First Look: 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport

A new IS is always exciting news for anybody following the developments in the motoring world.  For an average buyer an IS is a high quality small sedan with plenty of power, comfort, and practicality.  For an enthusiast, it's a rear wheel drive sports sedan with racing pedigree, excellent handling and lots of tuning potential.

The 2014 was no exception. Since in 2012 Lexus has been displaying their LF-CC concept keeping everybody anxious for the exciting news. Finally, on May 16 it happened and the 3rd generation IS went on sale in Japan, so last weekend I went down to local dealership to have a look.

In front of me was a beautiful "Red Mica Crystal Shine" (or Matador Red Mica in the US) fully loaded IS 350 F Sport with about 1 million yen worth options, bringing total price close to whooping 8 million yen, which is close to GTR territory! 

So what did Lexus do to make it worth it?

First of all: the design, they went for an aggressive look. with massive grille with angular corners extending low to front lip spoiler making it look like it's screaming with anger! 

The body lines are sharp, connecting to headlights and angular DRL's in front and similar angular tail LED's in the rear. 

Rear wheel arches have upwards swinging lines slightly extending width of the body. The lines also merge with tail lights.  It may look like a bit too much on pictures, but in person it just looks fabulous.

Stepping inside and it becomes clear that designers in Lexus did not take any shortcuts. All materials are high quality, very stylish, and incredibly friendly to the eye. 

This model had heated/cooled leather sports seats, which were suprisingly firm but very comfortable.  Center console is low and extends from dash in an angle creating more space for front occupants.

Driving position is close to perfect, although the dash seemed a bit high creating noticeable blind spots, but I don't think with this car's size this would be a problem in narrow streets.

Once in driving seat, nothing is more eye catching, than the bright high resolution LCD instrument panel that made its way straight from Lexus LFA. 

Car is also equipped with optional Mark Levinson premium stereo sound entertainment package, which includes blue-ray player, Digital amplifier and 15 speaker combining for 835W Output.  High resolution 7 inch LCD, SD navigation system, and Digital TV tuner is standard. 

Car indeed is equipped incredibly well and should keep its owner happy for long time. 

The specs look very promising.  The 3.5L V6 engine produces 306 HP that are delivered to rear wheels through speed-shift 8 gear automoatic gearbox. 

As usual manual shifting can be done through gear lever or steering mounted titanium paddles.  There are also options for 2.5L V6 200 HP and a hybrid with combined 217 HP. 

The F sport package can be ordered with any engine option, but it comes with a price, it does however deliver very desirable options such as sport suspension, active steering, and of course the very striking body kit. 

I didn't get to drive one yet. but I am hoping I to get to do so fairly soon.  Of course,
full review will follow. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading