Suggestions for a new model IS-F

This post is in no way in disrespect to the current IS-F, but the world is constantly changing, and the IS-F will eventually be the recipient of a redesign. The first issue that must be addressed is the ride comfort. It can be horrid at times, and definitely needs an adaptive suspension system. The seating is comfortable but lacks the X package features of the lower model IS cars. I would love to see a seat coolant. The 2008 IS-F center console does not fit flush with the rest of the vehicle, and the silver lininng seems cheaply added. The center console needs to be beefed up and must utilize less plastic. It's a big step up from the competitors, but still lacks a supercar feel. The carbon fiber should come in different options as well, perhaps a darker weave. The fenders on the IS-F seem a little bit out of place and need to be better integrated with the entire vehicle. A coupe version would be nice. A thicker paint is necessary for the hood, where rocks can easily add new irreperable chips in the paint. Even a clear bra cannot save some of this. The Mark Levinson sound system is excellent, but the bass is lacking in the lower end. Perhaps they can add an enclosed subwoofer. The braking system is superb, however it attracts a ton of brake dust. Lexus must develop a system to mitigate the damages the brake dust will cause to the rims of the vehicle. Lexus should consider adding a real true dual exhaust as opposed to the fake tips. Many critics have written this feature as gimmicky and unattractive. I love the stacked exhaust look, but unfortunately it is fake. Fans would like to see a real exhaust. The IS-F is great in many ways, but still can use a few changes.

IS-F Wheel Pitting

Lexus is known for producing the most mechanically reliable vehicles today. The IS-F follows in the same path, with a very sturdy engine, but there are a few other aspects of the vehicle that need work. The brake pads on the IS-F emit showers of burning dust that can etch right into the rims. This is a major problem considering the pricetag on the IS-F wheels are well over $3,000. Many IS-F owners have discovered recently, gray matter in the corners between the spokes. This matter cannot be easily removed, but with some luck can be somewhat reduced with a claybar. The result of this brake dust are some really pitted wheels. Many IS-F owners have submitted complaints to their dealers and Lexus for this issue. The IS-F is a daily driven vehicle. People do not have the time to clean their wheels after every trip. Even if they were able to, it still would not stop the problem of the burning metallic dust. One option is to seal the wheels multiple times and then add a layer of wax. This is still not effective. So what can you do? You could replace the brake pads with ceramics. You could purchase different aftermarket wheels that will not collect as much brake dust. Or, you can wash your wheels every time you stop at the traffic light. This might become tedious, but Lexus seems to think it is reasonable. Many IS-F owners have claimed that their dealerships and Lexus have little knowledge on the wheel pitting issue and offer little to no support. Many have claimed that they will recondition the wheels for you once, but it is your responsibility after that to maintain the wheels. Some members on forums have even considered raising a class action lawsuit regarding the wheels. This is a bit extreme, and will most likely not occur.

Lexus IS-F Aftermarket ECU

For those of you that have been looking to tune your IS-F with a chip, you are going to be disappointed. Many of the competition, including the M3 have aftermarket chips available to increase the acceleration of the car. Unfortunately, the IS-F ROM can not be overriden and you will have to be content with the stock chip. Maybe this is not such a bad thing? We know there are stage 3 chips out for the BMW 335 that will actually put it up to the same speed as the IS-F! That seems good for the BMW, but in actuality the wear and stress caused by this chip will significantly reduce the life of the vehicle. For induction upgrades such as a turbo, you can add a piggyback ECU. In the end, you are still adding a ton of stress on a vechicle that was designed to be naturally aspirated. We understand you want to tune your vehicle faster, but any modification th the engine is going to cause stress, and it's just not a good idea.If you are concerned with speed, you could have bought a faster straight line vehicle. If handling is a concern, you can always lighten the vehicle and adjust the springs. Stick with modifications such as exhaust, headers, and intake before you consider any internal engine / computer modifications. Your are less likely to run into warranty problems this way. Yes, the Lexus terms state parts are warranted unless the modification directly effects them, but you do not want to take the gamble. If going 0-60 in 4.5 seconds is not fast enough to you, you are most likely a very important individual or should consider a new profession, such as driving.

Lexus IS-F Drag Times

In the first time of Lexus history, the IS-F is hitting low 12s and with forced induction, even 11 seconds. Currently, the fastest IS-F drag time proven and recorded is a quarter mile of 12.2 seconds. For $56,000 you may not think this is fast, but it does blow away most of the competition at the same price, unless the car is bought cheaper and tuned. This vehicle is nearly stock aside from intake / exhaust modifications. Many factors come in to play when racing on a drag strip. What tires is the driver using? How full is the gas tank? How much does the person weigh? Is he or she shifting precisely or losing time due to early / late shifts? Some people will even go to the extreme of going to the bathroom before a race to lighten the load. The vehicle is trapping speeds of nearly 117 miles an hour. I believe 11 seconds is certainly possible without forced induction, and we will most likely see some 11 second drag times next year. This vehicle certainly pleases the crowd and shocks many spectators at the strip. Nobody expects a Lexus to achieve speeds this fast, unless of course, it is the LF-A. The LF-A is a supercar though, and will most likely never be spotted on a drag strip. The IS-F is not meant for the drag strip either. Many people take their stock vehicles which are ill prepared for a drag strip, and will race them beyond their potential. The problem with this is the sticky subtance found on most strips. The stock vehicles simply are not meant to take this abuse on the sticky track which can often mess with the drivetrain. The drag times are courtesy of http://dragtimes.com

IS-F Top Speed

Anybody that has owned a fast car has at one time or another had the curiosity and eagerness to find out the top speed on their vehicle. For most people, a Youtube video simply does not do justice. This driver in Japan decided to take the public tunnels for a top speed run in his IS-F. In Japan, speeds are limited electronically, so he modified his IS-F so it would shift to 7th gear beyond it's limited speed of 176mph. This act was extremely dangerous and could have put the driver and surrounding traffic at serious risk. Luckily, there were no cars in front of him and his lane was empty the entire trip. I am glad he safely accomplished this, but at the same time very angered he did it on an open road. If you want to psuh your IS-F, please do it safely on a closed circuit. I have attempted a top speed run a few times myself on a closed circuit, but could not stomach the ride over 160mph, when the steering became rough. A top speed of 186mph certainly puts the IS-F on a pedestal beyond much of the competition, but naturally is not possible due to the speed limiter. There are currently no aftermarket modifications in the United States which allow the driver to surpass the legal limiter on the vehicle. In Japan, there are several modifications available. Not many people can say they cruised at speeds of 186mph in a luxury sedan.

Clear Bra for the Lexus IS-F

If you are driving an IS-F, you absolutely need a clear bra. A clear bra does exactly what it seems like it would do. It is a clear film that covers the front of the car, protecting it from chips and dings. If you are riding fast in this car, you will no doubt run into insects and pebbles. These will quickly sand blast away the front of the car. I previously drove an IS350 without a clear bra, and the entire front end was quickly ruined. The IS-F is in nearly mint conditon. On my way to Chicago, somebody tossed a thick floor mat out of their window which I was unable to dodge due to traffic on both sides of me. It slammed into the front end of my car. Had I not placed the clear bra on my vehicle, it would have slammed into the paint, right through the clear coat and into the metal. I thankfully was able to replace that little area of clear bra and my vehicle was looking new again. For only $300 or $400 you can save your vehicle from harsh depreciation due to rock chips and bug etching. I wish I could have extended the clear bra to the entire hood, because I now have several irreperable dings on the hood. The best part about the clear bra is the fact that is protects the vehichle from UV rays, and still retains the same luster as the rest of the vehicle. You can also comfortably remove bugs from the bra without worrying about scratching the surrounding finish on the vehicle. If you drive fast, you must get this! This was the best $350 I spent on my Lexus IS-F. The only downfall to having the clear bra is a small line you will be able to see on your hood, where the bra ends. This is not a big deal, but people will notice it if up close to the vehicle and will most likely comment on it. It does look like a scratch. Regardless, the clear bra is a great option.

Intake Mod Problem

Earlier in this blog I showed you how to modify your dual stage intake so both intakes remain open at any RPM. This little modification initially sounds great and makes you feel like you are going faster, but it's not as effective as you may think. The additional roar from the second intake is slowly lost over time as the computer learns the new modification. Not only that, but the car is actually more sluggish from 0 RPM with both intake valves open. This seems to defy logic since the secondary intake sucks air from out of the cabin, and more of it, but it is true. The stock intake setup with no modifications is the optimal setup and is not as restrictive as you may assume. Lexus designed the dual stage intake to retain the plush Lexus feel while at the same time offering maximum intake at higher RPM. The car simply does not need as much air at the lower RPM, and both flaps open at low RPMs provides detriment to the overall acceleration. The detriment is not large, and it only becomes the matter of a few tenths of a second in a quarter mile, but that can be big to some people. After nearly a thousand miles with the intake modification, I have come to the conclusion that the stock setup is better, and I will be removing the modification. I will miss the additional roar at lower RPMs, but the nearby traffic will not.

Lexus IS-F Coilovers

I find it very funny that Lexus tamed down the loudness aspect of their vehicle with resonators and a dual stage intake. It is funny because the car does not cosmetically resemble a Lexus, and it does not handle like a Lexus. This car is rough. On a rough road, it's possible to give yourself a headache. I previously owned an IS350 and can definitely say that I wish I still had the luxury suspension. The IS-F suspension does not make me feel closer to the road nor does it make me feel more in control of my vehicle. I absolutely loathe the high resting coilovers along with their headbanging orchestra. For the most part, the roughness of the suspension is fun and will put a smile on your face. So you are sick of the roughness and you want to lower your car for cosmetic purposes? Check out these new aftermarket coilovers. Mvpmotorsports.com is selling a new set of coilovers that will do just the trick. They provide an LS460 type ride while maintaining IS-F performance. For only $2398 you can save your self a few headaches in the future on the rough roads. You will no longer have to dread hitting a pothole. Your rims might not like it, but at least you won't destroy your back while the stiff suspension rattles the entire force of the dip throughout your cranium. The IS-F is definitely the roughest handling car compared to the M3 and the C63. These coilovers will take the Mustang feel out of your IS-F... I highly recommend them.

2010 Lexus IS-F Rims

2010 Lexus IS-F Rims

Lexus is offering an alternative set of rims for the 2010 IS-F. The tims come in the same gunmetal color and were also developed by BBS, who made the previous ten spoke gunmetal rims. The rims have several branched out spokes, stemming from the images of five larger spokes. The design looks like they would fit on an IS350, but not so much an IS-F. The rims have more crevices which may actually do more harm than good since the brakes produce a large amount of hot metallic dust. The rims simply seem a bit too intricate and precise for the IS-F. The previous gunmetal rims were large and obtuse, like the majority of the IS-F body. I certainly will not be upgrading my rims, and if I was given the option between the two on the 2010 model, I would certainly take the old rims. The weight between the wheels does not vary much, so from a performance perspective, there is no benefit. The only benefit to these rims is basically the new refreshing look, which is in the eye of the beholder.

Here are a few screenshots of the new rims:

http://www.flipside909.com/gallery/albums/111209lfa/10_G.jpg
http://www.flipside909.com/gallery/albums/111209lfa/11_G.jpg
http://www.flipside909.com/gallery/albums/111209lfa/15_G.jpg
http://www.flipside909.com/gallery/albums/111209lfa/16_G.jpg
http://www.flipside909.com/gallery/albums/111209lfa/20_G.jpg

A previous IS-F owner's comparison with the M3

I discovered a forum post of an old IS-F owner that decided to trade in for a 2010 M3. His insight is greatly appreciated, since it's a very hard decision to decide between the BMW M3, the Lexus IS-F, and the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG. I was pleased to read his commentary, and to see what he likes about the M3 and what he misses about the IS-F.

Here are a few excerpts from hsi commentary:

"There are a few things I find myself missing from my F. I really liked having front parking sensors and the backup camera, neither of which you can get on the US spec M3."

"There are some things the M has that I feel the IS-F is lacking. The biggest is EDC (Electronic Damping Control). It works pretty well on the M and makes for a more comfortable car on crappy roads."

"Now the important part. Which one drives better? Well, it depends on what you are looking for. The F is flat out better at squirting around town in traffic. It feels faster off the line and the engine is more responsive at lower revs."

"When revved the M engine feels a bit more special and focused than the F's wonderful power plant. "

And finally, the most important:

"One final thing I will touch on is value. Here I think the IS-F wins hands down. If I had speced out my M3 to match all the features I had on my F it would have had a sticker price north of $70k. By leaving off the sunroof and premium audio I saved $3k, but still ended up with an M3 that was almost $5k more than my F if comparing sticker to sticker."

Throughout sports tuner magazines, and now from the consumer, it is evident the BMW is more comfortable and handles better, but costs significantly more and is not as fast. I think this provides solid confirmation for all the IS-F owners on where they stand with their vehicle. I am happy with my purchase and am ecstatic with my choice. You should be as well.

A look back at some previous topics...

Over the past few months I have made a few interesting opinionated write ups on the IS-F. Check out my opinion on the IS-F here:

IS-F's Future Value

Why the IS-F is superior

My First experience in the IS-F

And here are some posts describing aftermarket modifications:

Carbon fiber mods

IS-F Borla Catback Exhaust

Artisan Twin Turbo Kit

Take a look at some of the previous posts, they offer great information on IS-F aftermarket mods.

The quickest way to wash your car

I'm not a big fan of sacrificing quality for time, but not everybody has the free time to wash their car thoroughly or to even give it to somebody to wash for them. What should you do if you have little time? Definitely do not wash your car in a soft bristle wash. Although technology has improved over the years, the soft bristle, automatic car washes are still not perfect. They still contain dirt from previous washes and the brushes may not be soft enough for Lexus paint. If you absolutely have no other option, I would suggest using a touchless wash. Before you heard to your nearest touchless wash, first consider your current car protection. If you are using a wax protectant on your car, forget touchless washes. If you are using a tougher sealant, you can run the car through the touchless. The problem with most touchless washes is their high levels of detergent, high water pressure, and recycled water. As of today, it's not possible to get a thorough touchless wash without high pressure or detergent. The high pressure can blast the dirt already siting on the car diretly into the paint, causing fine scratches and marks. The detergenets can strip the protectant off the vehicle. Only run your car through a touchless if you have no other resort. It's not necessarily a harmful wash, but it will put the vehicle at risk of being harmed if consistently used. If the wash is really bad, you can severely damage the paint. You can always correct the paint with a detail and polish, however you can only polish a car so much before the clear coat finish is worn to the bottom, making the paint appear dull. I run my IS-F through touchless washes and have certainly noticed small swirl marks and etchings from the touchless washes. My experiences differ from wash to wash.

The LF-A has been released!

It has been several years since Lexus first announced their intentions with the Lexus LF-A, the second addition to their F performance lineup. Although the wait may seem reasonable, a view of their new promotional video will quickly change your mind. The car will be sold around $350,000 USD and will only be produced for two years. This is a super car. The performance per dollar can be disputed, but this car is not intended to be bought by the price conscious consumer. This vehicle represents a milestone in Lexus development, being their first automboile to achieve 0-60 times in under 4 seconds. THe LF-A will be in competition with some of the most famous automobiles available on the market. This vehicle truly makes a statement as to where Lexus is headed with their automobiles. The fully electronic dashboard seems years ahead of other manufacturer's capabilities. The design is obviously in the eye of the beholder, but nonetheless exhibits super car properties. The high revving engine achieves a sound that only F1 cars can produce. We are very excited to see this vehicle on the road, but do not have high expectations at spotting one. Only 500 units are to be produced.

The Official Lexus LF-A Video

The Lexus "is just a Toyota" debate must end.

How many times have you heard somebody mention the fact that Lexus is just a Toyota? Yes, it is a division of the Toyota Motor Group. Does it share the same quality as Toyota? In a reliability sense, yes, but in a luxury sense, obviously not! Many car connoiseurs try to play off Lexus as a cheaply upgraded automobile being sold at an unreasonable price. If this were true, then how has the LS460 flagship model become the best selling super luxury sedan amongst it's competitiors, while selling at the lowest price? Lexus is a Toyota in the sense that it is owned by Toyota Motor Group. Saying Lexus is just a Toyota is exactly the same as saying Audi and Bentleys are just Volkswagens, Mercedes Benz is just a Chrysler, and Cadillac is just a GM. While in some respect, it may be true, however we do not associate these labels with their more affordable images. I do not think it is Toyota's fault because nearly every Lexus model utilizes completely different bodies from Toyota. The Lexus IS line has no matching Toyota body. These luxury models carry a different name for a reason. Take a look at the Volkswagen Phaeton, which was discontinued due to poor sales. This vehicle sold poorly because it carried a $80,000+ price tag but still bore the Volkswagen image. Similar models sold by Audi have been a success. This leads me to believe logo and image play a big role in sales. The general public is diluting the Lexus brand and needs to stop spreading false information. Perhaps it is just a desperate attempt for European owners to retain their benchmark luxury status. Sales and rankings are telling a much different story though.

Review: Lexus IS-F K&N Typhoon Intake

I'm generally an easy person to please. It's very difficult for me to write a bad review for a product, but in this case I am. I was skeptical before I even opened the box. It promised 20+ hp gains. I would have believed this had Lexus placed a restrictive stock intake system in the vehicle, but they clearly did not. The intake system is marketed as a cold air intake system. I was puzzled. The goal of a cold air intake system is to breathe air NOT from the engine bay. A quick glance at the intake system shows a small heat plate sucking in air from relatively the same area. It seems the stock intake system is setup better, with a secondary intake system for 3000+ RPM that takes air nearly directly from outside the hood. I had it installed at a local shop. I was really excited to hear the sound on this system. The sound was immediately noticeable at lower RPMs. This intake system turned my plush, luxury car into a hot rod. The sound it makes at full throttle makes the car sound like an F1 race car. It sounds like the car is angry. The sound was great and gave me a false sense of speed, but over time, the electronic controller on the car started adapting to the new intake system and the sound was lost. Secondly, I was not noticing an increase in horsepower. I never dynoed the car, but I ran several 0-60 tests with the intake installed. These tests proved the ineffectiveness of the intake setup. Here's a test video of my vehicle on a closed course. I apologize for the poor footage, but I had to take advantage of the cool weather, to give the intake system the benefit of the doubt.

How to extract a better intake sound out of your IS-F

So your stock IS-F is not sounding muscular enough for you? We've discovered a simple modification that will greatly improve the sound of your IS-F without impacting the performance of the automobile. Do no be afraid, this has been tested and will not throw any type of error code to your engine! This modification simply disables the hose that restricts the secondary intake from running at lower RPMs. The result, more air intake and a nice sound!

To do this simple modification you will need:
1. Electrical tape or vacuum seals
2. A Lexus IS-F
3. 5 minutes of your time

Simply pop open your hood. Look to the left of the vehicle. You will locate a small setup as shown in the picture. Simply remove the end of the hose and either add a vacuum seal as shown in the picture, or simply tape it up with electrical tape. We prefer the vacuum seal just to be 100% certain nothing can clog up the tube. You should experience the same throatier sound you experienced at higher RPMS, at lower RPMs. The efficiency of this modification has been debated, since nobody was really sure why Lexus built a dual stage intake, but the general consensus is that Lexus implemented this setup to preserve the luxury aspect of the vehicle. This in fact makes the car louder and muscular, which Lexus clearly does not promote. Some have debated that there is a mild performance decrease, but nothing has been proven as of yet. If you feel uncomfortable with the modification, you simply have to remove the plug or tape and place the hose back on. There is zero risk of damage to the vehicle with this modification, however we do suggest restoring this before sending the car into maintenance.

The Borla Catback Exhaust

One of the most common modifications on an automobile is the exhaust system. Most exhaust systems are designed to be cost effective and not necessarily to maximize performance. Although the stock IS-F exhaust system is much better than the typical automobile system, there is still room to improve, and Borla has really maximized the efficiency of the exhaust. The car's acceleration is much more noticeable with the ehxuast on, at even the lowest RPMs. The current setup will set you back $900-$1500 for a catback exhaust system, which is not street legal in many states. You are getting a quality product that will add about five ponies and will enrich the sound of the vehicle. The only problem with the installation is the lack of free space while installing. There is very little room for error while installing this product, and it may have to be returned to the shop to be corrected for heat adjustment, since installers do not have sufficient time to test the vehicle. Borla is well known for their exhaust systems and have managed to create a quality exhaust that retains the stock tips (hate it or love it). Be prepared to keep some free space in the garage for the factory exhaust, just in case you decide to revert to the system. Some buyers have reverted to the stock exhaust due to excessive drone that can be heard on the highway. I personally have no issue with the drone and feel it's mostly based on the fact that the IS-F is an eight speed system, and the tone change is easily heard throughout the acceleration process. Once the car is at a stable speed, it's easy to focus on the drone and I could easily see how it could become a problem for some. If you are looking for horsepower at an affordable price, go with the Borla Exhaust. You will not be disappointed by the performance of the exhaust.

A new turbo setup

Elite Autosport has begun work on a new, single turbo kit for the Lexus IS-F. The team is putting the turb kits together for $12,000 including installation. This is not a bad price given the significant gains. After installation, the IS-F will certainly run sub 12 second quarter miles and achieve well over 500 rear wheel horsepower. There is a price to pay though. Elite Autsport has not been able to thoroughly test the tunes, so they are not sure if the ECU will re-learn and destroy the custom tune, rendering the turbo useless. The first five buyers of the kit will receive the kit at a 30% discount. This kit will be mounted on the engine bay, which is a big improvement from the rear mounted turbos offered by Artisan. The team is currently unsure whether or not methanol injections will be required, which is a big factor for some turbo kit enthusiasts. Apparently, this team became inspired with the IS-F after repairing a car that had the Artisan twin turbo installation, which turned out to be a very poorly installed piece of equipment. The wiring job was poor and there is no actual tune done to the car with the turbo kit, aside from methanol injections. Methanol injections allow modification to the fuel-air mixture, which can improve compression ratios which are optimal for turbochargers. The Artistan kit, originally sold on Turbochargers.com is no longer to be found. This may have been the result of customer complaints or due to a simple takeover in sales. I am assuming the Artistan kit will not be sold until the initial problems have been resolved. The Elite Autosport kit appears to be much more efficient, using only one turbo to spool faster. It will be interesting to encounter reviews of this kit and I will keep posted when news becomes available.

The not so pretty, new IS-F interior options

I've said it many times before, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but Lexus has really stretched their imagination with their latest interior options. The latest options include a terra cotta interior that simply does not match with any components of the vehicle. The F logo contains a blue etching. The new seats are partially red, and partially black. This combination simply does not work with the IS-F in any color combination.The same issue has been brought up with the lower model IS350 and IS250 convertible editions which have very space age like interior combinations. These combinations sound good, but simply are an eyesore in person. I highly doubt many variations of seat colorings will sell. The IS350 and 250 seats are much different from the IS-F seats, however. The IS-F seats are firmer, fitting, and more rectangular. The IS-F seats do not match the comfortability of the lower model seats. They also lack the seat coolant feature, which can be useful in warmer climates.Thankfully the new seat styles are optional, and the black and white options are available without any two tone styles. Lexus is definiately trying to spark customized interest in the vehicle, which should be done considering the steep entry price. As the IS-F progresses, it will include more customized features such as the seats. For example, the newer models also come with a darkened navigation unit, which fits more flush with the rest of the console. New owners will appreciate this, but older owners will feel disappointed they are unable to upgrade these features on their car without paying a substantial price. The IS-F certainly makes a statement with the new color options, along with the original car paint options, such as the bright, ultrasonic blue flagship model.

Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F

Last year, the Lexus IS-F saw entry into the expensive Neiman Marcus catalog. A special edition of the IS-F was made for the catalog. The Special Edition's features included a special crafted set of BBS wheels, hant stitched seating with an embossed F logo in the headrests, and even driving lessons with the famous driver, Skip Barber. I'm not sure how many people buy automobiles out of a catalog, but I'm willing to venture that not many people were willing to pay an extra $5,000 for such features. Although the trip to meet with Skip Barber includse all expenses, it seems a bit pricy. The Neiman Marcus Edition IS-F was only sold in obsidian black. In the previous years, the catalog sold LS600h Lexus, S600 Mercedes Benz, and BMW M6 vehicles. The IS-F in the Neiman Marcus catalog just does not seem to target the proper audience, as the IS-F is clearly marketed toward the younger crowd. Most likely, some units sold, but the question is, what did Lexus do with the remaining units?

An Informative Lexus Blog

With all the excitement lately over Lexus technology, many blogs have emerged with great content. Lexus Enthusiast is one of the most up to date blogs on Lexus news. You can find information on literally any Lexus model or search for news on particular models. Simply click the database at the top of the page and select the car you desire to find articles on. I pulled up the Lexus IS-F and discovered a great new part, a carbon fiber wrapped steering wheel. This is a simple modification to improve the look of the interior. Be warned, carbon fiber modifications are pricy and may not offer much of a return on investment. I followed the link from the blog and discovered an entire product lineup of carbon fiber products for the IS-F! The article database is huge. Lexus Enthusiast covers everything from spy videos, technology releases, car show photos, and even model recalls.
I highly suggest visiting this blog, you will find yourself immersed in really interesting automotive articles. I discovered a Lexus IS race team for sale for $250,000 which includes 3 Lexus IS-F GT race cars. These are extremely powerful 500+ rwhp cars, with ultra weight reduction. Take a look at the blog and you will find many cool articles on Lexus technology and some great articles on the IS-F. A fan base is developing for this site and they are posting some interesting feedback on the blog posts as well. At the time of this post, the latest article is about the Lexus LS featuring self-restoring clear coat. This addition to the car was clearly in response to Ford's paint comparison with the LS which clearly made the LS look bad. I find myself checking this blog often for the latest news and updates on Lexus vehicles.

Lexus LF-A Sound Check

I know this blog is dedicated entirely to the IS-F, but I could not help but point out this amazing spy footage of the next model in Lexus's F lineup. Listen to the incredible sound coming from the LF-A. This car revs really high at 9k+ RPM. Although I cannot judge entirely from a Youtube video, the sound coming out of this car sounds as good as an Enzo Ferrari. The LF-A is labeled a supercar and will be competing against other supercars such as the Audi R8, Mercedes SLS Amg, and the Nissan GTR Spec V. Lexus has delayed this car for years, but it is finally going to be sold in 2010. This car sports the same F badge as the IS-F. It seems like the white model is louder, however the black model may not have been at full throttle. The design is not out of the ordinary Lexus F styling. The design caters to a very specific crowd, just like the IS-F. They certainly have not been influenced from the designs of the rival supercars on the market. Lexus seems to go out of the way to make their F performance models appear slightly over the top, with excess usage of mesh grilling. The sound coming from these cars is simply amazing. The cars will certainly attract attention from very long distances at full throttle. The IS-F sound seems very mild in comparison. The IS-F was purposely built tame to still capture the essence of the daily driver, with its dual stage intake that is quiet at low RPMs but loud at higher RPMs. I would not be surprised to see a high quality exhaust system included on this performance car. Check out the initial posting of this video at http://lexusenthusiast.com/2009/09/26/two-lexus-lfas-caught-at-a-gas-station/

The 2010 IS-F specs are in!

These specs just in from Lexus.com:

Engine
Type: 90o V8, aluminum block and heads, direct and port injection
Displacement: 5.0 liters (303 cubic inches)
Valvetrain: Four cam, four valves per cylinder, with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronic intake valve timing (VVT-iE)
Compression Ratio: 11.8:1
Horsepower at RPM: 416 hp @ 6,600
Torque at RPM: 371 lb-ft @ 5,200
Emission Rating: Certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II)

Performance
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.6 seconds
1/4 Mile Acceleration: 13.0 seconds
Top Track Speed (electronically limited): 170 mph
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates (city/highway): 16/23 mpg
Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient: 0.30 Turning Circle: 33.5 ft

Drivetrain
Type: TORSEN® torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential
Transmission: Eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, Manual mode and torque converter lock-up clutch for gears 2-8
Drive Wheels: Rear-wheel drive
Final Drive Ratio: 2.937

Chassis
Suspension (front): Independent, double-wishbone with high-mount upper arms, coil springs, monotube gas-pressurized shock absorbers and hollow stabilizer bar
Suspension (rear): Independent, multi-link with low-mount upper arms, coil springs, monotube gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Steering: Electronic Power Steering (EPS), vehicle speed-sensing coaxial rack and pinion, power assist, 2.91 turns, lock to lock
Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted discs manufactured by Brembo®, with four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Brake Size: 14.2-in drilled and ventilated front discs with six-piston aluminum calipers and high-friction brake pads, 13.6-in drilled and ventilated rear discs with two-piston aluminum calipers and high-friction brake pads
Wheels and Tires: (front) 19 x 8.0-in 10-spoke forged aluminum alloy wheels manufactured by BBS with 225/40R19 summer tires

Body / Dimensions
Type: Five-passenger high-performance luxury sport sedan
Construction: Welded-steel unibody
Overall Length: 183.5 in (4,661 mm)
Width: 71.5 in (1,816 mm)
Height: 55.7 in (1,415 mm)
Wheelbase: 107.5 in (2,730 mm)
Curb Weight: 3,780 lb (1,715 kg)
Fuel-Tank Capacity: 16.9 gal (64 L)
Trunk Capacity: 13.3 cu ft (377 L)
Headroom: 37.2/36.7 in (945/932 mm) (front/rear) (w/moonroof)
Headroom (available): 39.0/36.9 in (991/937 mm) (front/rear) (moonroof delete)
Legroom: 43.9/30.6 in (1,115/777 mm) (front/rear)
Shoulder Room: 54.4/52.7 in (1,382/1,339 mm) (front/rear)
Hip Room: 54.1/53.7 in (1,374/1,364 mm) (front/rear)

IS-F Oil Change

So you do not trust your dealership with your IS-F? I've heard of dealerships stripping the threads before, so be careful. A Lexus dealership will charge nearly $100 for a synthetic change, so if you have the tools, go ahead and do it yourself! I have provided a quick guide to changing the oil yourself, however I do not recommend it! Lexus uses the same oil used at the Toyota dealerships, and you can have your oil changed there for the same price it will cost you to do it yourself. Changing the oil yourself will require tools such as a jack, oil obviously, and new filter / gasket. It's not possible to raise the vehicle with a typical jack. You will need a long frame floor jack with a maximum 5" lift point. Buying one of these yourself will be costly, and I do not advise doing so unless you feel you have no other option in changing the oil. You will need 12,000 LBS ramps to get under the car. Anything less is risky and I advise against it. Once you are underneath the vehicle, the oil pan is easy to locate and access. You will need a 14mm socket wrench to remove the bolt. Be sure to have a large drain pan. The oil will takes several minutes to drain since the IS-F holds a lot of oil! Go near the front bumper. You have to remove a panel to get to the oil filter. Remove the panel screws with a standard phillips screwdriver. You now have access to the filter. Be careful in this next step. Grab yourself a generic filter wrench and remove the casing. Oil is going to come out when you remove the filter. Be prepared to drain this. I suggest ordering the OEM filter, but you can always goes with a generic filter as well. Lubricate the gasket and place the new filter in. Screw the plate back in and then fill up the car with the new oil. You can go with synthetic or the stock Toyota oil, which can be found at the dealerships. The synthetic oil is simply not necessary unless you live in extremely harsh climates. Put the oil cap on, and you are done! Make sure to reset the oil service feature in the car by clicking the information button on your display, and selecting the oil option.

Can the IS-F withstand the test of time?

It has been roughly 5,000 miles and six month since I purchased my IS-F. I've been thinking of what is to come of the IS-F in the future. Generally, cars like this become the obsession of teenagers who cannot quite grasp the reality of price. Five years down the line though, this vehicle will most likely have a younger, tuner crowd behind the wheels. This is exactly what you see with the older SC400 and IS300 series Lexus vehicles. Parents have passed these cars down to their children, or they managed to save up enough money to buy a used model.
I have a good feeling that this car will be driven by teens in the years to come. The design is less mature than a standard Lexus, with body kit modifications and a unique stacked exhaust. If this car does not hold it's value and starts losing demand, it may very well be in the hands of teens sooner than anticipated. There is no doubt that these engines will withstand the test of time. The IS-Fs are built for abuse, and will not leave the road for a long time. Could soaring gas costs in the future reduce the likelihood of a less fuel efficient vehicle being driven on the road?
What about the legacy? There is the possibility of the F series model to be discontinued in the future. This may or may not increase the collectible value of the car. Take a look at the Toyota Supra, for example. The value of this vehicle has gone up over the past few years as the performance potential of the engine has been exploited. We may see the same exploitation of the much larger V8 engine in the IS-F in a few years. There is no doubt a fully modified IS-F has some serious horsepower potential. I believe the F legacy, whether successful or not, will be remembered as a bold attempt by Lexus to produce a vehicle outside of their target niche.

A top site for Lexus IS-F information

Have you ever been searching for information on the Lexus IS-F, but just cannot seem to find it? Let me introduce you to Lexus IS-F Aftermarket Parts. This website was developed for the sole purpose of informing prospective IS-F buyers and current IS-F drivers about the available aftermarket performance parts, special tips, tricks and gadgets that improve the F experience. Lexus really did not leave out too much of their handbook, however there is no local database organizing all the aftermarket parts available, until this website came along. Basically, you can find everything you need to know about the IS-F, and if you cannot find it here, the owner of the website has made it very simple to contact him for assistance. The owner of IS-F Aftermarket parts is a major enthusiast and will help you resolve your questions / problems.

The database of aftermarket parts is really useful. The available parts are rare and often not made in standard production. The market is still waiting for somebody to crack the ECU so we can get some serious parts like turbochargers. IS-F Aftermarket Parts will be on top of things to let his viewers know when these parts are available. I never would have known Eisenhaus had created an exhaust part for the IS-F until I ran in to this site. Beware, Eisenhaus is not to be confused with the authentic German exhaust manufacturer, Eisenmann. The website goes into further detail about this. The tricks on this site are cool as well. I never knew the car windows could be rolled down remotely, and that there is a secret code to disable all of the electronic assistance in the car, to give it a true hot rod feel. I also stumbled upon a great car washing guide here, definitely worth a look!

3 reasons why the IS-F is superior to its European competition

1. Reliability

One thing you will never read about in the IS-F bashing Euro tuner magazines is the mechanical reliability of a Lexus over all the competition. J.D. Power ranked Lexus as the most reliable automobile in 2008. Lexus had the lowest amount of problems per 100 vehicles with only 120 problems. BMW came in second with 164 problems. Audi came in third with 207 problems. Mercedes came in last with 215 problems, that’s an enormous increase in problems! With reliability in mind, Lexus reigns supreme. If you are buying a high performance car, the last thing you want to do is buy an unreliable model. Chances are, the way you drive this car will subject it to more abuse than a normal automobile, so go with the reliable model.

2. Gas Mileage

The IS-F reigns supreme once again with is efficient gas usage. The Audi RS4 sedan runs at 13 / 20 mpg. The Mercedes Benz C63 AMG runs at 12/ 19 mpg. The BMW M3 comes closest with a 14 / 20 mpg. The Lexus IS-F blows away the competition with a comfortable 16 / 23 mpg. Every one of these cars is subject to the EPA’s gas guzzler tax, except the Lexus IS-F. Do not believe me? Check it out for yourself: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/guzzler/420b08016.pdf

3. Price

Based on Cars.com new car inventory:

A new C63 AMG will cost you $62,000 - $76,000
A new IS-F will cost you $61,000 - $64,000
A new M3 will cost you $60,000 - $83,000
A used RS4 will range from $62,000 - $70,000
The low prices on the M3s are rare. Take the averages. Need I say more?

Audi RS4 Video Comparison Against Lexus

Audi RS4 Video Comparison Against Lexus Video
Germancarblog.com spotted a great video comparing the RS4 head to head with the Lexus IS-F. For those of you not willing to deal with the overly dramatic cinematics, I will summarize the shoot out. The race begins on the slalom. The IS-F was thought to have the advantage being lighter, and it was proven true being 2/10 faster. The next test was the 0-80 and 80-0 mph test. The Lexus won this round as well. The Audi did decelerate faster, however the IS-F acceleration made up for its slack. The final challenge is at the Horse Thief Mile track. The video goes on for minutes with the driver's description of both car's handling. The driver chose the Lexus IS-F for its fun factor. It simply was a more exciting drive. This puts the nail in the coffin for the Audi RS4. It simply is no match to the IS-F. I do give the car respect for holding the title for a long time.
Audi is not completely out of the picture. they have developed a new lineup with the S4, and the S5. Both are beautiful automobiles capable of achieving more where the RS4 left off. The RS4 simply was not considered fair competition due to its aged engineering, which is probably why, coupled with poor sales, the model was discontinued. Audi has also released their super car, the R8, which has proven to be a fierce competitor on the track, and also a pleasant site to see. Other videos circulating have put the RS4 ahead of the IS-F, but the consensus is that the RS4 has seen its days and newer models are simply outperforming. The C63 AMG, the M3, the IS-F, and the CTS-V are all sending Audi engineers back to the drawing board.

Carbon Fiber Everything IS-F

Chances are, if you bought an IS-F, you already know about carbon fiber and its benefits. One, carbon fiber is sleek and attractive. Two, carbon fiber is ultra light and in large quanitity, can shave pounds off your vehicle, further enhancing the vehicle's power to weight ratio. No, you cannot create a Bugatti like power to weight ratio with simple carbon modifications, but you can shave enough time to make the car noticeable at the track. L-Tuned parts has a ton of carbon fiber mods for sale for the IS-F. This does not necessarily mean you are going to shave pounds though. Most of these modifications are for looks , but you may consider them for peformance, but the high price tags on carbon fiber will discourage you.

Check it out here

Carbon exterior mods include:

Side Skirts
Front Lip Spoiler
Rear Lip
Roof Spoiler
Pillars
Hood
Roof

Carbon interior mods include:
Steering wheel
Shift Knob
Door Handle Covers
Center AC Trim
Side Garnish
Outer AC Trim
Rear Seat Center Cover
Gauge Cluster Trim
Paddle Shifters

Expect to pay upward of $15,000 for all of these modifications, ouch!

Some posts on the IS-F you may find interesting

The Lexus IS-F is given a limited slip differential for 2010.
Well it's about time! This should be beneficial to those that take this car to the track. I want to drop this in mine.

An employee's experience with the IS-F
This describes some of the encounters one individual had in his IS-F. This is typical when driving a car like this. People really do not know what the car is about and many have no idea how expensive it is.

Britian uses the IS-F for new police fleet
You usually do not see police fleets using foreign cars. Does this say something about the IS-F?

The new IS350C is modified, looking very similar to the IS-F
IS-F fenders on an IS350? I do not think this is necessary. The IS350 may be a sporty car, but is undeserving of the excessive body modifications given to the IS-F. However, this is a tuner company, and they are free to do what the please. The bulging wheel wells seem a bit odd, but it would definitely turn heads on the road.

The 2009 Lexus IS-F for Sema
The color may repulse you, but you cannot deny the mean looks of the body modifications. This model also received the Artisan turbo kit, bumping the car over 500 horses.

My first experience in my IS-F

Nothing was more exciting than stepping into the IS-F for the first time. I previously drove a Lexus IS350, which is the high performance V6 Lexus model. It lacked the sporty feel I was looking for, and once I stepped into the IS-F, I instantly grinned.

From the moment you step into the car, it's a completely different feel than the IS350. The seats are sportier and the dashboard and panels are covered in a carbon fiber instead of a wood grain. The F symbol is embroidered into the seats and sewn steering wheel, with the silver paddle shifters bulging from behind.

As soon as I slipped into the seats and moved the wheel, I felt like I was in a completely different automobile. When I pressed the ignition button, my ears were immersed in a throaty V8 sound that was absent in the IS350. I knew I was in a serious performance automobile. The wheel was stiff, sporty, and I could feel the road. The suspension has much less "give" to it and makes me feel much more in control of my steering.

After I signed the papers, I took a step back and looked at my new car. Dual stacked exhausts, a bulging hood, fierce BBS wheels which contrast with the ultrasonic blue paint. The slitted fenders and mean grills in the front add to a very aggressive look that turn heads on the road.

As I pulled out of the lot, I reached my first stop light. I flicked on Sport mode. Not knowing the overall power of the car, I decided to push the acceleration slightly to get a feel for the speed. I immediately chirped the tires on the car. I do not think there was a moment while driving home without a smile on my face. I'll never forget my first IS-F experience.

The IS-F vs The Competition

It's nearly common knowledge now that the IS-F was not given a warm welcome by the European tuner community. The IS-F represents just another threat to their heritage line of performance sedans.

Here's the target competition:

Lexus IS-F: 416 bhp

Audi RS4: 420 bhp

BMW M3: 414 bhp

Mercedes C63 AMG: 451 bhp

Cadillac CTS-V: 556 bhp

It's clear from the beginning, the IS-F is not the fastest straight line vehicle. The IS-F comes in 3rd on the list in a straight line. The CTS-V packs a Corvette engine and dominates the competition. Many European fan magazines praise the BMW M3 as the ultimate luxury saloon. It is true, the M3 can outperform the IS-F in the handling category.

In the end, the IS-F sits in the middle between the competition in every category. In the end, it comes down to reliability, looks, and build quality. The IS-F looks are all in the eye of the beholder, but in the reliability department, the Lexus IS-F trumps the competition. When Edmunds tested the IS-F, they ran into zero mechanical problems and zero warrantied problems in the 25,000+ mile test. My father owned a Lexus SC400 and in over 45,000 miles and 14 years, the only non-standard repair was the air conditioning unit. This is truly impressive and shows the quality engines Lexus builds.

Lexus is known for their maintenance free automobles backed by a very generous warranty. In terms of practicality, gas mileage, and being a daily driver, the IS-F is a popular pick. Those with deeper pockets and have mindset on straight line performance will lean toward the CTS-V. Those looking for handling, heritage, and the overall sport car experience, will lean toward the M3. All of these models represent some of the finest craftmenship of the companies, and none of them are undeserving of their high price tags.

Lexus IS-F Artisan Turbo

I've been very skeptical of any aftermarket forced induction on the Lexus IS-F. Word has circulated that Hennessey Performance took a stab at the IS-F and discontinued their work on the car. Greddy announced a supercharger product which mysteriously disappeared. Finally, Artisan have developed a full turbo kit available at turbochargers.com for a pricy $15,000. That's not all, the car has to be shipped to them for a full installation! This means if you are located nowhere near Texas and the car requires maintenance on the turbo work, you are paying out of your pocket for shipping again?!

Artisan Twin Turbo IS-F Video

The numbers are in:

538 whp 507 tq

That's nearly a 200hp increase! The turbo kit is definitely for serious performance enthusiasts, however the steep price tag may discourage buyers. $15,000 + $1,000 shipping along on top of the $56,000 price for the IS-F, you are paying $71,000 for a high performance sedan! This is not even factoring insurance / possible damage from extensive use of turbo.

Turbocharger.com advertises the kit coming with the following:

" Turbo kit includes:

• Twin GTK turbos
• Twin 38mm wastegates
• Twin intercoolers
• T304 polished stainless feeds pipes
• T304 polished intercooler pipes
• Modified fuel system
• Modified ignition system
• Artisan proprietary ecu reflash
• Retain Lexus catalytic convertors
• Artisan 3 ply couples
• Artisan stainless hose clamps
• Installation
• Before and after dyno tuning

Remember, if you destroy any part of your Lexus due to the installation of the turbo, you will be paying out of pocket for it, since Lexus will not protect it under warranty. Dragtimes.com has not reported any numbers of this vehicle with the turbo kit on yet, but it should be running in the 11s with a 34% horsepower increase.

Summary:

The Pros:

34% horsepower increase

Turbo does have manufacturer warranty

The only available turbocharger kit for the IS-F

Very distinct, powerful sound

Does not "throw a code" or set off any engine codes

The Cons:

A costly $11 per rwhp increase

Additional maintenance which is not covered by Lexus

Maintenance located in Texas, which may may too far

Uncertain reliability

ISF 0-60 Times

Car manufacturers are usually accurate with their 0-60 times on their performance models. Many IS-F owners claim faster times than Lexus claims. Lexus claims the IS-F will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

I own an IS-F, and before I owned the IS350, a smaller, less tuned again than the IS-F. I can honestly say that I did not notice a significant change in the 0-60 time. The IS350 ran 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. I am certain, however, that the IS-F completely destroys the IS350 once it reaches 60mph and beyond.

Lexus designed the IS-F with the BMW M3 / Audi RS4 / Mercedes C63 AMG in mind. All of these cars sit around the 4.5 second 0-60 range. I would not have expected Lexus to compeletely destroy the current benchmarks, considering this is their first step into the performance sedan market.

Many Lexus IS-F owners claim they can achieve a 0-60 less than 4.6 seconds, and one driver even claims a 4.1 second time. Although I do not have the tools to accurately measure the time myself, I have recorded some passes on closed tracks and can say it consistently hits 60 mph the middle 4 second range.

IS-F Aftermarket Exhaust

Exhaust systems are a very popular modification to performance automobiles. Most manufacturers place restrictive exhausts on their vehicles. Independent mechanics and companies developed free flowing exhausts to replace the restrictive systems. There's a lot of debate on whether or not the aftermarket systems are optimal for the IS-F because the car sacrifices so much low end torque for high end horsepower. I currently have a Borla Catback exhaust on my IS-F and I cannot say there is a speed difference, however there is a much richer tone in the exhaust.

IS-F Introduction

Welcome to my IS-F blog. This is a blog dedicated to the aftermarket performance options available for the Lexus IS-F. Here you will find my personal experiences with my 2008 Ultrasonic Blue IS-F along with reviews of the aftermarket parts available. The aftermarket is currently very small because the IS-F is such a rare automobile.

According to a moderator at LexusF.com:

"FACT: There were about 2,733 IS F's made for the USA.

FACT: There are a total of 4,828 IS F's made in the world, including pre-production vehicles.

FACT: All IS F's come off the one production line for every destination "