2014 Lexus IS F shown Vehicle no longer in production - Car and Driver
Lexus’s answer to the BMW M3 sedan, the IS F, arrives in 2014 with only minor trim changes, even as lesser IS sedan models received a redesign. Its 416-hp V-8, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip rear differential, quick-shifting eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and well-sorted chassis make the IS F extremely fast around a track. Instrumented Test – 2011 Lexus IS F The corporate line at Lexus is that the IS F was never intended to dethrone the BMW M3 as the world’s greatest sports sedan. We, like the general public, never believed it. Just look at the two cars’ spec sheets: Both are based on their respective company’s entry-level sedan. and both have big brakes, ultra-high-performance tires, upgraded sport seats, and so on. When we first sampled the IS F, however, it was clear it wasn’t quite up to the task for which Lexus swore it wasn’t intended but everybody knew it was. The BMW M3 is a perennial 10Best winner, and its head-to-head battle with the IS F is just one of the current car’s five C/D comparison-test victories. For 2011, Lexus addressed these concerns in a big way, changing or retuning every major suspension component. There are softer front springs, stiffer rear springs, larger-diameter anti-roll bars front and rear, stiffer bushings on the rear subframe and rear anti-roll bar, and a new steering knuckle and front lower control arms for reduced unsprung mass. Oh, and the rear camber is tweaked as well. Source: www.caranddriver.com
