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The Basics: Model Mix

With one trim and only a few options available, the 2008 Lexus IS F is perfect for car shoppers who dislike an abundance of choices. The list of standard features is quite long, including items such as rain-sensing windshield wipers; bi-xenon adaptive headlights; and a memory function that controls the heated exterior mirrors, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and heated, 10-way adjustable front sport seats. As you might expect, there’s also leather upholstery, the same 13-speaker sound system found on lesser IS variants, an MP3 jack, keyless ignition, and the usual bevy of goodies like power windows and door locks.

For shoppers desiring a bit more, Lexus offers the IS F with an optional 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system pushing 300 watts and incorporating a six-disc CD/DVD changer; a touch-screen navigation system that features Bluetooth connectivity, voice activation, and a rear back-up camera; an intelligent cruise control system with pre-collision technology that tightens the seatbelts and readies the brakes for what it senses as an unavoidable collision; headlight washers; and a park-assist system.

Pricing

Lexus has priced the 2008 IS F at a cool $56,765, including a $765 destination charge. That’s about $20,000 more than a base IS 350 and $25,000 more than an IS 250. Clearly, the performance and visual flash associated with the F nomenclature don’t come cheap, but what might be more significant is how the IS F’s window sticker measures up amongst its classmates, the likes of which wear M, AMG, and RS badges. BMW has announced pricing for the redesigned M3 Sedan, which will come in at about $55,000 and the Audi RS4 sedan rings up at about $67,000 (Mercedes-Benz has not published pricing for its IS F fighter, the upcoming C63 AMG). With those figures in mind, it appears that Lexus IS F, while not exactly marked for the bargain bin, hits lots with a competitive price.