Think bellowing, tyre smoking, sideways sliding V8 rear-wheel drive sports sedans and Lexus isn’t the first name that comes to mind.
Well, prepare to think again if ever you get the chance to drive the Lexus IS-F, which has just gone on-sale in Australia for $129,000.
The car that started as an after-hours project for a passionate Lexus engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi and a small band of co-workers, has become the new hero of a brand previously best known for quiet anonymity and petrol-saving hybrids.
“Lexus was a smart choice but less emotional before this model,” said Yaguchi, now IS-F chief engineer. “Now with the introduction of this model the image of Lexus is changing to be more enjoyable.”
“This car is aimed at a different customer, maybe even someone who might buy a Ferrari or Porsche.”
More realistically than true supercars, the IS-F is a legitimate rival for the likes of the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the (now defunct) Audi RS4.
However, the road cruise also exposed the sharpness of the IS-F’s rear suspension. Short travel and tied down firmly to aid steering crispness, it was particularly choppy at low speed. That meant it was not good on the bulk of the roads encountered.
Put it behind the BMW M3 with its adjustable dampers and close to the kidney-busting Mercedes-Benz C63, which like the IS-F offers no in-cockpit suspension adjustability.
That 5.0-litre 311kW/505Nm dual overhead cam engine blasts out a beautiful induction noise as the car races down Gardner Straight, the speedo needle arcing beyond 220km/h, the gearchange buzzer calling for a change into sixth gear as it flashes under the bridge.
The IS-F’s V8 engine feels something like the BMW M3’s new 4.0-litre V8 in character, but without the ability to rev to 8400rpm. It also lacks the killer punch of the AMG’s 336kW 6.2-litre V8. So close to both, but better than neither.
Pushing hard with the VDIM driver assist system set to Sport the IS-F allows a little slip and lair, but keeps things straight and encourages understeer (front-end push) from the front-end. Partially that reflects the smaller 225/40 directional Bridgestone rubber being run on the 19-inch front-wheels. That’s a full size narrower than the current BMW M3 employs.
Now the power is unleashed and the car an be driven as sideways as you like. Predictably, confidently and enjoyably. The steering is accurate and quick, but it’s rear steer where the real fun can be had.
Lexus-contracted US sports car driver Scott Pruett was on-hand at Phillip Island to host some fast laps, showing how gently and quickly the IS-F could be guided by an expert hand around the super-fast track.
Is it better than M3 or C63? Gut instinct says not, but it’s a pretty close call. Only a proper comparison test will establish that, but it’s sure going to be fun finding out! First stop, Phillip Island.
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