A sports setting accessed via a steering-wheel button rewards you with even greater throttle response and transmission mapping that allows the gears to be held as long as possible, and downshifts to happen in an instant. Paddle shifters complete the package, allowing to you to set up for curves and power out again. Stickshift would have been preferred, but it’s hard to fault the performance of this automatic.

The stark gauge cluster is performance oriented, with the large tachometer prominently located dead center. (Photo: Lexus)

The full load of torque comes in at a fairly high 5,200 rpm, so the engine feels strong but docile in regular driving. Dig a little deeper and the exhaust note turns deep and urgent as you sail away. Acceleration is crisp and hill climbing is effortless.

The sharply jutting Lexus styling of late looks better on the compact IS than it does on the bigger cars, and we had lots of younger drivers checking us out. It’s maybe a bit much from some angles, but still distinctive and purposeful.

The F-Sport treatment lowers the ride height and adds a prominent raised hood, bigger front fenders with extra vents, stacked quad tailpipes and 19-inch BBS wheels, all of which conspire to make the IS-F look aggressively hunkered down and ready for business.

The no-nonsense gauge cluster looks race bred, with the large tachometer set in the middle and the speedo off to the side. The gauges are set in a plain black field that makes them look all the more attuned to competitive driving.

The IS-F interior gets the F-Sport treatment throughout, with aluminum pedals and paddle shifters. (Photo: Lexus)

The sports seats are stiffly bolstered and do a great job at keeping you in place during abrupt changes in direction. But the seat-back bolsters are pretty tight for a big driver like me, and I was starting to feel sore by the time we were heading home again. My smaller companion said she felt comfortable and secure in the passenger seat.

But that’s a minor complaint relative to the all-around sporting goodness of the IS-F. So what’s wrong with a little harshness when the car’s this much fun? The car’s versatility as an everyday sedan that can comfortably seat four is a major plus.

Pricing is right up there, starting off at $61,000 for a well-equipped IS-F. The test sedan had a $3,400 package that included a bunch of desirable luxury, entertainment and accessibility features, including a superb Marc Levinson premium audio system with 14 surround-sound speakers, navigation, a suite of web-based convenience features including Pandora music access, and a backup camera. Intuitive Park Assist cost an extra $500, and shipping is $895, for a bottom line of $65,405.

That’s pretty much in line with the competition, although those who favor the German performance compacts might find IS-F less engaging on a visceral level. Be that as it may, it’s hard to fault the strong performance credentials of this Lexus.

Details

Vehicle type: Four-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive.
Engine: 5-liter V8, 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, 371 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Wheelbase: 108 inches.
Overall length: 183.5 inches.
Curb weight: 3,780 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 16 city, 23 highway, 18 combined.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at