Premium cars from Lexus are known the world over for their exemplary ride, poise and quietness. But in order to be recognized as a true prestige brand, company executives realized that they needed a high-performance division. And so, similar to BMW (M-Motorsport), Mercedes-Benz (AMG), Audi (RS) and even Cadillac (V-Series), Lexus now has "F".
Tuned by Lexus engineers, the IS sedan benefits from a spectacular upgrade which will help it cross swords with the best of the best. When you look at the 2008 IS F, you immediately get the feel that this is no ordinary IS. By my count, five things catch the attention: the 19-inch alloy wheels, the lowered suspension giving the car a squat look, the dual-stacked quadruple tailpipes, the functional side air vents and finally the raised hood hiding the mighty V8.
In terms of styling, the Lexus IS F is pretty attractive, although some won't like the low-profile design (they'll probably say that the car looks too heavy for the suspension). Yet, there's a definite sporty feel to it, especially when compared to our modern vehicle fleet. Direct rivals of the IS F, however, are bolder and much more striking.
The interior is nice albeit slightly massive, which takes away a bit of refinement. In typical Lexus fashion, attention to detail is top-notch. Because it's a sport-oriented model, the IS F banks on aluminum instead of wood to set the mood inside. I liked the two-tone leather seats (black and white). And as a vivid reminder of the car's sporty personality, an infinite number of "F" badges have been incorporated throughout the interior.
The driver's seat is great, offering excellent side support for the back and thighs, which allows you to hit corners with authority while your body stays upright. No one would complain, however, if the front seat cushions were a few centimeters longer. The driving position is intuitively found thanks to 10-way power adjustments and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel.
Contrary to what the exterior design might lead you to think, Lexus made the suspension much more comfortable than the competition's. Therefore, this performance sedan is more suited to daily driving conditions.
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| When you look at the 2008 IS F, you immediately get the feel that this is no ordinary IS. |
Tuned by Lexus engineers, the IS sedan benefits from a spectacular upgrade which will help it cross swords with the best of the best. When you look at the 2008 IS F, you immediately get the feel that this is no ordinary IS. By my count, five things catch the attention: the 19-inch alloy wheels, the lowered suspension giving the car a squat look, the dual-stacked quadruple tailpipes, the functional side air vents and finally the raised hood hiding the mighty V8.
In terms of styling, the Lexus IS F is pretty attractive, although some won't like the low-profile design (they'll probably say that the car looks too heavy for the suspension). Yet, there's a definite sporty feel to it, especially when compared to our modern vehicle fleet. Direct rivals of the IS F, however, are bolder and much more striking.
The interior is nice albeit slightly massive, which takes away a bit of refinement. In typical Lexus fashion, attention to detail is top-notch. Because it's a sport-oriented model, the IS F banks on aluminum instead of wood to set the mood inside. I liked the two-tone leather seats (black and white). And as a vivid reminder of the car's sporty personality, an infinite number of "F" badges have been incorporated throughout the interior.
The driver's seat is great, offering excellent side support for the back and thighs, which allows you to hit corners with authority while your body stays upright. No one would complain, however, if the front seat cushions were a few centimeters longer. The driving position is intuitively found thanks to 10-way power adjustments and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel.
Contrary to what the exterior design might lead you to think, Lexus made the suspension much more comfortable than the competition's. Therefore, this performance sedan is more suited to daily driving conditions.
 |
| The interior is nice albeit slightly massive, which takes away a bit of refinement. |