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 "