I learned of the changes for the 2011 IS-F late yesterday and thought I'd share them with you. I haven't seen any photos as of this time, just this printed info. Looks like some interesting changes. Here you go:

IS F
There are a few product updates for 2011 IS F, beginning with its improved suspension. The new
suspension will have new sub-frame mounts and improved EPS tuning.
Interior enhancements consist of new instrument panel gauges that have a chronograph look with a digital
speedometer display. Silver trim is added to the steering wheel along with revised aluminized
ornamentation with a darker finish on the center console lid and door switch plates. The sport mode
switch has moved from the lower instrument panel area to the steering wheel. Also, Alcantara seat inserts
with leather bolsters are new with Black interior. Two-toned Terra Cotta is replaced by Orange/Black
leather interior with contrast stitching.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) is discontinued and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are now
standard.

Assuming when you say digital speedometer, you don't mean similar to the one in the lfa...? Just same gauges as previous models with a digital readout of the mph...?

The press release does say "new" instrument panel gauges but I still haven't seen the photos yet. We'll have to wait and see....:)

over at http://lexusenthusiast.com/
theres info on the 2011 is
and a sport package that looks like a wimpy isf
usb should be exclusive to the f if u ask me

I bet the seats in the f sport are similar to the alcantara that doug is talking about on the 2011 F
probably the same with some of the interior accents as well

Thanks Doug for the update. Will be interested to see what they changed and pics.

Can you imagine the LFA insturmentation in the F Wowza!!! Thanks Doug for the info.

Sport mode on the wheel and alcanata seats are nice but I dunno how much I like the idea of orange option, too gaudy IMO.
I'm guessing it will be more like the 370Z cluster than the LFA:
http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2009nissan370zinstrumentcluster01small.jpg

My guess is it will be a similar gauge cluster as to what it is now with digital movement rather than analog needles. I think the orange seating surface option will be a nice kick in the pants for Lexus. A good bit of "wow" factor. In case you haven't seen the current "Terra Cotta" leather option, here is what it looks like:
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/Terra%20cotta/Terra_Cotta.jpg

So with this minor update to the ISF, will the dealers command full retail price or even dealer mark-up? From my experience, right now dealers will take $4-5K off retail. I wonder if the 2011s will have the same discount?

By the ways, thanks for the update and keep the information flowing. Potential owners like myself appreciate it very much. Thanks again.

Not bad but I'm waiting for an engine upgrade to replace my F. A crappy 5.0 Mustang can keep up now, it's time for some innovation, Lexus!

So with this minor update to the ISF, will the dealers command full retail price or even dealer mark-up? From my experience, right now dealers will take $4-5K off retail. I wonder if the 2011s will have the same discount?

By the ways, thanks for the update and keep the information flowing. Potential owners like myself appreciate it very much. Thanks again.

Your welcome. I can't speak for dealers around the country. I can tell you that we have NEVER sold a Lexus over MSRP. The 4-5k off retail your seeing is on 2010 models, yes? I wouldn't expect that kind of discount until this time next year on 2011 models, agreed? If I can help with a purchase of an F please let me know!

Not bad but I'm waiting for an engine upgrade to replace my F. A crappy 5.0 Mustang can keep up now, it's time for some innovation, Lexus!

It is quite amazing how the manufactures are getting HUGE hp numbers now. I can remember that 5 years ago 400hp was damn near super car territory! DAMN I :D LOVE innovation!

I was never a fan of the terra cotta. I think the new 2011 enhancements are going to be great. I'm jealous of the Alcantara inserts. Thanks for sharing Doug!

Hey Flip! I like the Terra Cotta option a lot, as long it applied on the right color car. We have a black 2010 IS-F here with the Terra Cotta interior and I really like the contrast vs. an all black interior. We powder coated the brake calipers on it red to highlight the Terra Cotta hiding inside. ;)

I learned of the changes for the 2011 IS-F late yesterday and thought I'd share them with you. I haven't seen any photos as of this time, just this printed info. Looks like some interesting changes. Here you go:

IS F
There are a few product updates for 2011 IS F, beginning with its improved suspension. The new
suspension will have new sub-frame mounts and improved EPS tuning.
Interior enhancements consist of new instrument panel gauges that have a chronograph look with a digital
speedometer display. Silver trim is added to the steering wheel along with revised aluminized
ornamentation with a darker finish on the center console lid and door switch plates. The sport mode
switch has moved from the lower instrument panel area to the steering wheel. Also, Alcantara seat inserts
with leather bolsters are new with Black interior. Two-toned Terra Cotta is replaced by Orange/Black
leather interior with contrast stitching.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) is discontinued and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are now
standard.

Why would they discontinue the AFS?

See the two PDF files I have attached for new features. HIDs and Auto-Leveling are still listed. AFS only standard on GS460 and LS. Also, no mention of new Instrument Panel.

Lou

changes have also been applied to the 2011 IS F:

* LED daytime running lights have been added to the headlights
* New instrument panel gauges
* The Sport mode switch has been moved to the steering wheel, which will also be getting the same silver treatment as the standard IS
* New dark finish aluminum composite interior trim
* The full black interior will now feature Alcantara seat insets with leather side bolsters
* A new Orange & Black interior will replace the Terra Cotta option

I have a photo here for you all of what very well may be the instrument panel for the Untied States version of the the 2011 IS-F. This picture was shared with me by a friend of mine who snapped this photo while in showroom of a Lexus dealer in a country other than the U.S.-Thanks Kamal. It appears that Lexus is focusing on engine RPM with a small digital display of the speedo within the Tach. They have repositioned the other gauges as well. Again, I can only assume this is what we will see in the U.S. as this picture displays KM/h. A tiny bit reminiscent of the IS300. I like it!
ISF
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011instrumentclusterISF_Kamal.jpg

IS300
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/IS300gaugecluster.jpg

Being in the market myself for a F, I did consider the '11 model, but that cluster to me just looks cheap and a poor recreation of the LF-A cluster.

I am very jealous of the Alcantara inserts, but I think I will stick with the 08'-10' models. I mean IMO after all, I do have to stare at the cluster most of the time.

Noted: just remember this may not be what we see in the U.S. (although I'm not sure why Lexus would change it)

i just threw up in my mouth a little. (i've been saying this alot recently) i think the new cluster is a major downgrade from the current.

agreed
a major downgrade
lexus probably sold people on the car with the old models look
too much focus on the rmp
probably a bad move for lexus
I would not buy a 11 because of that, id just steal the suspension for my 08 which I hope will be interchangeable lol
if its any good

I'm with you guys. That cluster just ain't for me. I guess we'll just have to see what they actually put out.

That most assuredly is the new cluster in North American cars, I for one luv it. However, I will miss the voltmeter, as I already have missed the oil pressure gauge.

See the PDF I attached.

Note: I could only attach one page because of this forum's silly size limitations. I remember trying to attach this a couple of weeks ago, with no success. Oh well, maybe some day this forum will get into the 21st century as regards to file limitations. There are three more pages I would love to attach. IMHO, it's not reminiscent of the series 1 ISs at all. It puts the Tach in the right place, with a small speedo on the right and an additional digital speedo in with the Tach.

Lou

This new gauge cluster does look like a serious attempt by Lexus to let you know the intentions of the IS-F. Most of your track cars have a big ole' tach right in the middle of the dash and no speedometer.
Lou, I mentioned a "tiny bit" reminiscent of the IS300, as in there is one big gauge in the center of the dash. I wasn't making an attempt to say it was exactly the same, just to be clear.:rolleyes:

I suppose if I raced my car a lot or even seriously I would want the new cluster. The current cluster serves me just fine, I think it is better balanced with my yin or yang and my funkshway....

The new cluster just looks like a copy of the Ferrari 458 one

http://image.motortrend.com/f/26974606+w750/2010-ferrari-458-italia-gauge-cluster.jpg

Actually, Porsche's cluster is just like that...I've owned a Cayman before and I actually like that. I would buy the 2011. That's an improvement.

Well, I had to go all the way to Oman (next to Saudi Arabia) to get some more spy photos of the 2011 IS-F, thanks Kamal. These should give a really good idea of some of the upcoming changes!

New L.E.D. lights integrated into the headlights. The inner housing of the headlight also appears to be a dark color or black.
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011F/Picture24.jpg
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011F/Picture23.jpg
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011F/Picture21.jpg

Here's a shot of the new steering wheel design with the "sport" button on it. This car also appears to have the new "orange" leather option.
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011F/Picture3.jpg

The center console appears to have a black outline around the edges of the composite trim, looks nice.
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011F/Picture2.jpg

The engine cover on this car is more of a black carbon look as opposed to what we have seen so far in a silver finish.
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011F/Picture7.jpg

And last but not least...according to the salesperson there and by looking at this picture, the exhaust tips are now connected to the mufflers. It appears that all of the suggestions (complaints) have been heard.
http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp161/fchampoh/2011F/Picture19.jpg

For those who haven't seen photos of the 11' ISF yet, you saw it here first!! :D

Doug

Thanks for the picts. The exhaust tips have always been connected to the mufflers, but not to the exhaust tips (diffuser). The picts you have attached show this has not changed. And, according to Lexus, it's for good reason.

Lou

i remember seeing on a sketch of the dash that there would be a F1 style indicator lights inside the tach from left to right but having looked at the pic it doesnt look like it after all, too bad

Wonder if those headlamps are interchangeable.

Thanks for the picts. The exhaust tips have always been connected to the mufflers, but not to the exhaust tips (diffuser). The picts you have attached show this has not changed. And, according to Lexus, it's for good reason.

Lou

Lou,
I just can't figure out why you are so quick to point out what you perceive as mistakes. I know better that anyone else that Lexus made the original design the way they did for a reason. However, if enough people voice their opinions, sometimes a change is made. Agree? I can only tell you that the person that sent these pictures to me also told me that the salesperson standing in front of him as he took these pictures pointed out that the mufflers and the visible stainless tips on the car are now connected. Please try and enjoy what I am sharing instead of muddying the waters. Now, I am not completely convinced from the one picture I have of the tips that they are connected. But if I stare at long enough, I can see it. I guess we'll have to wait and see what we get.

So basically the cluster is the only real change for the '11? My real question, since I already own an ISF, is what is interchangeable that I can add to my '08. I know the carbon fiber engine cover was on the '10 but is either of them compatible with the '08 or did they change the attachment areas?

So basically the cluster is the only real change for the '11? My real question, since I already own an ISF, is what is interchangeable that I can add to my '08. I know the carbon fiber engine cover was on the '10 but is either of them compatible with the '08 or did they change the attachment areas?

The engine cover has been identical on the IS-F from 2008 until 2010'. The only variance I can see on the 2011 is that it is a different color. The attachment has always been the same. Lexus never put a real carbon fiber cover on the IS-F. It has always been a plastic material with a foam backing.

Wonder if those headlamps are interchangeable.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I suspect they are. However looking at the Lexus Technology Summery for 2011. AFS is either standard or optional on every Lexus model, except any model IS. In other words the 2011 ISF will NOT have AFS. That may, or may not, alter your thinking.

Lou

The engine cover has been identical on the IS-F from 2008 until 2010'. The only variance I can see on the 2011 is that it is a different color. The attachment has always been the same. Lexus never put a real carbon fiber cover on the IS-F. It has always been a plastic material with a foam backing.

Perhaps it's an upgradeable option but I definitely ran across a carbon fiber cover offered by Lexus here:

lexus.com/models/IS/fsport/carbon_fiber_engine_cover.html

But if what you say is true about the engine cover being identical for the normal cover that, in turn, answers my question.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I suspect they are. However looking at the Lexus Technology Summery for 2011. AFS is either standard or optional on every Lexus model, except any model IS. In other words the 2011 ISF will NOT have AFS. That may, or may not, alter your thinking.

Lou

I had the same thought and I don't desire to lose the AFS function so I'll wait and see if someone else wants to be the guinea pig.

Perhaps it's an upgradeable option but I definitely ran across a carbon fiber cover offered by Lexus here:

lexus.com/models/IS/fsport/carbon_fiber_engine_cover.html

But if what you say is true about the engine cover being identical for the normal cover that, in turn, answers my question.

I went to the website link, thanks for that. Unfortunately the face of that page does not say that the F-Sport carbon engine cover does NOT fit the IS-F. The Lexus F-sport Carbon fiber engine cover is for the V6 engine only, IS250 and IS350. All of the F-Sport items are intended for the IS250, IS350 only, not the IS-F. I know some folks have fitted the F-Sport rear sway bar to their IS-F though.

Thanks for sharing these GREAT pics Doug..!!!

Can't wait till the 2011's hit the showroom floor....

Keep me updated on how the exhaust mufflers work in conjunction with the exhaust diffusers, when you get one in your hands.

I sure do hope all has remained the same, so that more new F owners will get to enjoy our Performance Exhaust upgrade..!! :D

From a technical standpoint, I would hope that they are not physically connected, since the exhaust moves & shifts with engine load. Which we experienced multiple times during our R&D phase.

Best Regards,

Joe Z :)

IS F
There are a few product updates for 2011 IS F, beginning with its improved suspension. The new
suspension will have new sub-frame mounts and improved EPS tuning.
Interior enhancements consist of new instrument panel gauges that have a chronograph look with a digital
speedometer display.


This is the part I am most interested in as my 2008 has the pull to the right alignment issue and they in the process of shifting my subframe to make up for the suspension not being able to reach specs. Looks like they identified the problem.

Thanks for sharing these GREAT pics Doug..!!!

Can't wait till the 2011's hit the showroom floor....

Keep me updated on how the exhaust mufflers work in conjunction with the exhaust diffusers, when you get one in your hands.

I sure do hope all has remained the same, so that more new F owners will get to enjoy our Performance Exhaust upgrade..!! :D

From a technical standpoint, I would hope that they are not physically connected, since the exhaust moves & shifts with engine load. Which we experienced multiple times during our R&D phase.

Best Regards,

Joe Z :)

Joe,
I will definitely post what I see when I get one in hand. I wouldn't see a need to change the design of the diffuser /muffler design, but I'm just one guy. I hope for your sake it remains unchanged.:) It will be interesting to see what actually lands here, after all it was explained to me by the person who took the photos that the mufflers and the diffuser tips were connected on this one.

A better pict of the dash. I still like it - A LOT.

Edit: I removed the first pict, and attached better ones. The more I see the new cluster, the more I like it. Great work - Lexus.

Lou

Thanks for the picts. The exhaust tips have always been connected to the mufflers, but not to the exhaust tips (diffuser). The picts you have attached show this has not changed. And, according to Lexus, it's for good reason.

Lou

I agree. The tips sure looks the same. We have been complaining about the "detached tips" but look at the new 7 series Bimmers and other new cars who have followed suit. For whatever it's worth there must be a reason behind this craziness for others to adapt the same practice.

It's now officially on the US site:

http://www.lexus.com/models/ISF/features/pricing.html

Lou

Has anyone test driven a 2011 and noticed any suspension changes? Is the ride quality better (softer) than before?

When are 2011 models available?

Has anyone test driven a 2011 and noticed any suspension changes? Is the ride quality better (softer) than before?

When are 2011 models available?

The 2011 IS-F is starting to arrive at dealerships as we speak. I have not seen or driven one yet. You can read the Motor Trend review of the 11' IS-F here:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1009_2011_lexus_is_f_drive/index.html

The suspension stiffness was a deal breaker for me when I test drove one a year ago. I am hopeful the changes will be noticeable... but its interesting that a more compliant ride wasn't intended, it was a side effect of the redesign for better handling.

Please let us know when Lexus Dayton has one in stock.

Interior and exterior photos
found here
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/lexus/2011-lexus-is-f-ar86944.html

Um,two questions regarding article from TopSpeed.
1.The pics in the article displays 2008-2010 interior,is this a error?
Also it displays 08-10 Rims as well..
2.Is the US Version of 2011 model gonna have Hard Drive built in as well?
Or is it UK exclusive?:confused:

Um,two questions regarding article from TopSpeed.
1.The pics in the article displays 2008-2010 interior,is this a error?
Also it displays 08-10 Rims as well..
2.Is the US Version of 2011 model gonna have Hard Drive built in as well?
Or is it UK exclusive?:confused:

1. Top Speed's pics. are NOT very accurate. However, Lexus UK, has specified that the ISF use the "old" wheels used on US spec ISFs from 20008 and 2009.

2. The US Version Nav. is hard disc based.

For accurate info use the link I posted on the previous page.

Lou

I have a another question regarding 2011 IS-F..Is there any possibility that I could get original 08-09 Rims on 2011 model thru the dealer or is it mandatory that I get 2010-11 rims? Just out of curiosity..

^^^^If the dealer has a set in stock or has access to some they may be willing to do a swap. However, for the USA, I highly doubt Lexus will ship an F equipped with the "old" wheels. The only way to know for sure, is to give your dealer a call and ask them.

Lou

The new cluster in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IBN85n8d_U&feature=player_embedded

Gorgeous, IMHO.

Lou

Very Nice!!

That looks great...I love the digital speedometer display inside the tachometer.

Alright. I take it back Lou. It took some time to get used to it, but after seeing a few other cars that focus on the tach and driving them, it makes sense.

I like it.

thanks for the vid.

So I just traded my 2008 (silver on black) ISF for a 2011 (silver on black) ISF. I pick it up on Monday, and will let you know what I think of the changes.

man, the gauges alone are making me consider selling my 09 with 8k for the 11.

Yes, there are a lot a nice new stuff included, but when I think of all the aftermarket goodies I could buy with the money I would have to cough up to switch from an 08 to an 11, that new stuff fades away.

So I just traded my 2008 (silver on black) ISF for a 2011 (silver on black) ISF. I pick it up on Monday, and will let you know what I think of the changes.

So the new 2011 ISF is really nice. I loved my 2008, which I traded in with 23k miles, but am really enjying the 2011. I am not sure if it is just a "new car" thing, as I can't really tell that much difference with the suspension to be honest. However, I haven't really pushed her yet. The new seats and instrament cluster rock from my vantage point. The bluetooth connectivity through the audio system is also really fun: can play both Pandora radio or my Ipod (via my Iphone) through the Mark L sound system. New treatment to the headlights make for a more aggressive look as well. Two thumbs up from Gpstrac!

Do you find yourself looking at the digital speed readout more or the analog?

How is the analog? I see it's a smaller gauge now, didn't see a nice silver ring around it.

Can the shift light in the tach be adjusted by RPM's?