being their attempt after how many years? I give em a pat in the back, try harder. Ive gone thru 4 cars already waiting for toyota or lexus to come out with something decently. Frankly a dissapointment for me.

r15mohd - 10/26/2007 12:03:49 PM

+4 Boost

hardly a disappointment...being their first attempt at a very hard segment.

tru, lexus/toyota hasnt been in the performance area of things for quite some time, US-wise that is. Japan still got the 4wd turbo motors and other powerful v6 thru-out their model range in japan. so they were around.

however, after they left...realy the market was open and ready for a vehicle of the supra/300zx/rx7 standard. the g35/rx8/350z came in and fileld some of that void for some. but i think toyota played it well, they have the supra coming (hopefully) one day it will be back...that day? who knows!

but the mr2 is soon to make an appearance, the IS-coupe (possible IS-F coupe), the celica is being redone, the intro of a supercar from Lexus, and lastly is the well beloved Supra.

the Supra, out of all of them will be the hardest to satisfy due to its previous success. i think it should fall in the range of g37/rx8 with some variant of a powerful v6...but i also am hoping they offer a beast with a v6 twin turbo or even a bullet proof v8 like the 1UZ

WayneDash - 10/26/2007 12:21:45 PM

0 Boost

Im not saying that the IS is a bad car, its just that $65k for a car that looks almost the same as its $31k "little brother" is not worth it.

I say price it just above the GS $48k and it would be a hit to the younger consumers Lexus is trying to attract.

If I'm not mistaken, te M3 is only about 53k and it doesnt have to try and make a name for itself in the sport coupe world as Lexus is trying to do. It wouldnt be wise for them to come into a new field with an over-priced vehicle.

Fan1234 - 10/26/2007 12:42:32 PM

+1 Boost

i predict this car will match the M3's nurburgring track time or even beat it. Guaranteed.

gsh23 - 10/26/2007 12:46:56 PM

+2 Boost

no one knows the official price of either the m3 or isf. i mean at this point it shouldnt really matter, everyone just wants to know how it drives.

EL34 - 10/26/2007 12:52:23 PM

-4 Boost

The IS-F creeps me out :(

SVXXX - 10/26/2007 1:36:21 PM

+1 Boost

I still can't get used to the look... The numbers may be good but the fenders and bumper make the car look too ricey.

stash84 - 10/26/2007 5:11:08 PM

+2 Boost

i own the is350 and i have to admit that i like it better than the isf (looks) but you would have to see it in person. Some colors look great and some look odd

LexusKindaGuy12 - 10/26/2007 1:58:50 PM

+3 Boost

chances are...and without looking at previous M3 prices...the IS will probably be cheaper. thats the nature of a lexus. i dont know by how much, but it will be cheaper.

im sure lexus would do anything to keep it lower than its competitors.

r15mohd - 10/26/2007 2:12:05 PM

+3 Boost

yea it will...the new M3 will probably start around 65k...rite where the IS-F most likely tops out at.

lexusis350 - 10/26/2007 2:26:04 PM

+2 Boost

This car gets better and better every time I see it. This is kind of sad, but I was just considering driving to Las Vegas (700 miles) to see if I can see AutoSpies driving the IS-F around.

BMWfan_Alfredo - 10/26/2007 2:28:35 PM

+2 Boost

eh, i have respect for lexus and the IS-F...but its not my kind of car...the exterior just doesnt make me look twice..and when i hear Lexus, the name doesn't stand out as 'sporty'...perhaps its what they're trying to do now...im sure BMW has some competition...but BMW will be more successful over Lexus when it comes to sales...

lexusis350 - 10/26/2007 2:30:06 PM

+4 Boost

That's how I am with Mercedes. I respect them, but they're just not my style.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 12:07:29 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, I agree, is350. I love Mercs, but I can't see myself owning one. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a Porsche, Maserati, nice Audi/BMW or even a used Aston.

07mcs - 10/26/2007 2:31:51 PM

+3 Boost

Doesn't look that bad in Black and like the rims.

lexusis350 - 10/26/2007 3:28:32 PM

+2 Boost

I like the red, silver, and gray too.

supermoto - 10/26/2007 3:48:10 PM

-4 Boost

Nice try Lexus. Better luck next time!

Motorhead - 10/26/2007 3:52:27 PM

+2 Boost

Toyota makes good cars. Fought their way up in sales and to be #1 auto company worldwide. I dont doubt their ability to make a super car, I just hate the way they market it. Wanted to own a MRS before they discontinued it a few years back to find the ridiculious price for a 4 cylinder engine, i ended up jump'n the boat to a 350z for 4 k more.
Toyota may have gain respect in the motoring sport world back then, my point earlier is they need to earn it back. The price range they are planning to shoot out with this ISF needs to go down. Fight back the market they have disapear for years. Create interest in their " motor sport" ability. I still have alittle hope in them, hopefully Supra will bring back some energy. To the loyalist, how long has it been that the only bragging sportcar they had was a Scion. There is hope, the ISF is a effort, not enough for me, after years of let down from Toyota. They need fight they way back up the ladder, not arrogance of being #1. Nothing Toyota has right now puts a sparkle in my eyes. Only a glimmer of hope from the Supra. And rumors of not sending the next gen MRS Stateside created more dissapointment. Its being a long time, how much longer for Supra? MRS? GSF? etc... Its a car company trying to gain more % of a certain market.
Ive purchased G35x,Nissan 350z,Porsche Caymans & MDX over last 5 years. Being a person who would TRY to buy Toyota. Lexus IS vs Infiniti G35x. Nissan 350z vs Toyota ??. MDX vs RX350. Porsche Cayman S vs Lexus ???.

GermanNut - 10/26/2007 5:01:20 PM

+3 Boost

AmazinBimmer drives an Audi. He doesn't realize the RS4 has defeated the BMW M3 in at least 4 comparison tests.

You mean the M3 is good competition or the RS4, considering the M3 has been handed its ass in reviews against the RS4.

enthusiastx11 - 10/27/2007 7:26:16 PM

0 Boost

not any more...check out the latest article on car & driver's site. M3 won out against RS4 and C63.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:24:10 PM

+3 Boost

It won't be... but it will still be worth it. The badge does not make the car, the car makes the badge. And this car will rewrite the definition of the badge.

Porschinator - 10/26/2007 5:03:26 PM

-2 Boost

With all the fanboy input aside, I think the IS-F is another good option in the sport sedan market. At $65K not so much...at $45-$50K...Yes.

It is very interesting to see Toyota have such ambition, especially when it is trying to be the "green" auto company. The F series is far from green and I guess Toyota wanted to grow some chest hair.

Porschinator - 10/26/2007 5:11:14 PM

0 Boost

Lastly..as for looks. Lexus had to make sure the IS-F appears different from the standard IS. I am not a big fan of its look, but I can understand no one will pay more $$$ if it looks like a typical IS350 with a bigger motor. Or having IS 250/350 drivers slap on F stickers and posing as a IS-F.

I always laughed when I saw BMW's and Audi's with M or S badges on them when they were not official Ms or S'es....posers. Good to see that BMW and Audi have made their sport versions upgraded from the standard model with their current models.

stash84 - 10/26/2007 5:18:54 PM

+1 Boost

i wish that lexus would have made the v8 look EXACTLY like my 350. Id prefer to put "is250" on my f than put f on a is250

Lexus - 10/26/2007 8:14:40 PM

+1 Boost

The invasion of the Japanese supercars has begun, yeah.....Good job Lexus.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:22:36 PM

+2 Boost

Awesome. I'm liking this car more and more each time I see it.

Hyundai - 10/27/2007 1:52:25 AM

+3 Boost

This is a stunning picture! http://www.autospies.com/images/users/Agent008/IS-F/BDW_0195.JPG

The funny thing is that people say that the black "hides" the car's exterior ugliness, which is why it looks better in black. I say that they are wrong! You can see the big hood, the vents behind the front fenders, and the quad exhaust - all look great! The car simply looks better in black (and red)!

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 12:10:30 PM

+2 Boost

Wow, that is a nice shot. It will look better in person (that's a real picture, not a press photo) than in these articles, I think.

markymark - 10/27/2007 12:07:56 PM

+2 Boost

I personally think the IS-F is an ok looking car but to me has a more adapted rather than exclusive look to it. I am glad we all don’t have the same tastes so we don’t all drive the same thing. Wouldn’t that be boring! I think it will look better in person as well as sell really well. I don’t think too many people will switch from other brands to it because performance BMW’s and AUDI’s have been doing it for so much longer and have some pretty deep roots in loyalty as we realize everyday from some not so great comments. However, we all know the luxury car market has exploded and I think this is where Lexus will pull in a lot more customers or first time buyers to this segment not because the IS-F is necessarily a better performer, which it might/might not be (we don’t know yet) but because Lexus has a good reputation of selling good, long lasting vehicles and now has a performance line that is tempting. Personally, I think it would be neat if the IS had a manual transmission just for the joy of driving but on the other hand, it is kind of neat that it has a motor and tranny pulled from a car that had so much money spent on it for R&D, and shifts fast. I am sure it will be a maintenance dream and good performer. One thing is for sure, Lexus has come a long way really fast. It is amazing that they are competing in this segment having just released the IS300 in late 2000. All of these performance sedans are great cars and I think we are lucky to have so many great options.

markymark

Lexus - 10/27/2007 6:33:32 PM

+2 Boost

0-60 in 4.2s, from Japan with Love ;)

Lexus

Will_ - 10/28/2007 2:29:19 AM

+1 Boost

Is it necessary to post these exact two responses in every single IS-F thread?

Is this expected and non-surprising fact that important to you?

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 12:12:55 PM

+1 Boost

A tuned ANYTHING can reach 240. Why do you keep bringing up the Supra? Like Motorhead said, Toyota has no sports cars right now. How about telling us how fast the 2005 Toyota Celica could go? Because that was their last effort!

Fan1234 - 10/28/2007 2:52:50 PM

0 Boost

right on! All these bmw badge loving fanboys are gonna see what the japs can do. The germans laughed at Toyota when they introduced lexus to america. Who's laughing now?

I love bmw's and audi's and merc's but there are other cars which are good too. Dont be so badge loving!

Fan1234 - 10/28/2007 7:14:33 PM

-1 Boost

ilikeautos: and your point? Do you have one? No.