Video Reviews of the ISF (Japanese)

Motor journalist Yasutaka Gomi introduces the highlights of the car.

Interview with Yamaha Motors engineer Hara-san, who explains that Yamaha provided the engine head, but the rest of engine was jointly developed with Toyota. The 6800 rpm limit was decided upon because it provides a nice balance of having good bottom end torque which connects in a nice torque curve to the upper limit; you don't always have to have an 8000rpm limit to have a sporty engine.

As for the dual intake - initially the secondary intake was designed to lower intake temperature and pressure.  The primary intake is fine at low speed, but to alleviate restrictive intake at higher speeds, the secondary opens.  If both are open at low speeds, the heat from the engine bay actually restricts the performance of the engine.  They then tuned it to sound good, and then there was also increase in torque from that point too. So function first, then "show."

Gomi-san then interviews Shiiba-san from Toyota's transmission department.

This transmission is based off of the LS460's 8 speed unit, however they attached a breather system with catch tank to allow the ATF to cool off during circuit runs.

In M-mode, yes no torque converter, there is direct lock-up.  The direct drive, and shifting speed of 0.1 seconds under full acceleration, makes it very fast. We focused on the speed and feel of the shifting. The transmission itself can more than handle the power of the engine, Toyota has complete confidence in its durability.

Manabu Kawaguchi drives the IS-F upon its release. Tries out Sport mode (and sees how far he can kick out the rear end), and compares the sound of the engine to be like the AMG C63.  Says it compares very favorably to European sport sedans.

He then interviews Chief Engineer Yanguchi-san, who is most happy with Kawaguchi saying it's "a very fun car to drive."  Yaguchi says the car is designed to be fun to drive for both skilled and relatively unskilled drivers.

Yaguchi-san says that the ISF is a completely different car from the base IS.  Even though it looks the same, about 70% of all parts are different.   The wheels too are forged and polished by hand. Ending up 5 times as expensive as the OEM wheels.  Same with the carved aluminum rings surrounding the gauges.

Even as a sports car, because it's a Lexus the Lexus qualities had to be maintained. First step in the F series of cars.