What's more, though, and unlike most of its rivals, the Lexus six-speed unit never hunts for the right gear, always maintains that

The Lexus six-speed never hunts for the right gear, always maintains that gear no matter how hard you push the revs, even up to the engine's limit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

gear no matter how hard you push the revs, even up to the engine's limit where it merely holds the gear while maintaining power, a process that no doubt involves some fuzzy logic that's beyond my comprehension, despite Lexus IS chief engineer Suguya Fukusato's valiant attempts of explanation via interpreter. Another feature, similar to Mercedes' new seven-speed box, won't allow the transmission to bypass a preset gear even if you slow to a stop, start out again in first, second and then third, per se, where it will run the previously chosen gear right up to redline and hold it there, before shifting immediately on your command. This is a transmission that rewards sport-oriented drivers completely, unless the use

Mated to the 3.5-litre V6, the six-speed auto combines for a heavenly powertrain, or is sinfully tempting more apropos. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

of your left foot on a clutch is mandatory, relegating you to an IS 250 specified car. At the same time if left in the "D" position, it will perform with dignified grace and poise.

Mated to the 3.5-litre V6, it's a heavenly combination, or is sinfully tempting more apropos. So that we didn't have to tempt fate, and Ontario's rather vigilant OPD, Lexus prepared a road test route that wasn't particularly inspiring from a turns and twists perspective, prompting me to experience the IS as most who own one will on a regular basis, calmly motoring along inner city streets, connecting highways and rural byways, on my way to Downsview airfield, a former CFB military strip that has long since gone to pasture, but amid the weeds and broken tarmac hosts car companies such as Lexus as well as a certain Rolling Stones concert that brought international acclaim to the neglected property.