2012 Lexus IS250 Sedan

The Lexus IS has morphed from one sedan into a family of luxury/performance cars. The sedan comes with two available V-6 engines plus a V-8 for the ultra-high-performance IS F. Both of the six-cylinder models, the IS250 and the IS350, are available with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive can't be paired with the six-speed manual transmission, but we suspect that few people choose the stick shift anyway, which is available only with the smaller six. A manual transmission might be more popular in the IS F, if it were offered. The IS F was the first Lexus with a true sporting bent; it competes with the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, even if it's not quite as competent. Still, its 416-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 will fling this sedan to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles. The IS F is dressed in an extroverted body kit and is upgraded with Brembo brakes and a stiff suspension. For those who want some of that sporty gear but don't want to shell out $62,175 for the IS F, the F Sport package has front and rear spoilers and a darker grille, seats with additional side bolsters, plus other special trim. Mechanical F Sport upgrades (brakes, suspension, wheels, exhaust) are available as dealer accessories. In addition to the sedans, there is an IS convertible, which features a retractable hardtop. It's available with the same powertrain choices as the sedan's, but there's no F version.