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Lexus IS F

JDM · Lexus

Lexus IS F: Lexus performance sedan (2008-2014). 5.0 V8 making 416 horsepower. The compact sport sedan that put Lexus into
Photo: derivative work: Altair78 (talk) Lexus_IS250_front.JPGLexus_IS250_silver.jpg: Luftfahrrad / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Lexus performance sedan (2008-2014). 5.0 V8 making 416 horsepower. The compact sport sedan that put Lexus into BMW M3 territory.

The Lexus IS F is a performance sedan produced from 2008 to 2014. The IS F (the F is from Fuji Speedway, Lexus performance test track) was Lexus first dedicated performance sedan competing with BMW M3, Audi RS5, and Mercedes-AMG C63. The 2UR-GSE 5.0 V8 makes 416 horsepower; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive. The IS F provided refined Lexus character with genuine sport sedan performance. The 5.0 V8 and chassis tuning produced credible competition with German rivals. Production ended in 2014; the IS-F nameplate was retired but the F-Sport branding continues across various Lexus models. Today the IS F is a value buy in the V8 sport sedan category. Used examples are typically $20,000-$40,000+ depending on condition. Maintenance is more accessible than European competitors due to Toyota/Lexus parts and service network. On WhipJury, IS F submissions are common, particularly clean original examples and modified IS Fs.

IS F specifications

2UR-GSE 5.0L naturally aspirated V8, 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm. Eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive. Curb weight around 3,800 pounds. 0-60 in around 4.6 seconds. Top speed 168 mph (limited).

Frequently asked questions about Lexus IS F

Is the IS F as fast as a BMW M3?
Comparable. The IS F (416 horsepower) competes with the E92 M3 (414 horsepower) on power. The Lexus is heavier and slightly slower in 0-60. The M3 has better steering feel; the IS F has Lexus refinement and reliability. Both are solid sport sedans of the era.
Are IS Fs reliable?
Yes, generally. The 2UR-GSE V8 is durable. The eight-speed automatic is robust. Common issues include suspension bushings, engine mounts, and water pumps at higher mileage. Maintenance is more affordable than for similar BMW or Mercedes products.
How much does an IS F cost?
Used pricing: $20,000-$45,000+ depending on condition and miles. Clean low-mile examples are at the higher end. The IS F provides accessible V8 sport sedan ownership at a price point cheaper than comparable BMW or Mercedes used.
What does the F mean?
F is the Lexus performance sub-brand, named after the Fuji Speedway test track in Japan. F (without Sport) denotes the full performance variant. F-Sport is the appearance and handling package on regular models. The IS F was the first Lexus to use the F nameplate.
Why was the IS F discontinued?
Sales never reached competitive levels with BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63. The IS F production ended in 2014; subsequent F-branded Lexus models have been GS F (2016-2020) and RC F (2014-present). The IS F nameplate has not been revived in recent Lexus IS generations.

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