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IS-F gains LED sparkle for 2011

IN THE MIDDLE: The 2011 IS-F shows its performance bias with a new instrument binnacle prioritising the scrutinising of engine speed above all else.
IN THE MIDDLE: The 2011 IS-F shows its performance bias with a new instrument binnacle prioritising the scrutinising of engine speed above all else.
Lexus has added subtle design changes to its IS-F high-performance sedan for 2011.

The company’s naturally-aspirated V8 IS, an Oriental sedan for hooligans who require five-person portability, now adds LED daytime running lights (arranged in a fashion to mimic Lexus’s L-motif design language) housed in redesigned headlight clusters.

Inside, the IS-F’s dials gets a significant driver information revamp with an oversized rev-counter taking pride of place in the centre of Lexus’s F-specific instrument cluster, framed by a smaller 330km/h calibrated speedometer.

The theme of increased LED use is carried over from the upgraded headlights to the instrument cluster too, with a three-bar LED shift-indicator now residing amongst the dials.

SOFTER RIDE - STILL SPORTY

Beyond the proliferation of LEDs both inside and out, the 2011 IS-F does sport some mechanical improvements too.

Although the 5-litre V8’s peak power output of 311kW remains unchanged, Lexus engineers have altered the car’s suspension geometry with the aim of reducing IS-F’s harshness of ride over less than perfectly surfaced roads, whilst retaining the best dynamic handling features of its rear-wheel drive configuration.

A slight ergonomic change should markedly enhance IS-F’s dynamic driving experience too, as Lexus has relocated the ‘Sport’ button from its rather obscure position (at the right of the steering column), to a more thumb friendly location on the steering wheel's right hand side horizontal spoke - for easy actuation.

Brushed aluminium finishes and a darker silver fibre trim are used for the centre console and facia, signalling a massive improvement over the rather gaudy cabin finish IS-F owners have endured since the car’s launch, courtesy of its ornate ‘Tokyo street racer’ fake-composite cabin texture. 

The facelifted IS-F retails for R792 000 and is covered by a four year/100 000km full maintenance plan and manufacturer warranty, which is what one would expect of a Lexus.

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