Exclusive: Why Isn’t The IS 500 Called IS F?
The answer lies in understanding Lexus' new performance hierarchy.
Michael · February 22nd, 2021
Latest News
Lexus IS F Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi Retires
Also served as RC F chief engineer.
Kevin · April 5th, 2020
No Plans for Next-Generation Lexus IS F
The word from down under.
Kevin · October 28th, 2019
Next-Generation Lexus IS F in 2022?
A long time to wait.
Kevin · January 2nd, 2019
Photo Gallery: Lexus IS F x Vossen x WORK Wheels
Old-School Lexus performance in the house.
Kevin · July 3rd, 2017
Video: Chef Uses Lexus IS F CCS-R Engine to Cook Dinner During Race
During the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race, Baumann Racing teamed up with chef Mario Kotaska to use their Lexus IS F CCS-R engine as a cooking oven.
Kevin · July 23rd, 2015
Desktop Wallpapers: The Lexus LFA, RC F, & IS F All Together
Automotive photographer Ste Ho attended the Erin Park Lexus F SPORT Meet last week, and managed to pull together the three Lexus F models together for a photo shoot
Kevin · July 7th, 2015
Video: Lexus RC F Goes for Official Nürburgring Lap Time
Let’s finish up the week with this quick glimpse of a Lexus RC F & IS F on an attempt to set the coupe’s official Nürburgring lap time: (It’s all so subjective with a video like this, but doesn’t the RC F look so much faster than the IS F? Wow.)
Kevin · October 17th, 2014
Next-Generation Lexus IS F & New GS F Confirmed for Production by Motor Trend?
Tucked away in a sidebar column of this month’s Motor Trend is a rather stunning claim — it appears the magazine has confirmed with Lexus that a next-generation IS F will be built, and will be joined by the all-new GS F: Rumors of both models have been circulating for some time — GS F …
Kevin · September 4th, 2014
Photo Gallery: Lexus LFA, RC F, IS F, & First-Generation SC Together
Motor Trend brought the first-generation Lexus SC, IS F, LFA, & RC F together for a photoshoot: To see Motor Trend featuring the history of Lexus performance cars is a clear indication that the perception of the brand is truly changing — too bad so many of their commenters are stuck in the past. [Source: …
Kevin · September 1st, 2014
End of an Era: Final Lexus IS F Rolls Off the Assembly Line
The very last Lexus IS F rolled off the assembly line last week at the Tahara plant in Japan, ending a seven-year production run. While the IS F never sold in large numbers — recent quotes suggest the worldwide sales were 12,000 units in total over its lifecycle — it was the very first Lexus …
Kevin · July 31st, 2014
Lexus to Introduce Manual Transmission RC F & IS F?
Lexus may release a IS F and RC F with a manual transmission, according to recent Motoring Australia interview with Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) business operations director Rob Leupen: One project Leupen revealed was the development of what he called a manual-shift gearbox (presumably a dual clutch) for the new generation RC F/IS F drivetrain. …
Kevin · June 23rd, 2014
Video: Lexus IS F CCS-R Race Car Added to Gran Turismo 6
The Lexus IS F CCS-R has been added to Gran Turismo 6 as part of a major game update — here are some videos featuring the Lexus race car: (Also joining the IS F CCS-R is the Toyota TS030 Hybrid race car — looks like it’s time to dust off the Playstation 3.)
Kevin · June 19th, 2014
Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal Pays Tribute to the Lexus IS F
Dan Neil of The Wall Street Journal has written a tribute to the 2014 Lexus IS F, arguing that the sedan will one day be a collector’s item: Among other things, the IS F curates a generation of dynamics software for which we will one day be nostalgic.This is the collectible quality the IS F …
Kevin · May 26th, 2014
Faked Spy Shot of the 2016 Lexus IS F
Is this a spy shot of the 2016 Lexus IS F? Jalopnik believes so, running the image yesterday after it was discovered on the Lexus Spain Facebook page. Unfortunately, the car in question is nothing but a Lexus IS with some duct tape and a TRD Japan body kit — here’s a photo for reference: …
Kevin · April 25th, 2014
Lexus IS F CCS-R Wins Class in First Nürburgring Endurance Race of 2014 Season
The Lexus IS F CCS-R team of Uwe Kleen, Klaus Völker, and Jordan Tresson finished the first race of the Nürburgring VLN season with a SP8 class win. The team finished the four-hour 60 ADAC Westfalenfahrt race 32nd overall. [Source: VLN Racing Via: Lexus Europe]
Kevin · April 2nd, 2014
Video: Lexus RC F Engine installed in the IS F CCS-R
As previously mentioned, the Lexus IS F CCS-R race car that participated in both the Pikes Peak Hill Climb & 25 Hours of Thunderhill was powered by the 450+ horsepower 5.0L V8 engine from the upcoming RC F — here’s a video of Lexus mechanics swapping the engine: No two ways about it, the sound …
Kevin · February 18th, 2014
Next-Generation Lexus IS F Planned?
Despite rumors of its cancelation, Japanese magazine Mag-X reports that Lexus plans to release a next-generation Lexus IS F after all. The first mention that the high-performance sports sedan would be discontinued came last year in an article from USA Today — the debut of the RC F coupe and spy shots of a GS …
Kevin · January 23rd, 2014
Lexus IS F CCS-R Used as Secret Development Car for RC F V8 Engine
It’s been widely reported that the Lexus IS F CCS-R racecar was essential to the development of the new RC F high performance coupe, and now we’ve found out just how far this influence runs. Lexus USA marketer Jim Lee announced on Instagram today that the IS F CCS-R that raced at Pikes Peak and …
Kevin · January 23rd, 2014
Photo Gallery: Lexus IS F in Matte Gray
The folks at Spinelli Lexus in Quebec sent in some photos of a matte gray IS F — they must know I’m a sucker for this color: The signature IS F elements (like the giant fender vents and massive hood) have aged well over the years — going to be interesting to see how the …
Kevin · December 16th, 2013
Lexus IS F Racing Team Finishes Fourth Overall in 25 Hours of Thunderhill
Earlier today, the Lexus IS F CCS-R team of Jeff Westphal, Tom Dyer & Ken Dobson finished 4th overall in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race. Only a late-night axle replacement kept them off the podium — the team completed 659 laps, finishing just 3 laps behind the third place GMG Motorsports Audi R8. …
Kevin · December 8th, 2013
Live: Lexus IS F CCS-R Racing in 25 Hours of Thunderhill
The Lexus IS F CCS-R will be racing in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill this weekend in California — drivers Jeff Westphal, Ken Dobson & Tom Dyer are competing in the ES class of the longest endurance race in North America, which runs Saturday morning to Sunday morning. With the help of my friend Paul …
Kevin · December 7th, 2013
Quick Interviews with Lexus LFA Chief Engineer Tanahashi & IS F Chief Engineer Yaguchi
While in Japan for the Tokyo Motor Show, I had a chance to meet Lexus LFA chief engineer Tanahashi Haruhiko & IS F chief engineer at the Fuji Speedway — time was limited with so many journalists in attendance, but I did get a chance to ask each of them a couple questions. Here are …
Kevin · December 4th, 2013
Lexus IS F CCS-R to Participate in 25 Hours of Thunderhill Endurance Race
Lexus USA has announced an official IS F CCS-R team will be participating in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, an annual endurance race at the Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California. Lexus released details on the three-driver team: Jeff Westphal: Leader of the Lexus team at Thunderhill. Jeff is well-known for setting nearly a dozen …
Kevin · November 25th, 2013
Lexus IS F Drag Racer from E KANOO Racing
E Kanoo Racing out of Bahrain are famous for their insanely fast Toyota Supras, and they’ve now turned their attention on developing a Lexus IS F drag racer — here’s the first test run: Powering the IS F drag racers is a Pat Musi custom 649 cubic-inch engine with twin Pro Mod turbos — the …
Kevin · October 31st, 2013
Lexus IS F vs. Former Top Gear Stig Ben Collins
Lexus Poland brought out former Top Gear Stig & race car driver Ben Collins to provide hot laps during a recent ride & drive event:
Kevin · September 27th, 2013
2014 Lexus IS F Announced with Minor Updates
The 2014 Lexus IS F has been announced, and for the fourth year in a row, the high-performance model has received some updates: LED foglamps (bulbs changed to LEDs) Carbon fiber rear spoiler All headrests embossed with “F” logo Alcantara trim (black) added to doors and center console cover Black full semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats (replaces …
Kevin · September 26th, 2013
Special Edition 2014 Lexus IS F Now Available in Japan
Lexus Japan has released the Dynamic Sports Tuning special edition IS F.
Kevin · September 5th, 2013
Lexus USA Announces 2014 IS F Pricing
When it goes on sale in October, the 2014 IS F will retail for $63,350.
Kevin · August 5th, 2013
Is Lexus Preparing a Turbocharged V6 Engine for the Next F Model?
The Lexus IS F’s V8 engine is unlikely to be used in the car’s eventual replacement, according to a Motor Report interview with Lexus IS Chief Engineer Junichiro Furuyama.
Kevin · July 12th, 2013
Lexus IS F CCS-R Races in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Ken Gushi and the Lexus IS F CCS-R finished 65th overall and first in the Exhibition class at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this weekend.
Kevin · July 1st, 2013
Lexus Looking for 14,000 Fans to Sign IS F CCS-R
There’s only a couple weeks left before Ken Gushi & the IS F CCS-R make their way to Colorado Springs for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and Lexus is looking to add your name to the team roster.
Kevin · June 14th, 2013
Lexus IS F CCS-R & Ken Gushi to Compete in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
For the second year in a row, Lexus will be entering an IS F CCS-R into the Exhibition Class of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with racecar driver Ken Gushi behind the wheel.
Kevin · June 4th, 2013
Photo Gallery: Blacked Out Twin Turbo Lexus IS F
Custom tuner Fox Marketing has once again outfitted the Lexus IS F with a twin-turbo setup, and in the process have created an all-blacked-out monster.
Kevin · May 10th, 2013
Video: Racing the Lexus IS F CCS-R Around Fuji Speedway
Japanese journalist Manabu Kawaguchi had a chance to race the Lexus IS F CCS-R around the Fuji Speedway, and has posted a video of his experience.
Kevin · May 8th, 2013
Japanese Lexus Dealership Lists Certified Pre-Owned IS F With Full CCS-P Package
The Lexus Sumiyoshi-Yamate dealership in Japan has listed what may be the ultimate Certified Pre-Owned Lexus.
Kevin · April 22nd, 2013
Lexus LFA Wins SP8 Class in VLN2 Nürburgring Race
The Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA raced this weekend in the four-hour VLN2 race at the Nürburgring, placing 1st in the SP8 Class & 29th overall.
Kevin · April 22nd, 2013
Is the Lexus IS F Being Discontinued?
In his review of the 2013 Lexus IS F, James Healey of USA Today claims that the high-performance sedan will be discontinued.
Kevin · March 11th, 2013
Imagining a Next-Generation Lexus IS F Coupe & Sedan
otor Report asked photochopper Theophilus Chin to try his hand at creating a next-generation Lexus IS F in both coupe & sedan formats.
Kevin · February 21st, 2013
Lexus of Brisbane Introduces Lexus IS F Race Cars
Australian dealership Lexus of Brisbane has purchased three Lexus IS F-based race cars.
Kevin · December 21st, 2012
Next-Generation Lexus IS F Coupe on the Way?
AutoGuide talked with Lexus National Marketing Manager Brian Bolain and discovered some very interesting details about the next-generation IS.
Kevin · November 5th, 2012
Motor Trend Reviews the 2012 Lexus IS F
The Ignition web video series from Motor Trend has just featured the 2012 Lexus IS F, and presenter Carlos Lago does an excellent job explaining just what makes the very first Lexus F model special.
Kevin · September 20th, 2012
Interview with Lexus IS F Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi
A crew from Club Lexus attended the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb earlier this month, and had a chance to chat with IS F Chief Engineer, Yukihiko Yaguchi, about the future of the Lexus F brand.
Kevin · August 29th, 2012
Details on the 2013 Lexus IS F Suspension Changes
For the third year in a row, Lexus has revised the IS F suspension with the 2013 model, focusing on further improvements to turn-in response and dynamics.
Kevin · August 27th, 2012
2013 Lexus IS Lineup Announced
The 2013 Lexus IS lineup has been announced -- here's a breakdown of the model changes.
Kevin · August 20th, 2012
Next Generation Lexus IS F to use Turbocharged V6?
Autoblog has gotten into the rumor game with talk that the next-generation Lexus IS F will use a twin-turbo V6.
Kevin · August 17th, 2012
Video: Ken Gushi & the Lexus IS F CCS-R Climb Pikes Peak
From the weekend race at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, here’s footage of Ken Gushi and the IS F CCS-R on their run up the mountain
Kevin · August 15th, 2012
Lexus Magazine Interview with IS F Chief Engineer
This past weekend, Lexus Magazine had a chance to interview IS F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi as he watched his latest creation, the IS F CCS-R, participate in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Kevin · August 14th, 2012
Lexus IS F CCS-R Races in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Today
Today, Ken Gushi and the Lexus IS F CCS-R take on the *Pikes Peak International Hill Climb*, and you can follow along with the Lexus Twitter account or watch live on the PPIHC website (warning -- Ken's run starts in ten minutes).
Kevin · August 12th, 2012
Ken Gushi & Lexus IS F CCS-R Race Pikes Peak This Weekend
After a month-long delay caused by a wildfire in Colorado, Ken Gushi & the Lexus IS F CCS-R are set to race in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this weekend.
Kevin · August 8th, 2012
Aston Martin to Use Lexus Engines?
German newspaper De Telegraaf reports that Aston Martin is interested using Lexus engines to power future models.
Kevin · July 23rd, 2012
Two More Lexus IS Fs Spotted at Nürburgring
This may be the third day in a row for photos of the next-generation Lexus IS F development mule currently running around Nürburgring, but Motor Trend has some new information worth sharing.
Kevin · July 19th, 2012
More Photos of the 2014 Lexus IS F Convertible Test Mule
There’s more spy photos of the next-generation Lexus IS F convertible development mule.
Kevin · July 17th, 2012
2014 Lexus IS Mule Spotted at Nürburgring!
A next-generation Lexus IS mule has been spotted at the Nürburgring, and Edmunds Inside Line has some photos.
Kevin · July 16th, 2012
Pikes Peak Hill Climb Rescheduled for August 12
Ken Gushi and the IS F CCS-R have been confirmed for the new date.
Kevin · July 5th, 2012
New 2014 Lexus IS Rumors from Australia
The Age in Australia has some new rumours regarding the next-generation Lexus IS.
Kevin · July 4th, 2012
Pikes Peak Hill Climb Postponed Due to Colorado Wildfire
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, originally scheduled for next weekend, has been postponed until late summer due to wildfires in the Colorado Springs area.
Kevin · July 2nd, 2012
Twitter Q&A Tomorrow with Lexus IS F CCS-R Driver Ken Gushi
Just a quick note — Lexus IS F CCS-R driver Ken Gushi will be on Twitter tomorrow at 2pm ET/11am PT to answer questions about his upcoming race at Pikes Peak.
Kevin · June 18th, 2012
Lexus IS F CCS-R Trial Run on Pikes Peak
As an example of what we can expect from the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in July, here’s some in-car footage of Ken Gushi taking a test run up the mountain in the Lexus IS F CCS-R.
Kevin · June 15th, 2012
Interview with Lexus IS F CCS-R Driver Ken Gushi
In my latest article for Lexus Magazine, I interviewed pro-drifter Ken Gushi, who will be piloting the Lexus IS F CCS-R in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in July.
Kevin · June 15th, 2012
First Test Run of the Pikes Peak Lexus IS F CCS-R
Here’s Lexus USA VP of Marketing Brian Smith to discuss the IS F CCS-R scheduled to race at Pikes Peak in July.
Kevin · June 11th, 2012
Lexus IS F CCS-R to Race in Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Lexus has announced that the Lexus IS F CCS-R will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8, 2012.
Kevin · June 6th, 2012
Fox Marketing Lexus IS F & IS-C Get Crushed
The last few days have not been kind to Lexus automobiles — first it was the Belgian hacksaw attack on a LS 400, and now we have two SEMA show cars built by Fox Marketing being destroyed due to federal regulations.
Kevin · May 28th, 2012
The World’s Most Powerful Lexus IS F?
As it turns out, the double Lexus LFA owner from Bahrain that I featured last month also owns what may be the most powerful IS F in the world.
Kevin · May 9th, 2012
Examining Lexus IS F Sport Performance
Here’s a thorough twelve-minute video that details the various levels of the Lexus IS F Sport family, with in-depth analysis from race car driver Joe Bacal.
Kevin · April 24th, 2012
Video: Lexus IS F Engine Installed in Toyota 86
While only partially Lexus-related, this mashup of the Toyota 86 with the IS F's 5.0L V8 is pure wild.
Kevin · March 30th, 2012
Lexus IS F in Scion Cement Gray
At the request of Lexus USA, VIP Auto Salon took a brand new 2011 IS F and repainted it in Scion Cement Gray.
Kevin · March 13th, 2012
Flickr Find: Lexus IS F Smoke & Burnouts
This Lexus IS F photo by Nick Schultz is just about perfect.
Kevin · March 1st, 2012