Not sure if anyone has seen the Feb 2011 C&D yet, but they finally test the 2011 ISF with both the revised suspension and LSD. Long story short, the suspension updates drop an incredible 8.6 seconds from C&D's previous VIR lap time.

Here are some of the lap times from this and previous Lightning Laps for reference:

RS4 - 3:11.2
S4 - 3:10.6
Mustang GT 5.0 - 3:08.6
E63 - 3:06.8
C63 - 3:06.5
Cayman S - 3:05.8
Carrera S - 3:05.8
M3 - 3:05.4
2011 ISF - 3:05.4
CTS-V coupe - 3:04.0
GTR - 2:55.6

The ISF now ties the M3 and tops the AMG Benzes and RS4. C&D was overall very complimentary of its performance and called the brakes fantastic and fade-free, something that could not be said for the E63 which faded on the very first lap. They also mentioned that the ISF matched the M3's lap time with a higher curb weight and no real power advantage.

I guess this is the end of the "I know it's a bit slower on the track but it's a much better daily..." comparisons with the M3.

Bravo Lexus!

 

Wow, I'm surprised the S4 turned a better lap time than the RS4. Maybe having 2 less cylinders hanging over the front axle helps....

Go GTR!

 

Thats incredible!

 

yeah IS-F is now officially the ***** !

 

I'm surprised that it beat the carrera s and cayman s!!! I have a hard time the suspension dropped that much time too - I'm thinking that they just didn't drive it/push it to the limits the previous time. Doesn't really matter to me cuz it's my DD and I never push the car that hard. But at least it's some credit where credit is due. Perhaps our resale will actually go up. LOL

 

continuing the pursuit of perfection- great to see measurable results from improvements year after year. very impressive on lexus' part!

 

Great progress! But im still wondering how the hell lexus is going deal with the new C63. Hopefully well have the first turbo lexus come around.

 

Compliance is the key. Can't tell you how many times I've seen people claim that stiffer is better when it's generally the opposite (to an extent) . Looks like the ISF benefited from the 'softer' suspension.

 

You're talking about the AMG that's putting out 450+hp, correct? If so, I'd love to know the same thing!

 

I wish. Unfortunately no my friend i mean this
http://www.worldcarfans.com/11003012...ngine-revealed

The new C63 is going to have a 5.5 twin turbo making ridiculous power.

 

I imagine it has more to do with the LSD as most of suspension changes were as you say to make it more compliant

 

It looks like the C63 will keep the same engine it has now, while the other models- S, CLS, E - will be getting the updated powerplant. That will probably change for the next generation, but for now the powertrain will be a carryover for 2012.

Plus, the C63 is already so stinking fast that at some point the car is going to reach a wall where even if it does gain 120hp, it's only going to knock the 0-60 down .2 or .3 seconds. Last I saw the car did 0-60 in 3.9 or 4.0. To break much past that (significantly), it takes better aerodynamics and less weight, not just more power.

 

Bravo Lexus. As a new owner of an ISF - I'm impressed. I've had a few newer Corvettes (traded my 09 for the ISF) and I don't want to get into the OEM vs Modded, but......

If the CTS-V had a better build quality about it, that car is a monster with minimal mods. I'm learning that the ISF only has a handful of available mods, which is great......for when I hand it over to the wife

 

I just posted this on Bimmerpost..LOL!!!

 

Wow, those are great results I have to say, I've owned the F for two years now and I wouldn't trade it for any other car at this point in my life unless it was a new, 2011 F