The new 2010 Lexus IS-F is the brand’s first attempt at creating a performance machine to rival the German juggernaut. The car started life as an IS350, so we didn’t have high hopes for it right off the bat. The normal IS is a reliable and capable sports sedan; boring and plain in mostly every way. Then, it found the steroid cabinet.
The IS-F is very interesting to say the least. It’s got bulging front fenders, a 416 horsepower mountain of power, an eight-speed transmission, and a hard ride that would scare away most Lexus owners.
A useful car to Lexus? No, not even close. As pointless things go, the IS-F is on top of the pile. But, it makes a little sense when you remember that the one major flaw with the company was that it could never rival the Germans and their high-performance sedans. The sort of cars that sell in small numbers, but help automakers land big spots on automotive magazines and websites, like this one for example.
Hit the jump to read on.
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Next to the standard IS, Lexus will also unveil a facelift version for the top of the line IS-F at the Paris Auto Show. For 2011, the sports sedan will get an updated interior, an updated exterior, and a revised engine.
On the exterior, the sedan gets HID headlamps with integral, arrowhead, LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and a new a new Starlight Black GF finish. In the interior, it gets new dark sliver fiber inserts, and a change of contrasting stitching for the leather upholstery from white to blue. A revised front seat design offers improved driver support, and a new steering wheel improves grip and feel.
The 5.0 liter V8 engine delivers a total of 402 HP at 7000rpm and 500Nm.ft of torque at 5200rpm and is mated to an 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission with manual, paddle shift override. The IS-F makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds and can hit a top speed of 167 mph.
Press release after the jump.
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Lexus unveiled the current generation IS back in 2005 and, in its 5 years of history, this is the first time the model gets a real facelift. The official debut will be made at the Paris Auto Show and sales are to begin in early 2011.
For 2011, all IS models come equipped with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, gain LED daytime running lights, receive new wheels and rear light designs, and a revised choice of exterior colors.
The IS 200d comes to replace the 220d and is powered by a new 2.2-liter diesel with an output of 148 HP. Also for 2011, the IS 250C will only be offered as an automatic model. Under the hood there will be the same 205 HP V6 engine, but with improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
And finally, the top version, the IS F-Sport, is heavily inspired by the ultra-high-performance IS F. It gets a new deep front spoiler with faired-in fog lights, new grille design, and a rear spoiler with integrated stop light. On the interior Lexus will offer F-Sport steering wheel, gear lever and sports pedals, and front seats finished in leather and Alcantara.
Press release after the jump.
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Lexus decided to mark its 20 years in the UK with a special Celebration Edition for the IS sports saloon range. For a limited time, customers receive a “complimentary upgrade” that will allow them to purchase the IS F-Sport for the price of a new IS 250 or 220d SE-I model. This special edition is now available for order at any Lexus UK dealer.
The new Celebration Edition isn’t just your average IS-F either. This special edition gets all kinds of additions to perk up the style quota. The package includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather and Alcantara sports front seats, an aluminum pedal set, sports steering wheel, bootlid spoiler, mesh front grille, lowered suspension (IS 250 F-Sport only), and F-Sport badging. All of these items have a combined customer value of £1,680.
The new Lexus IS Celebration Edition will also be offered with three years of complimentary servicing, meaning a big reduction in running costs for customers.
Press release after the jump.
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Lexus unveiled details on the 2011 IS Sports car, a model that comes with a great news: the addition of a new IS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) model and a new F Sport Package for the IS 250/350 rear-wheel drive (RWD). The 2011 IS250 will go on sale at a price of $32,145, while the most powerful version, the IS 350 will be priced at $38,570. The newest addition to the line-up, the IS350 AWD is priced at $41,030.
For 2011, all IS models come equipped with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, gain LED daytime running lights, receive new wheels and rear light designs, and a revised choice of exterior colors. The 2011 IS will get a new front grille and bumper, a new taillamp cover, and revised tailpipe design. The F-Sport package adds special suspension, steering tuning, and 18" wheels with distinctive design and dark super-chrome finish. The top version, the IS F-Sport, is heavily inspired by the ultra-high-performance IS F. It gets a new deep front spoiler with faired-in fog lights, new grille design, and a rear spoiler with integrated stop light. On the interior Lexus will offer F-Sport steering wheel, gear lever and sports pedals, and front seats finished in leather and Alcantara.
Under the hood, the IS250 gets a 2.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 204 HP at 6,400 RPM and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS350 gets the 3.5-liter V6 engine that now delivers a total of 306 HP at 6,400 RPM and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engines will be coupled to a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
UPDATE 08/27/2010: This article has been updated to include more details on the 2011 IS. Check out some new photos of the IS after the jump.
Press release after the jump.
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