Lexus ISF curiosity

ddvette9 · 05-10-2011, 02:10 AM

Has anyone owned or driven an isf. Always liked those cars and was curious for opinions and feedback from Z owners

amuzement · 05-10-2011, 02:14 AM

I drove my friend's is-F and I really liked it. The interior is very refined but I guess you can expect that out of Lexus. Nice power and sound, especially when you pass around 3.5k and you hear that throaty grunt. I raced him with my 997-S and it was pretty close. The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that the gas pedal was top hinged, but that's just me haha

JapanLio · 05-10-2011, 01:44 PM

What about the 8-speeds gearbox ? Top Gear and Fifth gear are complaining that this is too much, and the gear management is downshifting / upshifting too many times

oleg · 05-10-2011, 08:20 PM

I read bad reviews on it but I heard the car in person open up on a straight and it sounds absolutely amazing

SE · 05-10-2011, 08:27 PM

We have one at the shop

It sounds amazing. The green doesn't hurt either!

AlphaSnacks · 05-10-2011, 08:30 PM

They have made some considerable revisions to the 2011+ model, in addition to recalibrating the 8-speed gearbox. It's allegedly made for a much better vehicle that the first car.

Quote:

For 2010, the IS F added a Torsen limited-slip differential,[40] standard iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming audio capability, casual language voice commands, and standard XM Satellite Radio.[40] For the 2011 model year the electric power steering system and suspension were revised, with tweaks to the front and rear spring rates, shock absorber dampening, rear bushings and rear camber angle.[41] An interior update included the addition of the Sport button to the steering wheel[42] and a redesign of the gauge cluster featuring a large central tachometer similar to the Lexus LFA. The exterior adds LED daytime running lights and according to Lexus the 2011 IS F can lap Fuji Speedway in 2 minutes, 3.4 seconds or nearly 2 seconds quicker than before.[43]

I have a bit of a soft spot for the IS350, so naturally I do like the ISF, as well. Though being offered exclusively in auto does kinda' suck.

ImportConvert · 05-10-2011, 09:50 PM

I went and looked at one but did not drive it. Our local Lexus dealership sucks. Wal-Mart has more class. Luxobrand-fail in my book.

Just peeking in the window, it looked like a fairly nice sedan. Nice amenities, good looking interior. I don't consider it a sports car, though. It has too many seats/doors.

I would cross-shop it with the BMW M3, and CTS-V Sedan. To me, it loses out compared to these 2. Not nearly the appeal of Supercharged American muscle or high-winding German engineering.

Then again, I have not driven, ridden in, or bothered to even sit in one, it's just my initial impression upon seeing it and looking at the rather dismal performance numbers given the claimed horsepower.

Red__Zed · 07-22-2011, 09:26 PM

Drove one. Personally not really a fan of the car.

G37sHKS · 07-22-2011, 11:33 PM

My close friend got IS-F 2011 in blue color,

Let me tell you the truth, I used to believe those ppl who say bad things about the gearbox,

but after I ride the car for several times, I realized that these ppl are just haters and dont have funds for IS-F.

This car is amazing, Upshift and downshift is really really fast, there is zero lag weather you're downshifting nor upshifting.

oh and let me tell you, its way cheaper than M5,C63, and many those high performance sedan and the IS-F still smoke them easily..

fastv · 07-25-2011, 01:08 PM

IS-F is a phenomenal car, I driven it on a track and got the tail out a couple of times, if it was my money and I was in the market for a sport sedan , ISF or C63 would be my bet.

The 8 speed is just fine with super fast shifts, The engine growl is addicting when you get on it and around town it feels better than a M3 because of the low end torque. I wouldnt call the ride too stiff as it is a sport sedan and there is road feel. It probably is cheaper to maintain than a C63, M3 or RS4.

Now the downside.
The Leg room is not existent in the back and it only seats two small children, if that matters to you. There is no exhaust note compared to the nice one on M3 and I dont like the tail pipes too much.

Now the down

DEpointfive0 · 01-26-2012, 02:23 AM

And I have a 370Z, the ISF is an incredible car, his only has an intake to make it LOUD!!!

It handles a LOT better than I expected and honestly, I trust his car to out maneuver my car. The major difference if one of us has 4 seats, one has 2...

G37Sam · 01-26-2012, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G37sHKS

But after I ride the car for several times, I realized that these ppl are just haters and dont have funds for IS-F.

That's quite the reasoning

bigsix · 01-26-2012, 06:19 AM

Apparently, the head engineer who started building the IS F at Lexus wanted a sports car, but didn't like that sports cars only have 2 seats. So he thought the IS sedan was a good platform.

I trust Toyota/Lexus to make a fine product; but, many of their products are bland.
I'd like to drive the IS F to see how fun it is

takjak2 · 01-26-2012, 12:35 PM

I've ridden in an IS-F around the track and it did not disappoint. Nice cars.

JrumMusic · 01-27-2012, 01:38 PM

Ive been looking for one around my town, test drove one and LOVED it. Im young and looking to buy a home soon and i dont wanna put $6k+ down and pay $600 a month for it.

I personally think the car is amazing.

05-10-2011, 02:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
ddvette9 Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 823 Drives: 2013 Scion FRS Rep Power: 17	Lexus ISF curiosity Has anyone owned or driven an isf. Always liked those cars and was curious for opinions and feedback from Z owners

07-22-2011, 11:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
G37sHKS A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,183 Drives: 09 G37S Coupe 7AT Rep Power: 20	My close friend got IS-F 2011 in blue color, Let me tell you the truth, I used to believe those ppl who say bad things about the gearbox, but after I ride the car for several times, I realized that these ppl are just haters and dont have funds for IS-F. This car is amazing, Upshift and downshift is really really fast, there is zero lag weather you're downshifting nor upshifting. oh and let me tell you, its way cheaper than M5,C63, and many those high performance sedan and the IS-F still smoke them easily.. 370Zsteve likes this.

01-26-2012, 02:23 AM	#11 (permalink)
DEpointfive0 Premium Member Bitches Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,824 Drives: a lot Rep Power: 17151	My brother has an ISF And I have a 370Z, the ISF is an incredible car, his only has an intake to make it LOUD!!! It handles a LOT better than I expected and honestly, I trust his car to out maneuver my car. The major difference if one of us has 4 seats, one has 2...

01-26-2012, 12:35 PM	#14 (permalink)
takjak2 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sterling, VA Posts: 1,922 Drives: Legit Racecar 370Z Rep Power: 142	I've ridden in an IS-F around the track and it did not disappoint. Nice cars. __________________ Mods \| Stuff \| Things \| Seat Time \| Nismo facebook.com/TeamSparrowSpeed

01-27-2012, 01:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
JrumMusic Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 324 Drives: Pearl White 370z Rep Power: 14	Ive been looking for one around my town, test drove one and LOVED it. Im young and looking to buy a home soon and i dont wanna put $6k+ down and pay $600 a month for it. I personally think the car is amazing. __________________ Pearl White 370z \| Sport Package \| 19" Rays \| Stillen Oil Cooler \|Ark CBE \| K&N Short Ram Intake \| Kenwood 7" Nav Unit \| Custom Sound System \| More mods coming soon

05-10-2011, 02:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
amuzement Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Anaheim Posts: 31 Drives: 997S Rep Power: 15	I drove my friend's is-F and I really liked it. The interior is very refined but I guess you can expect that out of Lexus. Nice power and sound, especially when you pass around 3.5k and you hear that throaty grunt. I raced him with my 997-S and it was pretty close. The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that the gas pedal was top hinged, but that's just me haha

05-10-2011, 01:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
JapanLio Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: San Jose Posts: 64 Drives: 12' PW 6MT Trg/Spt Rep Power: 15	What about the 8-speeds gearbox ? Top Gear and Fifth gear are complaining that this is too much, and the gear management is downshifting / upshifting too many times

05-10-2011, 08:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
oleg Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 321 Drives: 2011 370z 6mt sp Rep Power: 14	I read bad reviews on it but I heard the car in person open up on a straight and it sounds absolutely amazing

05-10-2011, 08:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
SE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,236 Drives: 370z/STI/EVO X/IS-F Rep Power: 23	We have one at the shop It sounds amazing. The green doesn't hurt either!

05-10-2011, 09:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
ImportConvert A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SWMO Posts: 4,454 Drives: 2019 CX5 GT Reserve Rep Power: 7627	I went and looked at one but did not drive it. Our local Lexus dealership sucks. Wal-Mart has more class. Luxobrand-fail in my book. Just peeking in the window, it looked like a fairly nice sedan. Nice amenities, good looking interior. I don't consider it a sports car, though. It has too many seats/doors. I would cross-shop it with the BMW M3, and CTS-V Sedan. To me, it loses out compared to these 2. Not nearly the appeal of Supercharged American muscle or high-winding German engineering. Then again, I have not driven, ridden in, or bothered to even sit in one, it's just my initial impression upon seeing it and looking at the rather dismal performance numbers given the claimed horsepower.

07-22-2011, 09:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 120	Drove one. Personally not really a fan of the car.

07-25-2011, 01:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
fastv Base Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Va Posts: 19 Drives: GTO, Cts-V Rep Power: 15	IS-F is a phenomenal car, I driven it on a track and got the tail out a couple of times, if it was my money and I was in the market for a sport sedan , ISF or C63 would be my bet. The 8 speed is just fine with super fast shifts, The engine growl is addicting when you get on it and around town it feels better than a M3 because of the low end torque. I wouldnt call the ride too stiff as it is a sport sedan and there is road feel. It probably is cheaper to maintain than a C63, M3 or RS4. Now the downside. The Leg room is not existent in the back and it only seats two small children, if that matters to you. There is no exhaust note compared to the nice one on M3 and I dont like the tail pipes too much. Now the down

01-26-2012, 06:19 AM	#13 (permalink)
bigsix A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Thailand Posts: 2,227 Drives: Honda City/Mazda 2 Rep Power: 19	Apparently, the head engineer who started building the IS F at Lexus wanted a sports car, but didn't like that sports cars only have 2 seats. So he thought the IS sedan was a good platform. I trust Toyota/Lexus to make a fine product; but, many of their products are bland. I'd like to drive the IS F to see how fun it is

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