Drove the 2011 IS-F, Yes, it's better than you think.

Greetings all,

long time no see

So, last weekend I was visiting a good friend and Toyota employee known to some of the Altezza Clubbers here in Sydney. A good friend who was kind enough to throw me the keys to the new for 2011 IS-F.

No photos, I was too busy driving and admiring, but Google images can help out here.

The interior was the black/orange combination... errr, let's just say, it wouldn't be my first choice:


The updates for 2011 are nice - a proper mechanical LSD in the rear, and a centre mounted tacho (reminiscent of the TRD Gauges for the Altezza)



Now, I've not driven many 'semi-auto' cars that didn't leave me wishing they had a real gearbox. DSG in the new Golf's (eg) Mk V R32 for example, or the semi-auto 350Z. There are two exceptions however - the DB9 and the IS-F.

You see, there's two things that really took me by surprise with the IS-F. Just how hard it can get off the line, and just how quick and responsive it is through the revs.

The power delivery is exceptional - unlike L series V8's (Holden/HSV), I've never liked L Series V8's they are just so mid-rangy, and they don't like to rev. The IS-F cures all of these ills. It's got plenty of low down torque as would expect from 8 cylinders and it runs hard, and really quick, to the red line. Eight gears means short ratios, so 2nd gear comes up QUICK. A manual gearbox would really slow you down. You can spend a lot of time changing up and down if you want to, and when you are pushing hard, the thing is so quick you really don't want to have your hands off the steering wheel.

The IS-F employs a left-for-down, right-for-up paddle arrangement. This WORKS. It's intuitive, and very easy to adjust to.

The centre tacho is great, and as the needle swings around toward the redline, it lights up amber and red through the last few thousand rpm.

Oh yeah - the other thing? The SOUNDTRACK KICKS ASS! Honestly, I much prefer the sound of the IS-F to the current AMG V8's. Down low, it's sound better than the E92 M3, although that outclasses the IS-F at full noise... just. But honestly, once you drive the thing, it's a seriously addictive noise. Nice and guttural down low, it clears it's throat as the variable intake opens up above 3800rpm and really sings up top. Unlike the current BMW's, it also gives you plenty of soundtrack from the engine up front and mufflers in the rear. No need to lower the window just so you can hear the thing.

So, everything I love about V8's with none of the drawbacks.

The other area I was concerned about was the chassis. Or more importantly, the weight. You see, the whole appeal of the Altezza platform for me was the chassis. It feels a lot more like a two door car than most other sedans on the road. Well, the IS-F, despite it's hefty curb weight, is quite chuckable. It turns in quick, and has good steering response. Like some of the sporting Euro sedan's I've driven, it basically 'shrinks' around you when you push it into the tighter corners. Sure it doesn't have the nth degree of feedback you get from the previous chassis, but there's more mechanical grip. And it's nothing a nice set of Recaros couldn't fix

Honestly, this car really stacks up against the competition from Merc and BMW. When you factor in the price, it's really hard to beat. I walked away from it thinking - that thing is actually a bit of a bargin!

Not that I can afford one anytime soon... so I'm calling it a 'Dream Daily' for now!

Loved it.

Nice read Matt. Thanks for the input.

I saw a IS-F whip a VE SS at the a set of traffic lights. The guy in the VE was like WTF was that?! The IS-F at full noise sounds amazing.

Get one from the USA for about $50,000 and switch the dash and steering rack over lol

matt, you lucky bugger!!

So.. now the Miata doesn't feel quite so quick!

LOL

Great write up! Assume you had one with the mechanical LSD, how was the comfort factor when not driving it hard? Was is 'skippy' at all?

the new ISF is more comfortable than the previous model. I was at the back of the car when Matt was driving. Only got dizzy when he was playing with the throttle...accelerate...change gear...... decelerate...blip...on change gear...repeat x10

definitely a 4 seater....bitch seat at the back is like riding a saddle.

Haha!

In a straight line, no, not really. But the Roadster is still one of the most chuckable cars you can drive. In that respect, no four door will come close.

They really are very different. I wouldn't willingly give up the Roadster for an IS-F... but I'd happily park both in my garage

I think it's very telling that Glenn, who has two RS200 Altezza's, was very ho hum about the IS-F until he did about 30 laps of Sandown in the new one with the mechanical diff. After that, he hasn't stopped talking about them.

You lucky bugger Matt!

Your right about the old xe-10 having a nth sense, I drove my old man's IS350 F for the first time a couple of weeks back and I am actually surprised that it still feels like ... well? a car! lol feedback is pretty good, so is turn in and balance! I'm yet to take it for a national park run though..

I'd really love to take an IS-F for a 'spirited' drive .. it's quite an exceptional car by the sounds of it!

Thanks for the write up Matt!

Sounds like an awesome car.

Will pick your brain next time I see you, especially since I won't be driving one anytime soon I will have to live it through you! lol

i'm just like you matt, the new ISF is an awesome car, as is the current IS range they are just heaps of fun to drive. the gear change etc on the ISF is amazing if I had the money I would definitely own one. Throwing one around a wet skid pan is miles of fun too the new cluster is described as "LF-A inspired" rear seats were redesigned also from the original IS250 in 2005 to allow better comfort and seating. ISf has one of the best factory seats in my opinion.