I always enjoy the chance to test drive performance cars on a race circuit and when Lexus invited me to try out the Japanese firm’s first performance Lexus at Mondello Park, let’s just say I didn’t need to be asked twice.
In the flesh the IS-F is gorgeous and chunky. Lexus is using the letter 'F' as a signature for all its future performance vehicles much in the same way BMW uses the letter 'M' but unlike the German car maker Lexus know the 'F' brand is in its infancy and has some serious catching up to do to reach the status of Beemer's 'M Division'.
‘F’ stands for Fuji Speedway where the car was developed. IS-F is the work of a few dedicated engineers at Lexus who outside office hours brought the stunning and subtle (in relative terms) muscle-car to the market.
The beefed up IS comes with the same eight speed automatic gearbox as the flagship big LS saloon and features the same engine block. Yamaha in partnership with Lexus developed the cylinder head and the result is a super smooth power delivery that is beautifully progressive.
Unlike BMW’s high performance 'M3' the four-door automatic Lexus can be driven with little effort day to day but should you wish to provoke the 423 horses under the bonnet the steering wheel mounted paddle shifts will help transform the saloon into a racing beast.
On the track the impressive and comprehensive standard safety features enhanced my modest driving skills, meaning I could 'lash' around the Kildare circuit at a level exceeding my natural ability. It is possible to turn off all the driving aids but in reality the IS-F is quicker with them on (and set to Sport mode).
Lexus has not fitted a rear differential but instead has set up the electronic driver aids to do a similar job. When you switch all the gadgets off the IS-F is a bit of a drifting king.
505Nm of pulling power means the IS-F could pull a train (with its brakes on) so there is no shortage of real world power but the nice thing with the IS-F is that it genuinely can be driven slowly without much fuss. However when you do drive with enthusiasm the reward apart from stunning acceleration is the beautiful low engine growl that is music to the ears.
The gearbox is fantastic and capable of incredible quick changes. Like the iconic 'M3' the suspension has been stiffened massively compared to the standard IS, but for track work I thought it could be set up a little harder. The compromise has been met well between on-road / on-track use and you genuinely can live with the IS-F on a daily basis without needing to become best mates with a cyropractor!
Lexus has an allocation of 15 cars this year and despite the big asking price I am sure the Japanese luxury carmaker will find lucky homes for them.
Michael Sheridan
