Description

Model History

Unveiled in 2007, Lexus introduced its first-ever performance sedan, the IS-F, branded under their new ‘F’ high performance brand. Based on the second generation Lexus IS sedan, the IS-F aimed to take on German counterparts such as the BMW M3 and C63 AMG – featuring a 5.0L 2UR-GSE V8 producing 417 hp, all sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and electronic differential. Lexus’s F engineering team had completed additional tuning and Yamaha’s F1 engine division to make this V8 power plant ever more special – including a cast aluminium intake manifold, new cylinder heads, titanium intake valves, forged crankshaft, connecting rods, and cam lobes. Styling changes to make this specially-tuned IS sedan look the part included a more protruding front bonnet, wider front/rear wheel arches, IS-F exclusive front bumper & side skirt designs, and 19” alloy wheels.

History File

This is a 2008 Lexus IS-F, finished in Obsidian Black with a Black interior. This car was originally made and sold for the Japanese market, before being imported to Hong Kong in 2010, with no auction sheet can be provided at this time. The current owner bought this car directly from the second owner in December 2018 and has primarily used this as their weekend car. This car has remained unmodified throughout its life – aside from the factory top speed limiter being removed, no major changes done to the exterior, interior, or running gear.

Under the current owner, they have taken this car to performance car specialist Turn Three Ltd. in Sha Tin to perform all of the routine maintenance and necessary upkeep: from fluid changes, as well as replacements of the air-conditioning compressor, battery, and starter – all of the service invoices have been retained and can be provided. Both front tyres were also replaced with Kumho Tires in October 2021. The current owner also reports in 2018, Turn Three Ltd. resprayed the front and rear bumper, as well as the front passenger side fender using matching Obsidian Black paint to touch up some surface scratches on these body panels.

Imperfections present on this IS-F are primarily in the interior: along with some kerb rash on both front alloy wheels, the current owner does report the driver’s side door handle and lower side bolster of the driver’s seat shows some surface damage, and the plastic dashboard has suffered some UV heat exposure over the years (hence some of the dashboard surfaces show ‘stickiness’ and plastic wear). This car will also come with all of the original owner’s literature, including the owner’s manual specific to the IS-F, infotainment guide, and Lexus IS handbook (all in Japanese). This IS-F has had two previous owners, has a current mileage of 54,515 km, and the current road licence is valid until 24th February, 2023.

Exterior

Visual inspection found no major imperfections or blemishes on any of this car’s Obsidian Black body panels – while the front and rear bumpers, as well as the front passenger side fender were previously resprayed, these were all done professionally using matching Obsidian Black paint. The front grille is fully intact. The primary lights – from the headlights, tail lights, front fog lights and side markers illuminate normally. All of the front & rear doors, the front bonnet and rear trunk open and close shut normally. The powered sunroof opens and closes normally. All of the exterior badges – from the IS-F to the Lexus emblems are fully intact and preserved. All of the rear quad exhaust tips are free of any surface patina. Both front IS-F alloy wheels do display some subtle kerb rash, but can benefit from a refurbishment to restore their original condition; the rear wheels are free of any surface damage

Interior and Trim

Look inside and you will find a luxurious Lexus interior – featuring several subtle details and touches by Lexus’s ‘F’ performance division. All of the Black sport leather seats are in great condition and firmly hold the occupants in place with their body-hugging bolsters – the driver’s side bolster does show some minor signs of wear, but can benefit from a refurbishment to restore its original appearance. The dashboard is free of any surface scratches – as reported by the current owner, some of the plastic trim and surfaces do show some age and wear from UV heat exposure, but states this is a common issue that has affected Toyota/Lexus models built during this era, and can benefit from a restoration to restore its original condition. All of the side door panels are free of any major scratches – while the driver’s side door handle does show some visible wear, some TLC can restore its original appearance. All of the silver carbon-fibre patterned trim has held up fine with none displaying any major surface wear. The leather steering wheel is free of any surface peeling – with its ‘F’ emblem preserved, and no surface wear on any of its multi-function controls and paddle shifters. The gear shift lever with its ‘F’ emblem is in excellent condition. The original Lexus infotainment system functions without any issues – as a reminder this car was originally made for the Japanese market, the head unit controls are in Kanji and the navigation system is still set to Japan. The air-conditioning blows very cold air and offers plenty of cool relief for the local climate. Both aluminium floor pedals have been preserved with no major surface wear. The instrument cluster functions normally and illuminates in its trademark blue backlight when switched on – the LCD display shows no missing pixels as well.

Engine and Running Gear 

Press the keyless-ignition button and the IS-’F’s highlight, its 5.0L 2UR-GSE V8 springs to life with its potent, sedate V8 engine note. With its regular maintenance and upkeep, this power-plant is in excellent working condition as expected of a Lexus/Toyota product. The V8’s pulling power and torque is easily felt across the rev range – eager to rev towards the higher RPM ranges. The 8-Speed torque converter-based automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly and promptly – left in either automatic or manual mode, with audible reminders to the driver at the best moments to change gear. The current owner does note the ride is naturally very stiff given this car’s performance status – all of the occupants can feel each sensation from the road, but when cruising at highway speeds, this IS-F remains composed and not too rough, as with any traditional Lexus sedan. The electric-based steering provides plenty of feedback to the driver. All of the brakes have plenty of life left in them and to match this car’s performance credentials, provide plenty of stopping power when used. For those wanting an executive performance sedan from a brand other than the many German offerings, the Lexus IS-F – a sedate Japanese ‘Muscle Car’ featuring a V8 tuned by Yamaha’s F1 engineers is the perfect candidate, now available at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)