Saki GT

So, Lexus is hawking F-Sport performance parts for its new IS convertibles to give the driver a better performing car (supposedly). I'm amazed Lexus is poffering performance parts at all.

http://www.f-sport.com/

Looking at the performance numbers, you see improvement, but Lexus also mucked around with tire pressures, so I don't know how the parts really improve performance.

Still, Lexus is selling go-fast parts now for its IS C, along with the IS-F.

PS - did you know the IS is built on the Corolla platform? Its considered a subcompact - I didn't know that...

QUIKAG

The IS is not built on the Corolla platform. That platform is FWD and the IS is RWD. The IS is a slightly reduced platform of the GS.

[DT]

That's cool, I had some L-Tuned parts on my GS (they had a line of suspension parts, some aero, wheels). I don't recall and engine performance parts at the time (this was about 6-7 years ago). Even got them installed (with full warranty) right at the Lexus dealership!

Mr.E.G.

I don't think that you should necessarily read anything negative into the tire pressure issue. Every variation to a car's suspension may require slight tuning of other components. Maybe they were manipulating the numbers, but we could also assume that the pressure was ideal for setup A but needed to be changed for setup B.

Saki GT

The thing about tire pressure is, who's to say the stock IS wouldn't have gotten better numbers with different pressures? All Lexus did was publish a certain pressure/performance rate, and if the tires are the same, you are changing grip with psi. Besides, why change tires to pressures you don't necessarily want to run on the street.

Mr.E.G.

I see your point, but like I said, I don't see a reason to necessarily assume that the initial tire pressure numbers were less than ideal for that setup. It could be the case, but if they were trying to pull the wool over our eyes, why would they make that info available?

y2ks2k

I was hoping for an IS-C-F

Saki GT

I'm just surprised Toyota is offering the performance parts. I hope its a sign of future sports cars from the company.

Mr.E.G.

Why are you surprised? Ever heard of TRD? :-)

Saki GT

Sure I've heard of TRD, but mods for Tundras, Camrys and Scions isn't exactly exciting. The IS is a rwd 300+ hp car, so its good to see mods for it, and I hope there will be more decent Toyotas for mods in the future. Also, F-Sport is new.