2010 Lexus IS F Full Review
THE 2010 LEXUS IS F FEELS unburstable, rock solid, ferocious.
In manual mode, its rifle-bolt precision and lightning-fast shifts make DSGs feel soft, and manuals a bit last century...
The big news is the move to a compact Torsen Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) from the pre-update model's electronic limited-slip type.
According to Lexus, the adoption of a mechanical LSD improves both road and track performance. The Lexus IS F blends velvety V8 torque with a crisp-shifting eight-speed automatic. Inside, little has changed.
The centre stack gets updated audio switches and a new fascia around the touch-screen and air-conditioning controls.
As with the former model, the updated Lexus IS F includes active cruise control, hands-free phone connectivity, Smart Key automatic locking and unlocking, dual-zone climate control, Lexus Parking Assist and a power-operated moonroof among its extensive features list.
In lieu of a manual transmission, the eight-speed unit in the Lexus IS F offers both Drive and 'Manual' modes - paired with steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Where the original arrangement offered a 'simulated' limited-slip diff effect by adjusting rear brake balance, the Torsen unit redistributes torque without affecting power.
The brake system features Brembo monobloc aluminium calipers. Six-piston calipers up-front acting on 360mm x 30mm ventilated discs, and twin-piston calipers in the rear acting on 345mm by 28mm ventilated discs.
How does it drive?
The eight-speed automatic is a precision instrument. TMR's Tim O'Brien questioned the old IS-F's mid-corner balance, but I found little to complain about with this updated version. Apart from new foldable head restraints for the rear seats, the 2010 IS F's leather-trimmed seating is identical to its predecessor.
The front seats have been designed to offer a compromise between sports-car support for performance driving, and ultimate comfort.
Interior Quality and Feel?
The leather trim of the front and rear-seats is of high quality; soft to the touch and durable.
Based on the regular IS entry-level luxury sport sedan, the "Lexus IS F" is fortified with all the expected "performance division" upgrades, such as a tire-burning V8, bigger brakes, stiffer suspension tuning and stickier tires.
The 2010 Lexus IS-F high-performance luxury sport sedan is available in only one well-appointed trim level. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels shod with sticky tires, Brembo brakes, adaptive xenon headlights, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, auto-dimming mirrors, 10-way power heated front leather sport seats with memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 13-speaker audio system with satellite radio, Bluetooth audio, a six-CD changer, iPod integration and an auxiliary audio jack.
EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg in combined driving.
The 2010 Lexus IS-F comes equipped with antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front-seat side and knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Optional is a pre-collision system paired with the adaptive radar cruise control that senses an impending collision and automatically adjusts seatbelt tension and braking force.
The IS-F has not been crash-tested, but in government testing, its IS 350 sibling was awarded four stars out of five for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts as well as rear side impacts.