Lexus IS Overview

It's not every day you get thrown the keys to a one-off demonstration car, but that is precisely what happened to me on my last visit to Kazama Auto.
Lexus IS


Lexus IS





Lexus IS


Lexus IS


Lexus IS


Lexus IS


Lexus IS


Lexus IS


Lexus IS



I was just there to grab some shots of the wild Lexus IS350 that Kazama-san built for last year's Tokyo Auto Salon, but little did I know I would come away from this particular shoot with a silly grin on my face...a grin that lasted for days! I remember vividly when my expression changed. As I slowly drove around the Saitama-ken countryside desperately looking for a cool location to shoot the car, I suddenly found myself on a deserted stretch of straight road. I thought, what the heck, I might as well see if this thing goes as well at is looks...and boy was I in for a surprise. Within a split second of stepping on the gas the turbine had mustered up full boost in second gear and the rear tires instantly lit up, as I shot down the road sideways. I grabbed third and the huge 20-inch rear GoodYears eventually managed to offer some grip, the savage acceleration accompanied by an ear-piercing scream from the external wastegate.

Lexus Announces 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

Lexus has unwrapped the limited run 2011 IS 350C F Sport Special Edition convertible, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. later this month. Only 175 units will be built, each carrying a $55,120 (not including $875 destination) sticker and some styling and performance upgrades over the standard model.

The limited run hardtop convertible comes in a choice of two new colors (Starfire Pearl or Obsidian), and features bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, special exterior badging and 19-inch alloys in a dark graphite finish, wrapped around in 225/35 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Heated and ventilated black-red leather sport seats with red stitching plus a new wood trim spice up the cabin.

Lexus is also offering a comprehensive standard equipment package, which includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, rear back-up camera, voice command, Lexus Enform telematics system with Safety Connect and various XM services.

To improve handling, the Japanese brand's engineers fitted the F Sport model with new Bilstein shock absorbers, shorter springs and a sway bar.

“The F Sport Special Edition builds on the IS 350C and takes the fun of the convertible up another notch,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “The racing inspired F Sport accessories on this car were precision engineered specifically for this vehicle, allowing us to provide performance without compromise.”

Lexus IS C gets F-Sport accessories

The Lexus IS C went on sale few days ago, when the manufacturer announced that is planning to sell over 1,600 units per month. Now Lexus wanted to offer a surprise for its customers and expanded its F-Sport Performance Accessories line for the IS250C and IS350C.

The new IS C F-Sport accessories include performance enhancing parts such as forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. The parts were developed with help from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and will be available at North American Lexus showrooms from June 1.

The new range includes 19in forged alloy wheels designed in a dark graphite finish, six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors, braided stainless-steel brake lines, sports pads, and a new shock absorber and suspension spring set.

The shock absorbers and springs were co-developed with Bilstein and provide a firmer ride, increased stability and reduced body roll. Body roll and chassis flex is further reduced with the adoption of the sway bars and a chassis brace.

Engine performance is lifted with a new sports exhaust and intake system consisting of stainless-steel mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips and high-flow filters. Other pieces include a carbon-fiber engine cover, a performance clutch for manual models, as well as a quick-shift gearstick that decreases shift throw by approximately 35%.

Previously the F-Sport accessories was only applicable for the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans but Lexus has always maintained that parts would eventually be developed for other vehicles in its lineup.