Lexus has revved up its IS range for 2011 with a more focused, edgier IS-F sports sedan, featuring fashionable LED daytime running lights in revised headlight clusters.
But the really good stuff is under the skin and inside the cockpit.
Revised suspension geometry, says Lexus, has improved both handling stability and ride quality, while also increasing cornering ability. Lexus test drivers found the more compliant set-up actually improved their test-track lap times.
Inside, the Sport button has been moved to the steering wheel; as before, the system alters the transmission shift speed and power-steering settings, while reducing the stability control system's intervention for more enthusiastic driving - but now it's right under your thumb for instant action.
There's more brushed aluminium and a new, darker “silver fibre” trim on the fascia and centre stack for a harder-edged, more purposeful ambience; right in front of the driver there's a new instrument cluster with a large, central rev-counter (that reads to 9000rpm!), an inset digital speedometer and a smaller, 330km/h, analogue speedo offset to the right, along with a three-bar LED up-shift indicator.
The heart of the IS-F, however, is unchanged; its five-litre V8 still pushes 331kW through an eight-speed sequential automatic transmission, good enough for 0-100 in 4.6sec and a (limited) top speed of 270km/h.
The 2011 IS-F costs R792 000 (including VAT and emissions tax) and comes with the standard Lexus four-year or 100 000km warranty and maintenance plan.