New 2009 Lexus

Vehicle Overview
It took an awfully long time, but in 2008 Lexus finally threw its noodle into the alphabet soup of automotive performance variants. Where Audi's A4 comes as a souped-up (oh, the irony) RS 4, the BMW 3 Series comes as an M3 and the Acura TL comes as a TL Type-S, the Lexus IS compact sport sedan offers the IS-F, the first but definitely not the last in Lexus' high-performance line. Equipped with a 416-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8, the IS-F is claimed to sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds.

New for 2009
A new instrument cluster and a two-tone interior mark the IS-F's changes for 2009.

Exterior
Cosmetic exterior and interior changes are always part of the high-performance package. Lexus makes several changes for '09, but these items serve a purpose, managing airflow and making room for the larger, taller engine.

IS-F exterior changes compared to the IS 250/IS 350 include: wider fenders, flared bumper with a larger mouth, vents behind the front wheels, high-domed hood, quad tailpipes, small trunklid spoiler and 19-inch wheels with performance tires.

Interior
IS-F interior changes compared to the IS 250/IS 350: body-hugging sport seats in black, white or new two-tone, F logos all around, carbon fiber trim and chrome shift paddles.

Under the Hood
The 416-hp V-8 cranks out 350 pounds-feet of torque; the redline is 7,000 rpm. The car has one transmission — with enough gears for two. The eight-speed automatic has a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. There is no true manual. Lexus says the transmission, which it calls direct-sport shift, changes gears within one-tenth of a second and executes rev matching for smoother downshifts and decreased wear. Not to be confused with some automated-manual transmissions, like Audi's S tronic, this one uses a fluidic torque converter.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Upgraded brakes with larger, cross-drilled discs and six- and two-piston calipers in the front and rear, respectively. Brembo-brand calipers are gloss black and bear the Lexus logo, while upgraded springs, shocks, stabilizer bars, bushings and steering tuning are all optimized for performance driving. The IS-F sits 1 inch lower than the IS 250/IS 350 and boasts an electronic stability system with special mode between fully engaged and fully defeated. Sport mode allows more wheelspin and sliding before interrupting and keeping you on track.

Safety
Standard safety features include: knee airbags, side-impact torso-protection airbags, side curtain airbags in both rows, seat belt pretensioners for front seats and backseats and antilock brakes.