DETROIT, January 8, 2007 – Lexus unveiled the IS F high-performance luxury sedan and the
LF-A sports-car concept at a press conference today at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
The
all-new 2008 IS F high-performance luxury sedan will deliver more than
400 horsepower from a 5.0-liter V8 engine when it goes into production.
The LF-A supercar concept is equipped with a V10 engine that produces
more than 500 horsepower. Together, the two exciting new cars make a
dramatic statement of Lexus performance.
The IS F and LF-A
are very different vehicles, yet they share the same DNA, design
philosophy, and heritage. Prominent in both vehicles, the “F”
designation was first conceived nearly 20 years ago with a project
internally coded “Circle-F,” with the “F” standing for “flagship.” This
was the original code for what became the Lexus Division. The Circle-F
designation further evolved into the code name Flagship One, or F1, and
the first F1 concept developed into Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS. Since
then, the “F” code has come to signify a special vehicle program within
Lexus that falls outside the normal engineering and development process.
“Lexus
has long been perceived as the maker of mainstream luxury vehicles, but
the unveiling of the IS F and LF-A not only changes this perception, it
also introduces a new Lexus marque,” said Bob Carter, Lexus Division
group vice president and general manager. “The ‘F’ shared by both
vehicles is the signature for a new high-performance marque conceived
by an engineering team that dared to turn their dream of ‘a Lexus like
no other’ into a reality.”
IS F Performance Sedan
Much of the development of the new IS F took place at Fuji Speedway and
the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The IS F is based on the
proven rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a
double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. As well as the IS
performs, Lexus engineers demanded much more of the all-new IS F. The
result is a performance tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine, topped with
specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system, that
produces 400-plus horsepower and more than 350 ft.-lbs. of torque. The
all-new IS F is equipped with engine-oil and transmission-fluid coolers
for high-speed performance and a cylinder head-scavenging oil pump for
high G-force driving.
The
IS F engine is mated to the world’s first eight-speed direct
sport-shift transmission. A new torque-converter lock-up control was
developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the
constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through eighth
gears. In Drive mode, the IS F transmission performs with great
smoothness, and the torque converter allows for great launch ability
for fast standing-start acceleration that will register a zero-to-60
time in less than 4.9 seconds.
This unique transmission also
features an advanced Manual mode. A pair of paddles located within a
fingertip’s reach behind the steering wheel enables the driver to make
ultra-fast upshift gear changes within a tenth of a second. Downshifts
are accompanied by automated and incredibly precise throttle blips to
match engine RPM to vehicle speed.
The impressive
acceleration achieved by the IS F requires it be equipped with heavy
duty Brembo brakes designed to the specifications of the Lexus
engineering team. Huge, 14.2-inch cross-drilled front discs are gripped
by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while 13.6-inch rear
cross-drilled discs feature two-piston calipers. High-friction brake
pads are equipped on all four wheels. The brakes are finished with the
Lexus name displayed on the calipers, a first for a Lexus production
vehicle.
The IS F features custom-designed 19-inch forged
alloy wheels as standard. The wheels were built to Lexus specifications
by BBS and are surrounded by high-performance sport tires.
The
attention to performance also extends to a modified suspension that
lowers the entire car by more than a half-inch when compared to the
base IS, and one full inch when compared to IS models equipped with
18-inch wheels. This specially modified suspension allows for an
exciting and energetic drive, whether on a race track or the streets.
The
IS F features an all-new three-mode version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics
Integrated Management (VDIM) system. In addition to the Normal mode,
the new VDIM features a Sport mode that allows the driver to push the
car even further before its braking-, throttle- and steering-control
systems kick in. The third VDIM system mode is Off, which allows the
driver to push the IS F to its ultimate level of handling performance.
The
attention to performance is complemented by modified styling cues that
differentiate the IS F from the standard IS. Lexus engineers provided
the IS F with a dual-exhaust system and quad-tail pipes, wider front
fenders, and a larger grille and rear spoiler. Both the hood and lower
intake were enlarged to accommodate and cool the V8 engine.
Like
the exterior, the interior of the IS F receives unique styling with
aluminized composite trim and special surface treatments. The
instrument panel includes an oil-temperature gauge and shift
indicator-lights, while the “F” logo is showcased on the steering wheel
and rear-center console.
In addition to the usual Lexus
standards of comfort and convenience, the interior of the IS F features
specially shaped and trimmed seats, which hold the driver comfortably
and securely in place. The special sport seats are available in black
or a unique high-contrast white and black trim.
“The intent
of creating the IS F was not to be a competitor to other
performance-sport sedans,” said Carter. “Rather, the goal was to create
a true performance sedan in a uniquely Lexus way-one that is totally
authentic with a unique interpretation of raw driving thrill at all
speeds and provides a whole new definition of ‘usable power.’”
The IS F will arrive at Lexus dealerships in early 2008.
LF-A Sports Car Concept
The LF-A sports-car concept was originally shown at the 2005 NAIAS to
express a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand. The goals
for the new LF-A are no different than they were with the original
concept: To build a supercar with world-class performance that is
uniquely Lexus.
As
with all new Lexus vehicles, the styling of the LF-A is rooted in a
design direction called L-finesse. The concept of L-finesse was used to
shape and detail the original LF-A, and it was used to reshape,
redetail and redefine this latest version. Lexus has further refined
the styling of the new LF-A to enhance its exotic nature with a greater
use of curved surfaces and interesting details.
The running
gear of the LF-A is just as it was with the original, powered by a
high-revving 500-plus horsepower V10 engine. Its front mid-engine
placement, along with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted
radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution. The horsepower,
superior aerodynamics, and revised styling make a top speed of 200 mph
not only possible but probable.
An “F” logo, indicating the vehicle’s status as a part of the new “F” marque, is located on each front fender.
“The
first LF-A was a pure concept, but one that we went so far as to
conduct engineering analysis on,” said Carter. “This latest concept is
much closer to a vehicle that we would bring to market, and one in
which we will be gauging consumer interest.”
Lexus LF-A
Preliminary Specifications
Powertrain
Engine: V10 (under 5.0 liters)
Horsepower: More than 500
Top Speed: Approximately 200 MPH
Tire Size
Front: 265/35R20
Rear: 305/30R20
Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 74.6
Overall Height: 48.0
Wheelbase: 102.3
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