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" The IS F is Lexus&amp;#039;s first &amp;quot;F&amp;quot; car, an aggressively tuned sub-brand that steps up to autobahn-storming Mercedes-Benz AMGs and BMW Ms. Despite Lexus&amp;#039;s reputation for building sedate luxury cars, the IS F boasts an impressive spec sheet: its 5.0-liter V8 produces 426 hp and 371 lb.-ft. of torque, a 76 lb.-ft. advantage over BMW&amp;#039;s M3. The 3780-pound sedan is capable of hitting both 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 170 mph. Apart from its taut ride and husky exhaust note above 4000 rpm, cruising the IS F on public roads is classic Lexus: insulated and unperturbed. The interior boasts aluminized composite trim and 10-way adjustable seats, and options include a rich 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Unleashed at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, however, the IS F becomes an entirely different beast. When driven hard, the IS F responds crisply, producing some very un-Lexus like g-forces that can slam you into its supportive, top-stitched leather seats. In Sport mode, its variable-assist electric steering grows heavier, throttle response is sharper and gearshifts (which occur at higher rpms) become more assertive. Sport mode also loosens the stability control reigns and enables more yaw and tire slide, and the system can be completely disabled for four-wheel drifts and spinouts.  Here&amp;#039;s a closer look at some of the technology that enables the IS F to embrace both the serene and aggressive sides of its personality. Engine Based on the 4.6-liter mill used in the LS and GS sedans, the IS F&amp;#039;s 5.0 liter V8 produces 426 hp and 371 lb.-ft. of torque. Though its specific output is a relatively tame 83.2 hp per liter, the powerplant employs race-inspired engineering to ensure reliability and flexible performance. The IS F&amp;#039;s electrically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE) enables intake camshaft phasing to be altered at lower engine speeds, where engine oil pressure would normally be ineffective. Titanium intake valves enable low-inertia dynamics, and specially designed high-flow ports are optimized for efficiency and increased air volume.  Engine oil and transmission coolers ensure optimal operating temperatures, and a cylinder-head scavenge pump enables oil circulation during cornering of up to 1 g. A forged crankshaft with a double torsional damper and forged, sintered iron alloy connecting rods ensure durability, while dual-air intakes boost output (and exhaust note) above 3600 rpm.  Transmission Boasting the world&amp;#039;s first eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission, the IS F&amp;#039;s gearbox is arguably the star of the car&amp;#039;s tech show. When operated in manual mode, a torque converter only engages for the 1-2 shift and a clutch lockup mechanism kicks in for remaining gearshifts, reducing the power-sapping &amp;quot;slush-box&amp;quot; effect. In its sportiest mode, shifts occur in only 100 milliseconds--faster than a Ferrari F430. In Manual mode, shifts can be engaged via steering-wheel-mounted paddles or the shift lever. A high-flow-rate linear solenoid works with new computer programming for quick, precise shifts, and downshifts are accompanied with near-instantaneous throttle blips, thanks to the low reciprocating mass of the engine components. This transmission unit weighs only 212 pounds.  Chassis/Suspension Sitting an inch lower than standard IS models, the IS F&amp;#039;s chassis and suspension setup intends to offer greater handling and agility, while respecting Lexus&amp;#039;s reputation for refinement. High-tensile sheetmetal is used on 40 percent of the body for lightweight strength, and subframe braces increase torsional and traverse rigidity. The double-wishbone front and multilink rear IS platform setup are preserved, but spring and damper rates are increased, and thicker stabilizer bars reduce roll. Larger diameter piston rods are employed in the monotube shock absorbers, and stiffer suspension bushings enable improved feel. The IS F&amp;#039;s electric power steering has also been remapped for more feedback, and lightweight forged-aluminum 19 in. BBS wheels are wrapped in sticky 225/40 front and 255/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 or Bridgestone Potenza tires developed especially for the car.  Traction Control/Brakes Lexus&amp;#039;s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is specifically calibrated for the IS-F. VDIM orchestrates engine torque, steering, stability control, traction control, ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution systems in order to correct vehicle dynamics. In Sport mode, a switch enables the driver to choose from Normal, Sport, or Snow driving modes; hold the switch down for three seconds, and the system disengages everything but the brake-based limited slip differential effect and ABS. Six-piston, 14.2&amp;quot; front and two-piston, 13.6&amp;quot; rear cross-drilled Brembo brakes ensure strong, fade-free stops.  Bodywork/Styling The IS-F&amp;#039;s more muscular bodywork is sure to stir controversy in traditional Lexus circles, and features a taller hood, two-inch wider front fenders, enlarged brake cooling vents, larger rocker panels, and an enlarged rear spoiler. A big V-shaped grille ensures greater engine cooling, and quad-stacked, polished stainless steel exhaust pipes are integrated into the bumper, lending the rear end a more vertical appearance. Its increased front and rear overhangs and wider, lower stance lend the IS-F a more menacing look than the less performance-oriented IS 250 and IS 350 models. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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