In the style of BMW’s M3, the new Lexus IS-F is the brand’s toe in the water of the factory-tuner segment -- though it’s less like a toe than a fiery cloven hoof. -- Dan Neil (Spencer Weiner/ Los Angeles Times)
The eight-speed IS-F brings swift splendor to the high-performance luxury club.
A 416-hp mountain motor bolted to a (count-’em) eight-speed transmission, gargantuan Brembo brakes and a suspension stiffer than Dita Von Teese’s corset stays. -- Dan Neil (Spencer Weiner/ Los Angeles Times)
In manual mode, the lock-up clutch remains engaged in second through eighth gears, so that the automatic transmission behaves like a clutchless manual transmission. -- Dan Neil (Spencer Weiner/ Los Angeles Times)
The IS-F is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, in which the gear ratio intervals are very evenly spaced. -- Dan Neil (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
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In one respect the IS-F feels very old school: the low-revving engine. A very annoying warning tone sounds when the revs go over about 6,300 rpm and the fuel cutoff (the redline) is set at what feels like an unnaturally low 6,800 rpm. -- Dan Neil (Spencer Weiner/ Los Angeles Times)
Because the ride height is so low, and the suspension travel so flinty, the car can easily run out of compliance on bumpy roads and get into a jarring, head-tossing, kidney-bruising fit. -- Dan Neil (Spencer Weiner/ Los Angeles Times)
