Performance Review: Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lexus IS Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 is the 8 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.This particular Lexus IS has a 4969cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The IS shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the IS's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1714 kgs (3778 lbs) this makes the Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Lexus IS shares the same bhp with the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (395 bhp)

In terms of power the 4969cc 32V V8 engine produces 417 bhp (310 kW) @ 6600 rpm similar to the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (395 bhp) or the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (395 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 372 lb-ft (504.3 Nm) @ 5200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Lexus IS you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2011 BMW 3 Series M3 CRT E90 (268.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lexus IS.

The Lexus IS has a Power to weight ratio of 243.2 bhp per ton and 217.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 IS competing with the 2011 BMW 3 Series M3 CRT E90 (268.2 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Alfa-Romeo 4C 1.8 Turbo (268.1 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Lexus IS generating around 217.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2012 Audi R8 Plus 5.2 V10 (241.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello (241.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.1 secs, this made the Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 as fast as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.90 secs) the or the 2020 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Touring (4.90 secs). This Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 is also faster than the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 Turbo FL5 (5.00 secs) the and the 2020 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP (5.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the IS and the 2019 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi TCR 2.0 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Lexus IS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.22 secs @ 103.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2019 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi TCR 2.0 Turbo (13.16 secs), the 1968 Ford XL XL Fastback 427 (13.17 secs), and the 2004 Lotus Exige S2 1.8 (13.19 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 IS equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2008 IS Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lexus

Car Comparison