Friday 25th November 2011

Lexus IS F goes (even more) hardcore

Luxury bruiser gets 'Circuit Club Sport' version

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This is what happens to a Lexus IS F when it's turned over to the fellows at Toyota Racing Developments (TRD). It's called the IS F Circuit Club Sport and it's had more than a few mechanical and aerodynamic toys thrown at it.

There's no more power, but those who have spent any time behind the wheel of the beefy Lexus will know that it already makes more than a decent attempt at M3-style fast saloon fun, with a glorious 423hp V8, a decent chassis and a generous side-order of hooliganism.

To that end, the IS F's mechanical mods - which in include a larger set of brakes and a TRD limited-slip differential as well as a set of performance dampers - can only be a good thing. (Though whether that LSD differs from the one fitted to standard cars since 2010 we're not sure, but we'd guess it's more aggressively set up.)

Outside, TRD has slapped on a new bonnet, front spoiler and rear diffuser, all in carbon fibre, and a (ahem) subtle rear wing. There will also be a choice of either lightweight forged aluminium wheels or magnesium rims.

As for a price, a when (or even an 'if') well...er... we don't actually know. But we look forward to finding out...

 

[RED_P47]

http://youtu.be/zkzTo0ztqbA

[Madmatt74]

Just looks like they went to Halfords!

[Hellbound]

RED_P47 said:

http://youtu.be/zkzTo0ztqbA

Sounds like an AMG unit on steroids.

[Hellbound]

Not sure if it's right having TRD bits on a Lexus. Maybe they should create their own tuning arm, something like Lexus Automotive Racing Developments, or LARD.

[Ex Boy Racer]

Hellbound said:

Not sure if it's right having TRD bits on a Lexus. Maybe they should create their own tuning arm, something like Lexus Automotive Racing Developments, or LARD.

Lexus Internal Motorsport Products?

[Bill Carr]

Lexus
Extra
Sporty
Bolt-on
Improvements
Add
Naughtiness

[RobCrezz]

Hellbound said:

Not sure if it's right having TRD bits on a Lexus. Maybe they should create their own tuning arm, something like Lexus Automotive Racing Developments, or LARD.

[Chris71]

Not overly keen on that wing. Half the amusement of the standard car is the fact it's relatively subtle until you decide you want to play.

[Nors]

Sure, it's a decent enough car, but a Lexus track saloon somehow just doesn't sound right!!

[Nors]

Chris71 said:

Not overly keen on that wing.

Looking at it again, it so looks like an after thought and they went out to their nearest Argos and glued it on!

[Stew2000]

It needs wheels that will work. those ones will just ruin any track time.

[SleeperCell]

RED_P47 said:

http://youtu.be/zkzTo0ztqbA

Well it looks utterly ridiculous but bloody hell it sounds amazing.

It has such a crisp and clean sound, it makes that AMG C63 Black series sound like a bunch of nuts and bolts rattling around in a tin can.

[Fire99]

Looks like an odd cross between a Mitsubishi Evo and Vauxhall VXR8. Certainly a chunky brute.

[sinbaddio]

That spoiler is ridiculous but i do like those exhausts. I'm sure I recall that they're just a stick on item too though?

[Jack1988]

I dont like it. i prefer this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIsXM1uURrE

[anonymous-user]

Might be a weapon but it looks bloody awful.

[nonuts]

Standard car with LSD for me please. Still would like a go in one of them around a track.

[Chunkychucky]

And it's not going to be any lighter? Other than the obvious (to make money), to what end has this thing being created..?

[Andy665]

Lexus get moaned at for being dull and predictable

They then preview something a bit more edgy and they get criticised for not being subtle

Who would be a manufacturer

[mattnunn]

My neighbours got an is250 coupe, it's a much nicer shape, will they do an isf with that body too?