Ultimate IS calling the tune

Lexus is getting sporty! Having won widespread acclaim for its eco-friendly hybrids, Toyota’s luxury arm is out to tempt serious driving enthusiasts into its showrooms.

We’ve already driven the brand’s amazing 5.0-litre V8-powered IS-F, and now it can be fine- tuned with new kit recently launched by the Japanese maker.

Called the F-Sport Performance Acces­sory Line, it’s a comprehensive range of bespoke parts designed by in-house tuning department Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

The collection, which for now is only available for the IS, was introduced at the SEMA show. Many of the items are race-developed components which are normally associated with supercar manufacturers. Among the 20 products launched as part of the F-Sport range is a carbon-ceramic brake upgrade package, while buyers can also specify weight-saving forged alloy wheels and a performance clutch.

A selection of heavy-duty suspension components, which include chassis braces and larger anti-roll bars, is also on offer. However, IS owners in this country shouldn’t get too excited, as the marque’s UK div­ision has yet to make a decision on whether to offer the F-Sport accessories at dealers here.

A spokesman for Lexus GB told us: “We’re launching the IS-F in April and we’re concentrating on that at present. But we’ve got people at the show taking a look at the parts and it’s something we’re considering.”