I remember an episode of Rides where Rod Millen and his buddies transplanted the engine from a Lexus GS430 and the Getrag 6-speed from a Supra into the diminuitive body of an IS300. The car they created sounded magnificent and the sight of it yowling around the Streets of Willow Springs gave me the impression that a V8 IS would be just the ticket for Lexus to establish itself as a genuine contender in the luxury/performance game.

That was over three years ago and it seems like Lexus really took their time turning Millen’s IS430 concept into the dealership-ready IS-F, but all I can say is: It looks like it’ll be worth the wait.
Lexus invited a whole bunch of people to the Laguna Seca track to test-drive the IS-F and a few members of Club Lexus were among them to record the procedings - and record they did. Check out the above video for evidence of the IS-F’s tyre-shredding prowess (and what is allegedly some “drifting”), and visit the Club Lexus forums for some commentary and pictures from those that were there.

If only they’d ditch those dorky tailpipes, then this thing would be sex on four wheels…

[Source: Lexus, Club Lexus via 0-60]
[Video courtesy of Club Lexus, photo courtesy of "STIG"]