Title: Upgraded Lexus Is F - What's The Diff?
Description: 29 September 2009
Description: 29 September 2009
Stephen - September 29, 2009 01:16 PM (GMT)
UPGRADED LEXUS IS F - WHAT'S THE DIFF?
• Lexus IS F receives mechanical LSD
• Gains include a two second improvement in lap times around Japan's Fuji Speedway
Lexus has upgraded IS F with new performance, convenience and design features.
The key mechanical improvement is a new, compact Torsen Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that supersedes the previous Brake LSD function.
Torsen-equipped IS F is two seconds faster per lap at Fuji International Speedway, the vehicle's development home.
The Torsen LSD achieves this by redistributing the torque that is lost when a wheel loses traction during cornering, without limiting engine output.
In addition, Lexus has introduced new differential oil that suppresses the "stick-slip" phenomenon present in a LSD, resulting in smoother, quieter operation.
Further revisions to IS F include upgrades to the latest 2009 model navigation, with improved route guidance, functionality and map view.
The 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system has been upgraded to feature a new USB input for iPOD®, with new software to allow selection of tracks via the vehicle's touch screen navigation unit.
The improved software includes support for fifth-generation iPOD® (firmware version 1.2 and protocol version 1.0.1 or later), iPOD® Nano (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation), iPOD® Touch and iPOD® Classic.
Interior revisions also include the adoption of foldable rear head restraints, F logo on the ultra-thin card key, and a new steering wheel and centre cluster design.
The new steering wheel has added colour trim in the lower section of the rim and new "overcast" stitching pattern to provide a neater finish to the leather wrapped steering wheel.
The centre cluster has improved audio switches, as well as a new facia around the navigation system and air conditioning unit.
In addition, Lexus has redesigned the moonroof controls with seesaw-type switches in lieu of a dial-type switch, for greater ease of use.
Lexus Chief Executive, John Roca said that IS F has been a runaway success since its launch almost 12 months ago.
"IS F has continued to outsell its allocation month on month, with the upgrades ensuring its sustained popularity", said Roca.
"The adoption of a mechanical LSD will deliver a greater drive experience on the road and on the circuit,
"IS F has been of critical importance in shifting Lexus' brand perception, said Mr Roca.
IS F key features
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed Sports Direct Shift
Power / Torque: 311kW / 505Nm
0-100km/h: 4.8 seconds
• Lexus IS F receives mechanical LSD
• Gains include a two second improvement in lap times around Japan's Fuji Speedway
Lexus has upgraded IS F with new performance, convenience and design features.
The key mechanical improvement is a new, compact Torsen Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that supersedes the previous Brake LSD function.
Torsen-equipped IS F is two seconds faster per lap at Fuji International Speedway, the vehicle's development home.
The Torsen LSD achieves this by redistributing the torque that is lost when a wheel loses traction during cornering, without limiting engine output.
In addition, Lexus has introduced new differential oil that suppresses the "stick-slip" phenomenon present in a LSD, resulting in smoother, quieter operation.
Further revisions to IS F include upgrades to the latest 2009 model navigation, with improved route guidance, functionality and map view.
The 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system has been upgraded to feature a new USB input for iPOD®, with new software to allow selection of tracks via the vehicle's touch screen navigation unit.
The improved software includes support for fifth-generation iPOD® (firmware version 1.2 and protocol version 1.0.1 or later), iPOD® Nano (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation), iPOD® Touch and iPOD® Classic.
Interior revisions also include the adoption of foldable rear head restraints, F logo on the ultra-thin card key, and a new steering wheel and centre cluster design.
The new steering wheel has added colour trim in the lower section of the rim and new "overcast" stitching pattern to provide a neater finish to the leather wrapped steering wheel.
The centre cluster has improved audio switches, as well as a new facia around the navigation system and air conditioning unit.
In addition, Lexus has redesigned the moonroof controls with seesaw-type switches in lieu of a dial-type switch, for greater ease of use.
Lexus Chief Executive, John Roca said that IS F has been a runaway success since its launch almost 12 months ago.
"IS F has continued to outsell its allocation month on month, with the upgrades ensuring its sustained popularity", said Roca.
"The adoption of a mechanical LSD will deliver a greater drive experience on the road and on the circuit,
"IS F has been of critical importance in shifting Lexus' brand perception, said Mr Roca.
IS F key features
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed Sports Direct Shift
Power / Torque: 311kW / 505Nm
0-100km/h: 4.8 seconds
DR-JEKL - September 29, 2009 10:33 PM (GMT)
I dunno if it's just me, but imo that steering wheel looks kinda cheesy considering its a $120k+ car!
chukatsung - September 29, 2009 11:29 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (DR-JEKL @ Sep 30 2009, 08:33 AM) |
| I dunno if it's just me, but imo that steering wheel looks kinda cheesy considering its a $120k+ car! |
Would be good to have at least some leather on it
OR carbon fiber steering wheel
What are the options for the IS-F anyways? :rolleyes:
DrUsTR - September 29, 2009 11:49 PM (GMT)
yeah i think they should of added some carbon fibre to the steering wheel...
iS_w3z - October 4, 2009 11:09 PM (GMT)
the steering wheel could be perforated alcantara (super expensive stuff that race cars use) or perforated leather.
will need to test drive one of these :D
will need to test drive one of these :D
Robo - October 4, 2009 11:32 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (iS_w3z @ Oct 5 2009, 12:09 PM) |
| the steering wheel could be perforated alcantara (super expensive stuff that race cars use) or perforated leather. will need to test drive one of these :D |
Don't know about costs, but alcantara is synthetic, the ones I tried (on a car seat) felt like suede, which didn't actually feel that great compare to leather.
JTMILLER - October 5, 2009 02:47 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| The new steering wheel has added colour trim in the lower section of the rim and new "overcast" stitching pattern to provide a neater finish to the leather wrapped steering wheel. |
Read the post don't just look at the pretty pictures :P