SEMA: Lexus Premieres F-Sport Performance Accessory Line

What a better place to launch a performance accessory line than the SEMA Show. Available initially for the IS 250 and the IS 350 models, Lexus’ F-Sport line–up consists of a wide variety of performance enhancing products that are engineered by TRD. Among other things, the list includes 19-inch forged alloy wheels, suspension kits, ceramic brakes and exhaust systems.

"The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans are specifically geared for the performance-minded customer," said Brian Bolain, Lexus national interactive and automotive events manager. "The F-Sport performance accessory line helps to further realize each owner's desire to personalize their car's performance to best match their needs." -Photos and detailed list after the jump

LEXUS F-SPORT PERFORMANCE LIN-UP

F-Sport 19" Forged Alloy Wheels
This lightweight forged alloy wheel, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, includes a staggered fitment with 19" X 8" front wheels and 19" X 9" rear wheels. Recommended tire sizes are 225/35R19 in the front and 255/35R19 in the rear.

F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade
The Front Brake Upgrade provides a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance in repeated severe duty use. The Brake features six piston fixed calipers, and drilled cast iron 355mm diameter rotors with a patented internal fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs. Braided stainless steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are included and the upgrade can be used with stock or F-Sport upgraded rear brakes.

F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade
Similar in construction to the F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade, the rear brake upgrade uses four piston fixed calipers and drilled cast iron 345mm diameter rotors. Braided stainless steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are also included. The Rear Brake Upgrade may only be used in conjunction with F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Continuous Carbon CeramicTM Brake Upgrade
A new generation of carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic material technology maximizes high-temperature durability and system cooling in this ultimate upgrade for the IS F. Ceramic rotors measure 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear on anodized aluminum hats. They incorporate the same internal cooling vane concepts as the F-Sport cast iron rotors, while significantly reducing unsprung and rotating mass compared to the IS F stock brake system. Distinctively finished six-piston front and four-piston rear fixed calipers signify leading-edge technology and performance. Specially qualified performance brake pads and stainless steel brake lines are included.

F-Sport Exhaust System
This system features all stainless steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips. In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound.

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set
This feature lowers the vehicle approximately 1" in the front and rear for a more aggressive appearance and a lower center of gravity. The spring set is engineered to deliver lowered ride height without bottoming out or creating a harsh ride. The feature can be used with either the stock or F-Sport shock absorber set.

F-Sport Sway Bar Set
This includes a set of larger diameter, replacement front and rear sway bars that offer reduced body roll and flatter cornering. Urethane mounting brushings are also included to replace the original rubber brushings.

F-Sport Bilstein Shock Absorber Set
Developed in cooperation with Bilstein and available exclusively through the F-Sport Performance Accessory program, this shock absorber set offers sport-tuned suspension dampening without sacrificing ride quality.

F-Sport Clutch
The F-Sport Clutch increases clamping force approximately 15% to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.

F-Sport Quick Shifter
Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter decreases shift throw by approximately 30% for positive shifting.

F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace
To improve chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions and provide a more responsive feel during cornering, the F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace joins key rear chassis and suspension mounting points through this tubular steel brace.

F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Constructed from real carbon fibers, this very light and durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover and is only available for the IS 350.

F-Sport Air Intake
This low restriction intake and filter assembly is fully compatible with stock engine controls and is emission legal in all 50 states.

Lexus Genuine Accessory Ground Effects Kit
For a lower, more aggressive appearance, this color-keyed four-piece body kit includes front and rear valences and side skirts.

Lexus Genuine Accessory Rear Spoiler
This rear deck mounted, color-keyed lip-style spoiler provides the finishing touch for the sport-tuned enthusiast.

The F-Sport performance accessory line will be available in early March 2008, and will be sold through Lexus dealerships. Details will be available in 2008 through the Lexus.com website within the IS 250 and IS 350 sections.

Lexus IS By Wald International

Japanese tuner Wald International has presented a new sport package for the Lexus IS 200 / 350 models. The “Elegance” sport kit includes a new front spoiler, side steps, a rear wing, a rear skirt, and a dark grille/ while 19-inch polished alloy wheels. Wald International also offers a wide-range of alloy wheels including these 19-inch polished rims that look deliciously sexy on the IS. The end result, especially in this particular black bodypaint, is one mean looking Lexus. -Image gallery after the jump

(Photos revised by Carscoop

Link: Wald International

New Lexus IS-F Video At The Fuji Speedway

This video is from an event that Lexus held at the Fuji Speedway in Japan in the beginning of October. Set to go on sale in Japan on December 25, the JDM version of the IS-F is powered by a 5.0L V8 engine developing 311kW or 417 Hp at 6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 372 ft-lb or 505 Nm at 5,200 rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and according to Lexus, the IS-F sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in less than 4.9 seconds and goes all the way to a governed top speed of 270km/h – 168mph. European and US sales are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2008. (Click here for the Lexus IS-F Laguna Seca Video)

Lexus IS-F Neiman Marcus - Limited Edition Version

Last time we checked our calendar, it was October but that didn’t deter Lexus from creating a special version of its 400Hp V8 powered IS-F sport sedan for the Neiman Marcus 2007 Christmas catalog of “fantasy gifts”. So, if there’s anyone out there that believes I’ve been a good kid this year, here’s your chance to make me happy for the whole of 2008. It’ll only cost you $68,000 to get me one of the 50 special edition IS-Fs. Plus, even if my neighbor gets an IS-F, my Neiman Marcus will stand out thanks to these exclusive goodies: black with white accent stitching in the cabin; steering wheel with white leather accents; front headrests embossed with an F logo; hand-polished finish on the wheels and a sequentially numbered Special Build badge. You know I earned this... -Press release after the jump

Lexus creates the Neiman Marcus IS F Special Build Sedan for Neiman Marcus' 2007 Christmas Book

Torrance CA - October 2, 2007 - The holidays are right around the corner and what better way to ring them in than with the ultimate holiday gift? The Neiman Marcus 2008 Lexus IS F Special Build Sedan debuts as this year's fantasy car in the renowned Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the upscale retailer's wish book featuring the most luxurious gifts for the holidays.

The IS F is the fastest production car Lexus has ever built...so fast that the Neiman Marcus Special Build Sedan includes a personalized half-day of pro-driver training compliments of the Skip Barber Racing School. Owners will have the chance to take the high-performance vehicle to the limit¾learning real racing skills and experiencing what the IS F can do on and off the road.

Delivering more than 400 horsepower from its 5.0-liter V8, the IS F can go from 0 to 60 in under 4.9 seconds. It has the world's first eight-speed Sport Direct Shift gearbox and a specially engineered Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system featuring a high-performance sport mode. If the heart-pounding power and speed aren't enough, the Mark Levinson® state-of-the-art CD/DVD Premium Surround Sound Audio System with navigation and Bluetooth® technology will surely get the blood pumping.

Only 50 Neiman Marcus IS F special build sedans will be made. These limited edition vehicles will be among the very first IS Fs off the line and have an exclusive interior design of high-style black with white accent stitching. Each will feature a unique steering wheel with white leather accents, front headrests embossed with an F logo, hand-polished finish on the wheels and a sequentially numbered Special Build badge.

To place orders, customers may call toll free 1.888.747.4504, beginning at noon EDT on Oct. 18, 2007. This Neiman Marcus edition is offered exclusively in the Christmas Book and is priced at $68,000

About the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

For millions, the annual launch of the Christmas Book has become the official start of the holiday season. First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers. Building on tradition through the years, the book has maintained its personal touch while evolving into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts.

Video: Lexus IS-F At The Laguna Seca

What a lovely day for p0rn0licious car videos here at Carscoop. Following our BMW M3 vs Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F430 Scuderia video clips earlier today, here’s one featuring the all-new 400Hp Lexus IS-F. And it too, will lift you off your feet. The 1:20 minute long film includes awesome scenes from the California Taste of Lexus Event held back in August at the Laguna Seca Raceway.

Via: thepassionatepursuit (Thanks for sharing Kevin!)

Lexus Manager Forecasts Plans For An IS Coupe!

While we were taking a second look at the official press release on the Australian market only IS 250X, we boringly sat down and read Lexus Australia divisional manager, John Roca’s comments on the specific version. Thank God we did cause to our surprise, Mr Roca had something quite interesting to say about Lexus’ future plans on the IS line-up. Here’s the contentious part from Mr Roca’s quotes:

“We are very excited about some of the upcoming developments for the IS Line, including the V8-powered IS-F and potentially, an IS coupe in the future”

Despite the rumors, up until now, Lexus had remained tight-lipped on the possibility of the introduction of an IS Coupe. But should we take Mr Roca’s words for granted? In our opinion, that’s a crystal-clear yes as due to his position, Mr Roca has definitely been officially informed about Lexus’ future model line-up. –See the full press release after the jump

LEXUS TO INTRODUCE LIMITED EDITION IS 250X

Lexus Australia has marked the milestone sale of more than 5000 IS 250's with the release of a limited edition model - the IS 250X.

Only 260 examples of the IS 250X will be sold, and the model will be instantly recognisable via its unique five-spoke, 18" alloy wheels and "X" badging.

Due in showrooms in late July, the IS 250X will be available in a one-off Vermilion (red) exterior colour. It will also be available in Metallic Silver and Onyx (black), with all colours matched to the black leather interior.

The interior will also feature a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Stereo system, moonroof, satellite navigation, smooth and luxurious leather seats, sports pedals and metallic scuff plates.

The IS 250X comes with sports suspension, delivering a lower, firmer ride.

The limited edition model will be available in automatic or manual transmission, with an RRP of $64,390 for the manual model*.

Lexus Australia divisional manager John Roca said that the IS Line of vehicles continues to challenge competitor products, delivering value for money and driving enjoyment.

"Since its introduction in Australia, the IS Line of vehicles has stood out from the competition - delivering excellent dynamics, styling and value for money," he said.

"Many of our customers appreciate the value for money the IS 250 represents. The IS 250X takes this value proposition further to include many luxury and performance options, previously reserved for more expensive vehicles.

"We are very excited about some of the upcoming developments for the IS Line, including the V8-powered IS-F and potentially, an IS coupe in the future," Mr Roca said.

* Recommended retail price exclude/s dealer delivery and statutory charges. Optional extras available at additional cost.

Lexus Australia Introduces Limited Edition IS 250X

Celebrating the milestone sale of more than 5000 IS 250's in the land of Down Under Lexus Australia will release a limited edition model dubbed “IS 250X”. Due in showrooms in late July, the IS 250X will be available in only 260 examples. Despite its promising name though, the IS 250X’s unique features are limited to a set of five-spoke, 18" alloy wheels, "X" badging and a one-off Vermilion (red) exterior colour (Metallic Silver and Onyx (black) will also be available, with all colours matched to black leather interior). -Continued after the jump

The limited edition IS 250 will be available in automatic or manual transmission, with prices starting off at $64,390 (AUD) for the manual model. In terms of standard options, along with the sports suspension, the IS 250X features a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Stereo system, moonroof, satellite navigation, leather seats, sports pedals, metallic scuff plates.

5th Gear Tests The Lexus IS220d And Compares It To BMW’s 320d

In this episode, 5th Gear’s Tom Ford took the new Lexus IS220d to Rome to test it out. Fitted with a 2.2-liter, 4cylinder turbo-diesel engine that pumps out 177Hp /130kw, the IS200d can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8,9 sec while it reaches a top speed of 218 km/h (135mph). Its avg. consumption is just 5.4 liters/100km or 44 mpg. It’s sexy and it’s cheaper than the BMW 320d. But does all this make it a car good enough to rival BMW’s ultimate sport salon? Check the video to find out what 5th Gear thinks. Via: thepassionatepursuit

Technorati: Lexus, Lexus+IS220d, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Lexus IS Coupe-Cabrio: The Missing Link?

All kinky and wet? Too bad, cause the Lexus IS CC you’re looking at above is nothing more and nothing less than a CGI (Computer Generated Image), scanned from Japanese car magazine, “Car-Top”, and based on pure speculations. Bummer. Before we start sinking in our chair in shame, we’ll happily accept your props for the worst possible way to start an article concerning a scoop. Still haven’t scrolled down to our next post or even worse… to another blog? Guess then we should give you a reason for the article’s existence. Ok, here goes; speculations or not, we believe that the IS CC would be the perfect addition in Lexus’ line-up. Not only sales-wise but also image-wise.

Look at Lexus’ current range: IS, GS, LS, ES, SC, RX, LX and the GX. SC apart, it’s all about family sedans and SUV’s. Now, check out the competition. With the exception of Cadillac, every serious luxury car manufacturer has a mid-sized, 4seater coupe or/and a cabriolet in their line-up: BMW 3-Series Coupe & CC, Audi A5 Coupe, Mercedes CLK Coupe & Cabriolet and Infiniti G35 Coupe. Heck, even Volvo has one, the C70.

Agreed; the upcoming IS-F can boost Lexus’ sporty image -potentially cause don’t forget what happened to Volvo’s "R" range. Why not have a back-up plan with a mid-size coupe-cabriolet? Not only will it appeal to a wider audience than the IS-F, but also it can seriously help Lexus in its European conquest. Even if you look at it from a marketing point, take out the mid-sized, 4seater coupes and soft-tops and here’s what’s left: 3-Series Convertible & C70. Moreover, from those two, only the bimmer is considered to be sporty. It’s a win-win situation if you ask us. Picture via: Nihon

Technorati: Lexus+IS, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Detroit Auto Show: Lexus IS-F

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Lexus finally joins in on the super-fast luxury compact sedan craze that began with the German trio (BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes C-Class AMG) followed by the American loner, the Cadillac CTS-V. Dubbed IS-F, Lexus’s sport sedan wears a 400 Hp+ 5.0-litre V8 engine with power transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed “direct sport-shift transmission”. Lexus claims that the IS-F can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.9 seconds. Not bad at all. If only its designers had avoided those “Pimp my Ride” exterior elements like the side air-vents and the "hunchback" styled hood…-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release and a high-res gallery

PRESS RELEASE: 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.

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
• Dimensions (inches)
• Overall Length: 183.5
• Overall Width: 71.5
• Overall Height: 55.5
• Wheelbase: 107.5

Technorati: Lexus+IS-F, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images, Detroit+Auto+Show, NAIAS