\u00c2\u00a02011 LEXUS IS-F<\/p>\n
BY DAVID COLMAN<\/p>\n
\u00c2\u00a0The “F” in the nomenclature of this Lexus stands for Fuji, Toyota’s home race track.\u00c2\u00a0 More specifically, the shape of the letter F replicates the first turn at Fuji, because turns at speed are what the IS-F is all about.\u00c2\u00a0 For 2011, this Lexus hot rod has undergone a truly remarkable transformation from tentative chrysalis stage to full adult incarnation.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00c2\u00a0The single most important factor in the improvement is the sea change revision to the computer program controlling handling and traction control.\u00c2\u00a0 Since its inception in 2008, the F has verged on performance greatness, but fallen short of the mark, handcuffed by the overly conservative traction and handling limitations of its Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system.\u00c2\u00a0 Whenever you started to drive the F the way such a rocket is meant to be driven, the VDIM system would beep incessantly at your antics while cutting power and applying brakes.\u00c2\u00a0 The original F was impossible to drive anywhere near its limits.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00c2\u00a0Cut to the 2011 model and the infuriating Nannyism of IS-F 1.0 is a thing of the past.\u00c2\u00a0 Select “Sport” mode from the dash menu, and you can drive the Bridgestone tires off the new F without so much as a peep from the VDIM system.\u00c2\u00a0 If you really want to get the car cooking at a track day event, you can hold the “Sport” button down for 3 full seconds to eliminate all traction control assistance.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00c2\u00a0Not only are the limits of adhesion now achievable, but those limits are much higher than before thanks to myriad changes in suspension configuration.\u00c2\u00a0 The F handles far better than its immediate predecessor due to splendid forged 19 inch diameter BBS wheels that are wider than ever at 8 inches front and 9 inches rear.\u00c2\u00a0 Shod with ultra sticky Bridgestone RE 050A rubber (225\/40R19 front, 255\/35R19 rear), the gun metal BBS alloys feel supremely planted no matter how tight the turn.\u00c2\u00a0 A superb new Torsen rear limited slip differential keeps power flowing to both rear wheels with uncanny precision.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00c2\u00a0In addition, Lexus has completely revised the suspension settings of the F for 2011.\u00c2\u00a0 Springs and sway bars are stiffer front and rear, damper settings are more sporting, subframe and engine mounts are stiffer than before, and the F now sits an inch lower than it once did.\u00c2\u00a0 The ride feels authoritative without being harsh.\u00c2\u00a0 Every untoward suspension movement is immediately snubbed by the stiffer underpinnings.\u00c2\u00a0 Consequently, the F goes exactly where it’s pointed with no hesitation or uncertainty.\u00c2\u00a0 This is now one of the finest handling four-door sedans available at any price.\u00c2\u00a0 For $62,507 it seems like an unbelievable bargain compared to the much more expensive German offerings from BMW and Audi that will be hard pressed to keep this IS-F in sight for more than a minute on any curvy backroad.<\/p>\n
\u00c2\u00a02011 LEXUS IS-F\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
ENGINE:\u00c2\u00a0 5.0 liter DOHC V-8
\nHORSEPOWER:\u00c2\u00a0 416 @ 6,600 rpm
\nTORQUE:\u00c2\u00a0 371 lb.-ft. @ 5,700 rpm
\nFUEL CONSUMPTION:\u00c2\u00a0 16 City MPG\/ 23 Highway MPG
\nPRICE AS TESTED:\u00c2\u00a0 $62,507<\/p>\n
PROS CONS \u00c2\u00a02011 LEXUS IS-F BY DAVID COLMAN \u00c2\u00a0The “F” in the nomenclature of this Lexus stands for Fuji, Toyota’s home race track.\u00c2\u00a0 More specifically, the shape of the letter F replicates the first turn at Fuji, because turns at speed are what the IS-F is all about.\u00c2\u00a0 For 2011, this Lexus hot rod has undergone a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,23,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-automobile","category-new-automobile-products-tests","category-sports-car"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=44204"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44204\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44205,"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44204\/revisions\/44205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.stokednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n<\/span>Stealth rocket
\nVastly improved computer traction control
\nRevised suspension settings ideal for aggressive driving<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Could do with a good tarting up in the looks department
\nRestricted legroom for back seat occupants
\nF resale has not been strong to this point<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"