I’m not disappointed (though that doesn’t stop the racing driver’s excuses come thick and fast when I’m back in the paddock). I always knew the Lexus would perform commendably, but the fact that it proved such a big hit came a little out of left field. Not just the performance, but the desirability.
Throughout the evening (and we’re talking a few hours here), several people have wondered over to shake hands and compliment the IS F’s look. In an arena already bursting at the seams with tuned road cars and the occasional Porsche Carrera S, the saloon’s looks and charm have clearly hit a chord with the Abu Dhabi crowd.
Lexus may have a couple of choice words to say to me about the tyres though.
2013 Lexus IS F | |
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Engine: | V8 / 5.0-litre |
Power: | 416hp @ 6600rpm |
Torque: | 371lb ft @ 5200rpm |
Transmission: | Eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic / paddle shift and manual mode / rear-wheel drive |
Front suspension: | Double wishbone with high-mount upper arms / high-rate coil springs with bound stopper / monotube gas-filled shock absorbers / large-diameter hollow stabilizer bar |
Rear suspension: | Multilink with low-mount upper arms / high-rate coil springs with bound stopper / monotube gas-filled shock absorbers / large-diameter stabilizer bar |
Brakes: | Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes (Brembo manufactured for Lexus) / Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) / Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) / Brake Assist |
Wheels: | 19in x 8.5 in. (front) / 19 x 9.5 in. (rear) / forged aluminum (BBS manufactured for Lexus) |
Tyres: | 225/40 R19 (front) / 255/35 R19 (rear) |
Weight (kerb) | 3780lbs (1714kg) |
0-100kph: | 4.6sec |
Top speed: | 170mph (274kph) |