2013 Lexus IS-F

The rear-drive IS-F is a performance variant of the IS 250 and IS 350, which are covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. The IS-F comes only as a sedan with a 416-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8. The other IS models come as a sedan and convertible with V-6 engines and an all-wheel-drive option for the sedans. Lexus claims the IS-F sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It competes with the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
New for 2013
Lexus claims the 2013 IS-F's retuned suspension offers better turn-in and dynamics. A scratch-resistant clearcoat paint is now used, and the available navigation system features the latest version of Lexus Enform communication system and App Suite smartphone-application integration.
Exterior
Cosmetic exterior and interior changes are always part of the high-performance package. Exterior changes compared with 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 trunk lid spoiler
• 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires

Interior
A USB/iPod connector is standard, and the IS-F comes with the Lexus Safety Connect system, which is similar to GM's OnStar service. It comes with a year's worth of service free; after that you'll have to pay a subscription fee. IS-F interior changes compared with the IS 250/IS 350 include:

• Body-hugging sport seats
• F logos all around 
• Carbon fiber trim
• Chrome shift paddles

Under the Hood
The 416-hp V-8 cranks out 371 pounds-feet of torque; the redline is 7,000 rpm. The IS-F 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 available. Lexus says the transmission, which it calls Sport Direct 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, this one uses a fluidic torque converter. Mechanical features include:

• Brakes with 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 
• Car sits 1 inch lower than the IS 250/IS 350
• Stability system's Sport mode allows more wheelspin and sliding before intervening

Safety
Standard safety features include:

• Front knee airbags
• Side-impact torso-protection airbags for the front seats 
• Side curtain airbags in both rows 
• Seat belt pretensioners for front seats and outboard rear seats 
• All-disc antilock brakes 
• Electronic stability system
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, which Lexus says is meant to integrate all systems to anticipate skids and react faster than an electronic stability system alone