Why was the ISF discontinued?
The Lexus IS F, a high-performance luxury sedan introduced in 2008, was a bold entry into the competitive sports sedan market. Known for its powerful V8 engine, aggressive styling, and track-ready performance, the IS F quickly gained a loyal following. However, Lexus decided to discontinue the IS F after the 2014 model year, leaving enthusiasts wondering why this beloved model was retired. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons behind the discontinuation of the Lexus IS F.
1. Shifting Market Trends
One of the primary reasons for the discontinuation of the Lexus IS F was the shift in consumer preferences. During the early 2010s, the automotive market began to see a significant increase in demand for SUVs and crossovers. As a result, manufacturers, including Lexus, started focusing their resources on developing and expanding their SUV lineups to meet this growing demand. The IS F, being a niche performance sedan, struggled to maintain its place in a market that was increasingly favoring utility vehicles.
2. Competition in the Performance Sedan Segment
The performance sedan market is highly competitive, with established players like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 dominating the segment. While the IS F offered impressive performance and reliability, it faced challenges in carving out a significant market share against these well-established rivals. Lexus may have decided to redirect its efforts toward other models that could compete more effectively in the luxury and performance markets.
3. Evolution of the Lexus F Brand
Another factor contributing to the IS F's discontinuation was Lexus's decision to evolve its "F" performance brand. Instead of focusing solely on the IS F, Lexus expanded its high-performance offerings to include models like the RC F coupe and the GS F sedan. These vehicles allowed Lexus to diversify its performance lineup and appeal to a broader range of customers while maintaining the spirit of the "F" brand.
4. Development Costs and Priorities
Developing and maintaining a high-performance vehicle like the IS F requires significant investment in engineering, testing, and production. Lexus may have determined that the resources required to update and continue the IS F were better allocated to other projects, such as hybrid technology, electric vehicles, or expanding their SUV lineup. This strategic decision likely played a role in the IS F's retirement.
5. Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
As governments around the world began implementing stricter emissions and fuel efficiency standards, automakers faced increasing pressure to produce more environmentally friendly vehicles. The IS F's naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, while thrilling to drive, was not the most fuel-efficient or emissions-friendly option. This may have made it challenging for Lexus to justify continuing the model in an era of growing environmental awareness.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Lexus IS F was the result of a combination of factors, including shifting market trends, intense competition, the evolution of the Lexus F brand, development priorities, and regulatory pressures. While the IS F may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts and in the DNA of Lexus's current performance models. For those who appreciate the IS F's unique blend of luxury and performance, it remains a sought-after vehicle in the used car market, continuing to deliver thrills to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Lexus discontinue the IS F?
IS-F was discontinued after the 2014 MY. they will NOT be remaking it, due to the GS-F and RC-F being the new options. Lexus is slowly moving away from V8 motors and intends on being one of the ONLY companies to avoid ANY fines from CAFE standards in 2020.
What year Lexus is to stay away from?
Lexus IS250 (2007-2012)
First up on the list is the second-generation IS250, which has earned a reputation as the Lexus model to absolutely avoid. The release of the IS250 saw a transition from a multi-point fuel injection system in the engine to a direct injection system instead.
Why did Lexus get rid of GS?
Weak sales led to the demise of the Lexus GS
Lexus axed production of the GS in 2020 after four model generations, and it was a bittersweet moment for a car that industry experts regard as one of the core models of Lexus' global lineup.
What was the last year of the Lexus GS F?
2020
It competed in the highly competitive midsize luxury segment against rivals such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, Lexus decided to discontinue the GS after the 2020 model year.
Why did Lexus discontinue the IS?
Australian design rule changes to blame
Lexus Australia said the IS' demise is due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) – ADR 85/00 – for side impact protection.
IS the Lexus IS F rare?
This Rare Lexus 2014 ISF 1 of only 86 made in the world visited us to get our “Max” package which included a 3 step paint correction with 2 layers of. Wheels were coated with our high temp nano ceramic coating.
What does the F stand for in the Lexus emblem?
The Lexus F Performance Line is originally named after Fuji Speedway, the infamous race track where Lexus tests all prototypes prior to production. Fuji Speedway challenges even the most experienced race car drivers with its 12 demanding corners—the curves of which inspired the design of the F emblem.
What does the F stand for in Lexus IS F?
The Lexus F and F-Sport marque is the high-performance division of cars produced by Lexus. The F is short for flagship and Fuji Speedway, the chief test site of Lexus performance vehicle development in Oyama, Suntō District, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. F. Company type. Marque.
Why was the GS F discontinued?
Lexus' decision to discontinue the GS reflected a shift in consumer preferences and a strategic move towards SUVs, which offered higher profit margins.
What is the fastest Lexus F?
5 days ago
Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance
The fastest Lexus sedan in the 2025 family is the flagship Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance. Available in your choice of three trims, the F SPORT Performance variants are fitted with a dynamic 5.0-liter V-8 powertrain that can hit 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds and max out at a 149-mph top speed.
