The Lexus IS F looks like a cat ready to pounce, with expressive styling that suggests a balance between lithe fluidity and the tensile strength of steel and forged aluminum.
The IS F rides on the same wheelbase as the IS 250/350, but it's bigger overall, and looks it.
The stance is visibly more aggressive, especially when viewed from the front. Compared to the IS 350, the track is wider in the front, due to new wheels and tires, and the overall width is increased by nearly two inches. It's also longer by 3.35 inches, and 1 inch lower than the standard IS. Most of the growth is due to a larger engine bay for the V8 engine.
Functional vents located below the front headlamps help direct cooling airflow. This airflow passes through wider fender wells and exits behind the wheels. The vents blend smoothly into rocker panels, sculpted to a slight taper that leads the eye rearward. At the rear, four oval exhaust tips are stacked and integrated with the bumper.
Lexus engineers spent considerable time smoothing the body lines to achieve a coefficient of drag of 0.30 Cd, including the design of underbody covers for the engine, transmission, gas tank, rear suspension control arms, and trunk area. These covers and others were studied and shaped so that they would balance airflow, reduce high-speed lift, and help improve heat dissipation.
The IS F is available in six colors, including four variations of pearlescent and metallic tones. Among them: Obsidian Black, Starfire Pearl, and a bright red called Matador Red Mica. Unique to the IS F is the color Ultrasonic Blue Mica, a strong, deep blue.
