What engine is in a 2008 Lexus ISF?
The 2008 Lexus IS F uses a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the 2UR-GSE.
The IS F is Lexus’ high-performance variant of the IS lineup. Its powerplant is a hand-assembled, naturally aspirated V8 designed for high-revving performance and strong straight-line acceleration. The 2UR-GSE is part of Toyota’s UR engine family and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode to maximize responsiveness and driver involvement.
Engine specifications
The following list provides the core technical details of the IS F’s 5.0-liter V8 powerplant.
- Displacement: 5.0 L (4969 cc)
- Engine code: 2UR-GSE
- Configuration: V8, 32-valve DOHC
- Block/heads: Aluminum
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Valvetrain: Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
- Power output: 416 hp (310 kW) at 6,600 rpm
- Torque: 371 lb-ft (503 Nm) peak, roughly 4,800–5,600 rpm
- Redline: 7,600 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode (Sport Direct Shift)
These specifications reflect the official figures released for the 2008 IS F and are consistently cited in automotive references for the model year.
Design and engineering notes
High-revving, performance-focused design
The 2UR-GSE is an all-aluminum, high-revving V8 engineered for performance duty. It features meticulous build quality, strong cylinder-head sealing, and a cooling system designed to sustain aggressive driving. The engine’s configuration and tuning enable the IS F to deliver rapid acceleration and a distinctive, high-pitched V8 soundtrack.
Summary: The 2008 Lexus ISF’s heart is the 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 — a hand-assembled, naturally aspirated powerplant delivering 416 hp and about 371 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for spirited performance.
