The Lexus IS F Advantage
by EVANDER KLUM
Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation, has equipped its IS F, the company��s first ��F�� car with technologies that enable the vehicle to capture both the serene and aggressive aspects of its personality. Being so, the IS F became even more competitive against its close rivals: Mercedes Benz AMGs and BMW Ms.
Even if Lexus has been known creating luxury vehicles, it made the sporty side of the IS F boosted for 2008. Powered by its 5.0 L V8 engine it delivers 426 hp and 371 lb.-ft. of torque �C an advantage of 76 lb.-ft. over BMW��s M3. With such powerful engine, the vehicle could easily go from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 170 mph.
Though the IS F has a relatively tame specific output at 83.2 hp per liter, the powerplant employs race-inspired engineering to optimize reliability and flexible performance. In fact, the electrically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE) of the IS F permits the intake camshaft phasing to be altered at lower engine speeds, where there is a normal inefficiency in engine oil pressure. In addition, the Titanium intake valves enable low-inertia dynamics, while the high-flow ports are optimized for efficiency and increased air volume. The engine oil and transmission coolers both boost optimal operating temperatures. A cylinder-head scavenge pump permits oil circulation upon cornering of up to 1 g. To ensure durability, the IS F has also been provided with a forged crankshaft with a double torsional damper and forged, sintered iron alloy connecting rods, along with the dual-air intakes boosting an output of more than 3600 rpm.
More than being equipped with premium Lexus fuel filter; the 2008 IS F will be sustained with the world��s first eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission, weighing 212 pounds. At manual mode, the torque converter engages for the 1-1 shift and the clutch lockup mechanism kicks in for the remaining gearshift. It is to reduce the power-sapping ��slush-box�� effect. The shifts can be engaged through the steering-wheel-mounted paddles or the shift lever. At sportiest mode, on the other hand, shifts take place in only 100 milliseconds, making it faster than a Ferrari F430. To obtain quick, precise shifts, and downshifts, a high-flow-rate linear solenoid is provided to work with new computer programming.
The 2008 IS F��s chassis and suspension sits an inch lover than the standard IS models. It is designed to provide greater handling and agility along with maintaining its refinement. For weight reduction, 40 percent of the body is made up of high-tensile sheetmetal. The subframe braces intend to increase torsional and traverse rigidity. The double-wishbone front and multilink rear IS platform setup has been retained, what the spring and damper rates were increased with the thicker stabilizer bars reduced.
The IS F also comes with larger diameter piston rods employed in the monotube shock absorbers, along with stiffer suspension bushings. The vehicle��s electric power steering was remapped to obtain more feedback. The IS F will also be equipped with special lightweight forged-aluminum 19 in. BBS wheels wrapped in sticky 225/40 front and 255/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 or Bidgestone Potenza tires.
The Lexus IS F will be having a calibrated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. It will be responsible in correcting the vehicle��s dynamics, involving the engine torque, steering, stability control, traction control, ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution systems. At Sport mode, the driver can choose from Normal, Sport, or Snow driving modes through a switch. The driver just needs to hold down the switch for about three seconds for the system to disengage everything, except the brake-based limited slip differential effect and ABS. To obtain strong and face-free stops, the IS F comes with six-piston, 14.2�� front and two-piston, 13.6�� rear cross-drilled Brembo brakes.
The exterior of the IS F was made out of muscular bodywork that comes from traditional Lexus circles, taller hood, two-inch wider front fenders, enlarged brake cooling vents, larger rocker panels, and enlarged rear spoiler. To obtain more efficient engine cooling, the vehicle is provided with V-shaped grille. A more vertical rear end appearance is brought by a quad-stacked, polished stainless steel exhaust pipers integrated into the bumper. There is also an increased front and rear overhands and wider, lover stance.
Inside, the IS F has been comprised with elegant features, including aluminized composite trim and 10-way adjustable seats, along with optional equipment, a rich 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Overall, the IS F got so much excellent innovations for its 2008 model year.
