Sydney show: Lexus lets fly with IS-F, LX570
BY MARTON PETTENDY | 11th Oct 2007
While the V8-powered IS-F compact sedan will not go on sale here until late next year – as both a direct rival for BMW’s M3 coupe and Audi’s RS4 sedan and the first in a series of F-branded models to compete with go-fast offerings from the likes of Mercedes’ AMG division – the all-new LX570 hits Aussie streets in the first quarter of 2008.
Reluctant to reveal exact specifications more than year before its local release, Toyota’s luxury brand says only that the IS-F’s 5.0-litre DOHC V8 produces more than 300kW and more than 500Nm of torque in pre-production trim.
Also a pre-production figure is a governed top speed of 270km/h and a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds – despite the rear-drive four-door model’s exclusive use of what is claimed to be “the world’s first and fastest production eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) gearbox”.
A performance-tuned version of the eight-speed auto that debuted in the new LS460 sedan flagship, SPDS is claimed to shift gears in just one-tenth of a second, via steering wheel paddle shifters.
Continuing the performance theme is a newly-developed three-stage version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics integrated Management (VDiM) system, which will allow drivers to select between fully on (Sport mode) or off.
The IS-F features performance-tuned suspension and brakes, the latter comprising 360mm front and 345mm rear drilled and ventilated discs with six-piston and two-piston aluminium callipers respectively.
Forged 19-inch aluminium BBS wheels measure eight inches wide up front and nine inches wide at rear, and wear 225/40 and 255/35-section tyres respectively. Claimed to offer a driving experience unlike any previous Lexus, the IS-F is differentiated from the regular IS250 via quad exhaust outlets, wider front guards, a larger grille, rear spoiler and a prominent bonnet bulge.
Meantime, the third-generation LX, based on the all-new 200 Series LandCruiser that made its global motorshow debut this morning, brings new safety features, new driving aids and more performance than the LX470 it replaces.
The newest Lexus luxury off-roader borrows much of its technology from its redesigned Toyota sibling, including “Crawl Control”, multi-terrain ABS and up to 10 airbags, but adds new driver aids like the Wide-view Front and Side Monitor system.
There is also four-wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Adaptive Variable Suspension and Active Height Control (AHC), while the 570 is powered by a 270kW 5.7-litre V8 delivering an extra 100kW of power over the current LX470.
Finally, Lexus also used Sydney to demonstrate its new Intelligent Park Assist (IPA) system, as featured on the upcoming LS600hL hybrid luxury sedan.
Claimed to be an Australian first, the IPA parking assistance system employs a rear camera and ultrasonic front sensors to "identify parking spaces and calculate the appropriate steering angle to guide the vehicle into the chosen parking space".
Lexus cautions IPA is not a substitute for traditional parking practices and requires drivers to control vehicle speed (up to 4km/h) via braking.
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