In automatic mode (D), the torque converter lock-up control is engaged throughout all gear changes to deliver exceptional launch power and quick acceleration without driver intervention. You can also shift gears manually by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The transmission's Sport mode maintains higher revs, while the Snow mode affords greater control on slippery roads.

Accelerations are lightning-quick, especially in M mode: 0-100 kph in under 5 seconds. Meanwhile, D mode shaves 1.5 second off your time from 80-120 kph. Downshifts are a real treat from eighth to second gear with the throttle blips. Because of the torque converter lock-up, you must drop below 3,600 rpm to go back into first gear.

The nicely equipped base model retails for $64,400.

Outstanding steering and brakes
The steering wheel is perfectly assisted and the turning radius is ridiculously short. When we shot the video for this road test, I was amazed to see how easy it is to perform U-turns. Scott Pruett also told us that he had never seen such durable brakes on this type of factory car. The Brembos make it possible for a beginner to ride on such technical tracks as Laguna Seca or Calabogie without overheating the brakes or seeing them fade after a few laps. "She takes the beating better than an M3," he said. I agree.

Road and track
First, we drove on the track and under heavy rain. The Michelins did a great job of gluing the car to the tarmac. No bad surprises here. Power is easy to modulate. The next day, we drove on highways and byroads before venturing out on the Calabogie road course. The ride is not uncomfortable despite the firm suspension settings. About the only thing that affects the driving experience is the lack of forward visibility due to the large A-pillars. The IS F is not the only one that suffers from this shortcoming. Actually, this growing trend among such high-performance cars is starting to worry me. I can understand that Lexus wanted to incorporate an airbag inside these pillars, but a clean, unobstructed field of vision proves to be a greater safety feature in my opinion.

On the track, I pushed the car to the limit and, while I could have disabled stability control, I chose not to for a good reason: I wasn't totally familiar with the car yet. I did use the Sport mode as it afforded me greater freedom. Several test drivers later said that the IS F had a tendency to understeer. I was about to agree with them... until I sat next to Scott Pruett, who showed me how you can induce understeer and oversteer simply by modulating the throttle. Because the IS F is a rear-wheel drive car, you can execute both. He confessed to me that he also preferred to use the Sport mode instead of turning the ESC off. This way, you can remain focused and drive faster.

Competitively priced
The nicely equipped base model retails for $64,400. Adding $4,100 for the Series 2 Package (navigation system, backup camera, Bluetooth capability, Mark Levinson sound system with in-dash 6-CD/DVD changer) still keeps the price below $70,000, which is considerably less than what rivals ask for. Add typical Lexus reliability and build quality, and you get yourself a world-class, high-value machine.


Photo Credit : Amyot Bachand, Toyota