First Impression: Lexus IS F

Lexus introduced the IS in 1998 as its entry level luxury car/compact executive car. The IS is on its second generation, which went into production in 2005. In 2006, Lexus' high performance division, Lexus F, was founded. In Late 2007, Lexus released the IS F, a high performing version of the Lexus IS. Lexus F is also responsible for the Lexus LFA. The IS F is designed to compete with the BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V, Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG, and Audi S4/RS4.

I have seen the Lexus IS F on the roads of Houston and at Houston Cars and Coffee events. It has a more aggressive appearance than the normal IS. What makes the IS F truly different is the engine.

The IS F is powered by a 5.0L V8, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, that produces 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 170 mph. Prices for the IS F start at $60,660 with several accessories that come standard with the car. The IS F has great performance and a lot of standard features, and for a good price.

The IS F has been featured in Battle of the Supercars, where it went up against a BMW M3. Top Gear compared the IS F to the M3 on Series 12, Episode 5. The IS F is playable in Gran Turismo 5, Need For Speed: Undercover, Need For Speed: World, vDream Racing, Shift 2: Unleashed, Track Time, and Forza Motorsport 3.

Final Thoughts: This is a great car from Lexus. Lexus is known for making reliable luxury car, now they have a high performing luxury sedan with the IS F. The IS F is designed to be an M3 killer, but the M3 is cheaper (base price of $55,900), lighter, and quicker (0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds). The IS F is faster, more powerful and has more stuff standard than the M3. The IS F is a good alternative to the M3, but the M3 is still the standard for high performance compact executive cars. The IS F makes up for the lack of performance in the Lexus HS 250h and CT 200h hybrids.

CarJunkie
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