Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 (A) Facelift Review
10 Aug 2011|25,016 views
Just the start of this year, we took out Lexus' bona fide driving machine for a review and the valuable lesson learnt from it was to not get too attach to a car, especially when it's merely a test drive. I had a hard time letting go of the key fob when it was time to return the car. 'Addictive', I believe, was the only word I could think of when it comes to describing the IS F.
Six months later, we finally found a suitable excuse to take the car out for a spin again. Based on the robust IS platform, the IS F now sports some minor aesthetic changes on its shell as well as under its skin. In fact, a quick glance from the casual observer may seem like the dynamic envelope hasn't changed at all.
Although the powertrain of the 1.7 tonne car remains the same, the suspension specs have been revised, allowing the generation of greater stability at high speeds. What felt like a drop of a boulder over dips and bumps is now a thing of a past. The suspension is still firm, but it's not as harsh as the previous model.
Exterior
Born and bred in Japan's Fuji Speedway, the inspiration of the F-logo has earned the Japanese marque much respect. Having an uncanny resemblance to the IS250, the IS F remains to be controversially styled, with sharp and muscular lines produced purely for aerodynamic function while the unmissable bulging bonnet conceals the gigantic 5.0-litre V8.
Six months later, we finally found a suitable excuse to take the car out for a spin again. Based on the robust IS platform, the IS F now sports some minor aesthetic changes on its shell as well as under its skin. In fact, a quick glance from the casual observer may seem like the dynamic envelope hasn't changed at all.
Although the powertrain of the 1.7 tonne car remains the same, the suspension specs have been revised, allowing the generation of greater stability at high speeds. What felt like a drop of a boulder over dips and bumps is now a thing of a past. The suspension is still firm, but it's not as harsh as the previous model.
Exterior
Born and bred in Japan's Fuji Speedway, the inspiration of the F-logo has earned the Japanese marque much respect. Having an uncanny resemblance to the IS250, the IS F remains to be controversially styled, with sharp and muscular lines produced purely for aerodynamic function while the unmissable bulging bonnet conceals the gigantic 5.0-litre V8.
 |
Although the IS250 looks comforting and friendly from all angles, there is somewhat an intimidating feeling about the IS F. In an aggressive way, the ostentatious sculpture squats quietly in the corner of the parking lot and hangs on like a raging and unsatisfied pit bull terrier. But in a gentleman's expression, the IS F simply stands out like a Rolling Stone.
Not to follow the trend of Audi, the fitting of the LED daytime running lights (similar to the latest IS250 and CT200) gives the car a tinge of light-hearted sleek style that makes it easier to spot on the roads. The addition of new colours such as the one you see in the pictures are also part of the 2011 IS F.
 |
Interior
On the inside, the car tells a different story altogether. The cabin marries the premium feel you would come to expect from the high-end Japanese marque, with top-notch fit and finish and satisfying two-coloured benches.
Similarly to the previous car we tested, this updated IS F came with fiery orange and black leather-wrapped seats that can excite drivers to their core just by looking at them. And with its stature as a sports car, the seats are body hugging but never too tight and can allow occupants to wear long hauls without feeling tired.
As long as the IS F's torque curve is the list of standard features which sees a slight improvement over the previous model. Apart from the keyless entry, push start button, dual-zone climate and fully-integrated iPod connectivity, drivers can now enjoy the delightful Mark Levinson sound system that comes standard, which can warrant an underground rock band to its knees through a total of 14 speakers.
On the inside, the car tells a different story altogether. The cabin marries the premium feel you would come to expect from the high-end Japanese marque, with top-notch fit and finish and satisfying two-coloured benches.
Similarly to the previous car we tested, this updated IS F came with fiery orange and black leather-wrapped seats that can excite drivers to their core just by looking at them. And with its stature as a sports car, the seats are body hugging but never too tight and can allow occupants to wear long hauls without feeling tired.
As long as the IS F's torque curve is the list of standard features which sees a slight improvement over the previous model. Apart from the keyless entry, push start button, dual-zone climate and fully-integrated iPod connectivity, drivers can now enjoy the delightful Mark Levinson sound system that comes standard, which can warrant an underground rock band to its knees through a total of 14 speakers.
Other than the entertainment front, the instrument panel sports quite a change. The tachometer takes the centre stage of the panel while the minimised speedometer is now situated on the right of it. Still, drivers will be able to watch their speed limit through the clearer analogue display - a design that the Lexus engineers took out straight from the Formula One textbook.
 |
The Drive
Powered by a sophisticated 5.0-litre V8 powerplant, the Lexus IS F suffers from multiple personalities. Every time you exert pressure on the accelerator, you'll meet the different identities. And it's precisely this 'syndrome' that gets the car all the positive publicity.
It's irresistibly enthralling when you fire it from the line and listen to it roar as the secondary valve opens up the moment the blue needle hits the 3,800rpm mark. The Lexus that moves quietly around town transforms into a full-grown beast, letting out a deep but brilliant bellow growl like no other in its family.
However, if you want to pilot the car in an unwinding and relaxing mood, the IS F will dance effortlessly on the tarmac with ample torque on tap. It churns out a total of 417bhp and 505Nm of torque - enough to hit a sweet disposition for the most demanding drivers. And should the call for enthusiastic driving comes, it will neither stop until you hit the brakes nor will it stop to surrender.
The entire car feels right and accurate to the last millisecond. There's no evident of rattles or groans, just a robust and secured bank-like vault, mated creamily to the eight-speed automatic transmission and a beefy engine.
Powered by a sophisticated 5.0-litre V8 powerplant, the Lexus IS F suffers from multiple personalities. Every time you exert pressure on the accelerator, you'll meet the different identities. And it's precisely this 'syndrome' that gets the car all the positive publicity.
It's irresistibly enthralling when you fire it from the line and listen to it roar as the secondary valve opens up the moment the blue needle hits the 3,800rpm mark. The Lexus that moves quietly around town transforms into a full-grown beast, letting out a deep but brilliant bellow growl like no other in its family.
However, if you want to pilot the car in an unwinding and relaxing mood, the IS F will dance effortlessly on the tarmac with ample torque on tap. It churns out a total of 417bhp and 505Nm of torque - enough to hit a sweet disposition for the most demanding drivers. And should the call for enthusiastic driving comes, it will neither stop until you hit the brakes nor will it stop to surrender.
The entire car feels right and accurate to the last millisecond. There's no evident of rattles or groans, just a robust and secured bank-like vault, mated creamily to the eight-speed automatic transmission and a beefy engine.
Conclusion
The Lexus IS F's 'syndrome' allows drivers to have the best of both worlds. It is the perfect car for the driver who wants to take his family of four out to a simple dinner but yet wishes to set the roads on fire when he's driving alone.
At the price of $362,000 (as of 23rd June 2011), the car is no chump change. But for the kind of person who is looking for the alternative, instead of the norm, this car can get you high before you know it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Lexus IS F's 'syndrome' allows drivers to have the best of both worlds. It is the perfect car for the driver who wants to take his family of four out to a simple dinner but yet wishes to set the roads on fire when he's driving alone.
At the price of $362,000 (as of 23rd June 2011), the car is no chump change. But for the kind of person who is looking for the alternative, instead of the norm, this car can get you high before you know it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Just the start of this year, we took out Lexus' bona fide driving machine for a review and the valuable lesson learnt from it was to not get too attach to a car, especially when it's merely a test drive. I had a hard time letting go of the key fob when it was time to return the car. 'Addictive', I believe, was the only word I could think of when it comes to describing the IS F.
Six months later, we finally found a suitable excuse to take the car out for a spin again. Based on the robust IS platform, the IS F now sports some minor aesthetic changes on its shell as well as under its skin. In fact, a quick glance from the casual observer may seem like the dynamic envelope hasn't changed at all.
Although the powertrain of the 1.7 tonne car remains the same, the suspension specs have been revised, allowing the generation of greater stability at high speeds. What felt like a drop of a boulder over dips and bumps is now a thing of a past. The suspension is still firm, but it's not as harsh as the previous model.
Exterior
Born and bred in Japan's Fuji Speedway, the inspiration of the F-logo has earned the Japanese marque much respect. Having an uncanny resemblance to the IS250, the IS F remains to be controversially styled, with sharp and muscular lines produced purely for aerodynamic function while the unmissable bulging bonnet conceals the gigantic 5.0-litre V8.
Six months later, we finally found a suitable excuse to take the car out for a spin again. Based on the robust IS platform, the IS F now sports some minor aesthetic changes on its shell as well as under its skin. In fact, a quick glance from the casual observer may seem like the dynamic envelope hasn't changed at all.
Although the powertrain of the 1.7 tonne car remains the same, the suspension specs have been revised, allowing the generation of greater stability at high speeds. What felt like a drop of a boulder over dips and bumps is now a thing of a past. The suspension is still firm, but it's not as harsh as the previous model.
Exterior
Born and bred in Japan's Fuji Speedway, the inspiration of the F-logo has earned the Japanese marque much respect. Having an uncanny resemblance to the IS250, the IS F remains to be controversially styled, with sharp and muscular lines produced purely for aerodynamic function while the unmissable bulging bonnet conceals the gigantic 5.0-litre V8.
|
Although the IS250 looks comforting and friendly from all angles, there is somewhat an intimidating feeling about the IS F. In an aggressive way, the ostentatious sculpture squats quietly in the corner of the parking lot and hangs on like a raging and unsatisfied pit bull terrier. But in a gentleman's expression, the IS F simply stands out like a Rolling Stone.
Not to follow the trend of Audi, the fitting of the LED daytime running lights (similar to the latest IS250 and CT200) gives the car a tinge of light-hearted sleek style that makes it easier to spot on the roads. The addition of new colours such as the one you see in the pictures are also part of the 2011 IS F.
|
Interior
On the inside, the car tells a different story altogether. The cabin marries the premium feel you would come to expect from the high-end Japanese marque, with top-notch fit and finish and satisfying two-coloured benches.
Similarly to the previous car we tested, this updated IS F came with fiery orange and black leather-wrapped seats that can excite drivers to their core just by looking at them. And with its stature as a sports car, the seats are body hugging but never too tight and can allow occupants to wear long hauls without feeling tired.
As long as the IS F's torque curve is the list of standard features which sees a slight improvement over the previous model. Apart from the keyless entry, push start button, dual-zone climate and fully-integrated iPod connectivity, drivers can now enjoy the delightful Mark Levinson sound system that comes standard, which can warrant an underground rock band to its knees through a total of 14 speakers.
On the inside, the car tells a different story altogether. The cabin marries the premium feel you would come to expect from the high-end Japanese marque, with top-notch fit and finish and satisfying two-coloured benches.
Similarly to the previous car we tested, this updated IS F came with fiery orange and black leather-wrapped seats that can excite drivers to their core just by looking at them. And with its stature as a sports car, the seats are body hugging but never too tight and can allow occupants to wear long hauls without feeling tired.
As long as the IS F's torque curve is the list of standard features which sees a slight improvement over the previous model. Apart from the keyless entry, push start button, dual-zone climate and fully-integrated iPod connectivity, drivers can now enjoy the delightful Mark Levinson sound system that comes standard, which can warrant an underground rock band to its knees through a total of 14 speakers.
Other than the entertainment front, the instrument panel sports quite a change. The tachometer takes the centre stage of the panel while the minimised speedometer is now situated on the right of it. Still, drivers will be able to watch their speed limit through the clearer analogue display - a design that the Lexus engineers took out straight from the Formula One textbook.
|
The Drive
Powered by a sophisticated 5.0-litre V8 powerplant, the Lexus IS F suffers from multiple personalities. Every time you exert pressure on the accelerator, you'll meet the different identities. And it's precisely this 'syndrome' that gets the car all the positive publicity.
It's irresistibly enthralling when you fire it from the line and listen to it roar as the secondary valve opens up the moment the blue needle hits the 3,800rpm mark. The Lexus that moves quietly around town transforms into a full-grown beast, letting out a deep but brilliant bellow growl like no other in its family.
However, if you want to pilot the car in an unwinding and relaxing mood, the IS F will dance effortlessly on the tarmac with ample torque on tap. It churns out a total of 417bhp and 505Nm of torque - enough to hit a sweet disposition for the most demanding drivers. And should the call for enthusiastic driving comes, it will neither stop until you hit the brakes nor will it stop to surrender.
The entire car feels right and accurate to the last millisecond. There's no evident of rattles or groans, just a robust and secured bank-like vault, mated creamily to the eight-speed automatic transmission and a beefy engine.
Powered by a sophisticated 5.0-litre V8 powerplant, the Lexus IS F suffers from multiple personalities. Every time you exert pressure on the accelerator, you'll meet the different identities. And it's precisely this 'syndrome' that gets the car all the positive publicity.
It's irresistibly enthralling when you fire it from the line and listen to it roar as the secondary valve opens up the moment the blue needle hits the 3,800rpm mark. The Lexus that moves quietly around town transforms into a full-grown beast, letting out a deep but brilliant bellow growl like no other in its family.
However, if you want to pilot the car in an unwinding and relaxing mood, the IS F will dance effortlessly on the tarmac with ample torque on tap. It churns out a total of 417bhp and 505Nm of torque - enough to hit a sweet disposition for the most demanding drivers. And should the call for enthusiastic driving comes, it will neither stop until you hit the brakes nor will it stop to surrender.
The entire car feels right and accurate to the last millisecond. There's no evident of rattles or groans, just a robust and secured bank-like vault, mated creamily to the eight-speed automatic transmission and a beefy engine.
Conclusion
The Lexus IS F's 'syndrome' allows drivers to have the best of both worlds. It is the perfect car for the driver who wants to take his family of four out to a simple dinner but yet wishes to set the roads on fire when he's driving alone.
At the price of $362,000 (as of 23rd June 2011), the car is no chump change. But for the kind of person who is looking for the alternative, instead of the norm, this car can get you high before you know it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Lexus IS F's 'syndrome' allows drivers to have the best of both worlds. It is the perfect car for the driver who wants to take his family of four out to a simple dinner but yet wishes to set the roads on fire when he's driving alone.
At the price of $362,000 (as of 23rd June 2011), the car is no chump change. But for the kind of person who is looking for the alternative, instead of the norm, this car can get you high before you know it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Lexus IS F 5.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|8.6km/L
Horsepower
311kW (417 bhp)
Torque
505 Nm
Acceleration
4.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus IS F
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