Lexus’ IS-F ‘lite’ ready to blast in

By Jack Rix

26th October 2008

If you like the look of the IS-F, but can do without the grunt, this is the Lexus for you! Revealed at Australia’s Sydney Motor Show, it’s called the IS250 Sports Concept. And it’s much closer to a production reality than its name suggests. The newcomer is based around the standard IS250, and it retains that model’s 2.5-litre V6 petrol powerplant. But just about everything else has been tweaked. A new braking package is fitted, adding larger cross-drilled discs all-round for improved stopping power. The suspension is also upgraded to include Bilstein dampers and springs, while body flex is reduced thanks to anti-roll bars stiffening up the chassis.

A performance air intake and a sports exhaust help up power to 210bhp, while other modifications include a harder-wearing clutch and a short-shift kit for the manual gearbox. And to make it look more like the V8-engined IS-F, Lexus has added front and rear lip spoilers, chunky side skirts and 19-inch graphite grey alloys.

Bosses say the IS Sports Concept is designed to attract younger customers to the brand – but sadly not in the UK. For the moment at least, Lexus plans to release the saloon only in the US and Australia.