Lexus Unveils Two High-Performance Vehicles at the 2007 North American International Auto Show
January 8, 2007 – Detroit – 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 up-shift 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
makes 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 IS-F Preliminary Specifications
Powertrain
Engine: 5.0 Liter V8
Estimated Horsepower: More than 400
Estimated Torque: More than 350 lb.-ft.
Transmission: Eight-speed direct paddle sport shift gear box
Brakes
Large diameter cross-drilled discs
Front/Rear: 14.2 inches/13.6 inches
Opposed aluminum calipers
Front/Rear: Six piston/two piston
Wheels
Forged aluminum wheels
Front: 225/40R19 (19 x8)
Rear: 255/35R19 (19 x 9)
Performance
0-60 MPH Acceleration: Under 4.9 seconds
Fuel Economy: TBD
Emissions Rating: ULEV II
Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 183.5
Overall Width: 71.5
Overall Height: 55.5
Wheelbase: 107.5
Lexus LF-A Sports Concept 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
Credit: Lexus USA
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