Over the last few months we've had the chance to sample all three versions of the new Lexus IS series. The one that turned the most heads was the V-8 powered IS-F. But, our staff generally felt the 3.5L V-6 in the IS350 made a lot more sense. Then, of course, there were those of us who insisted on having a traditional manual transmission. These are only available in the base model IS250. Keeping the 2.5L V-6 wound up requires a lot of shifting, but that's pretty much the point of going with a manual anyway.
Regardless of your position on the gearbox debate, the IS chassis is attractive. It's one of the best looking cars currently on the market and its technological gismos work really well. Details like windows that can be rolled up after the ignition is killed and an adjustable chirp volume on the alarm may sound snooty but, after a few days behind the wheel, the word luxury doesn't really sound that sacrilegious anymore. Still, there are those tuner types who see the IS as a rigid front-engine rear-wheel-drive platform cleverly disguised as an upscale sedan. They are headed toward the dangerous intersection of luxury car and project car.
Modifying an expensive car that is still under warranty should be done with extreme caution. It doesn't take much to disrupt the balance of performance and comfort that is engineered into them. Manufacturers generally frown upon customers that mess with their work. Which makes the latest move by Lexus really unexpected. The company has just launched a line of hop-up parts under the brand name F-Sport. They can be purchased over the counter at most dealer parts departments. Even better, most of the parts should be available as dealer-installed options and could be included in the warranty and financing on new cars. We borrowed an IS250 loaded with the full F-Sport catalogue of parts to see how everything worked.
Visually it really is stunning. The staggered satin wheels, monster brakes, and lowered stance project an air of villainous sophistication. The stainless exhaust looks and sounds just right. It is a pleasure to commute in. There's hardly any road noise at speed. But, drop the windows, tune the XM to something old school, and the Lexus transforms into one gangster boulevard cruiser.
Under normal driving conditions the suspension feels almost as smooth as stock. Most of the time it rides along on the softer coils of its progressive rate springs. With enough load the springs will transition to their stiffer coils. In the corners this is a good thing since the stiffer coils combined with bigger anti-sway bars reduce body roll. Unfortunately, if the springs get compressed by having a bunch of people and gear in the car, the ride gets pretty rough. This was most noticeable in the rear where the springs ramp up from 230 pounds-per-inch to 400 pounds-per-inch. Whether or not this is an acceptable compromise will vary by individual. It should be noted though that most rear seat passengers don't make car payments.
Knowing that our readers wouldn't be satisfied with mere villainous gangster cruiseability ratings, we grabbed out radar gun and data acq system to gather some hard numbers. First off, the brakes work. While the Michelin Pilot Sport tires likely deserve most of the credit for the impressive stopping performance, the brakes had great balance and feel. Also, we can't imagine ever overheating those giant things. Secondly, the short shifter does not work. While it did reduce knob travel, it made it difficult to feed the gears. Our acceleration graph had some of the longest shift plateaus of any car we've tested. Overall, the IS250, even with the F-Sport axle back exhaust and intake, is not a drag racer.
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