Lexus LF Reviews

And it’s that – sporty, sexy and swift. But it’s also everything we’ve always thought Lexus was: refined, restrained and (even in this guise) still responsible.In some ways, the IS-F is for Lexus what the Celica was for its parent company, Toyota … a saucy little package designed to lure a new buyer to the badge.But where the Celica was mainly seen as being style over substance, the IS-F has a fair dose of performance to back up its appearance.The car has been developed with that focus in mind, and the project included considerable track testing, mainly on the challenging Fuji circuit – owned by Toyota, and for which the F in the car’s name stands – but also at famed spots like the Nurburgring, Laguna Seca and (closer to home) our own Phillip Island. Lexus says it was also tested over the appalling bitumen of Sydney’s Double Bay, a suburb that – despite its middle-class obsession with appearing upmarket – has some of the worst surfaces in Australia.The IS-F returned this week to Phillip Island as part of its Australian launch, which has been held over by Lexus until it could kick off with the lightly revised model rather than the initial one.The revisions are largely a slight face-lift to visually enhance the car interior and improve functionality of some of the switchgear.ExteriorThey should be able to hold off for a while in having to upgrade the sharp body styling – much of which has been designed to increase downforce — with its wide air dam and strong crease lines flowing from the grille along the edge of the bulging bonnet and through to the flanks.Among the best cues on the car are the arch-stuffing 19” turbine wheels – each one of the four cast slightly different to pull heat away from the 360mm front/345mm rear six-piston Brembo brakes – and the functional gilles behind the front wheels.Then there are the staggered oval quad exhausts tips in their mesh housing, which both sets them off and camouflages that they aren’t really connected to the pipes. Lexus admits this is partially a cosmetic feature but says it’s also functional and that the flow travels from pipe to tip. And there’s a diagram demonstrating that somewhere in Japan.InteriorSprinkled with F logos, the cabin is handsomely upmarket, except for the silvered carbon-fibre accents on the centre console that unfortunately survived the face-lift. Yes, it’s the genuine material, but cunningly disguised to look like a cheap plastic transfer.The front seats are well-sculpted with high side and wing bolsters to hold you snug, while the back is deeply divided into two wells that firmly restrict this to a four-seater.EquipmentThe list of goodies for the IS-F is lengthy, but the star turn is the brilliant Mark Levinson audio system, which has been given 1000 hours of tuning to match it to car’s acoustic characteristics.Supporting roles are taken by the likes of a touchscreen nav, Bluetooth and power-controlled everything, including memory seat settings for both driver and front passenger.EngineThe engine is the most powerful to every be carried by a Lexus – a dual-injected 5-litre quad cam V8 related to the unit in the LS460 but bored to the larger size and given a unique cylinder block, heads, crankshaft, pistons, conrods, intake and exhaust.The unit develops 311kW of power at 6600rpm and 505Nm of torque at 5200rpm, redlining at 6800rpm.The engine’s titanium inlet valves allow faster opening speed to boost performance, with timing controlled by the dual VVT-I (which was outlawed and removed from the 5-litre Lexus race engine used at Daytona).It has been tuned for sound as well as fury, and with the first dual intake on a Lexus, the secondary port opening gives a great induction snarl at 3600rpmWhile it prefers the higher octane, the engine will run on 95RON, and Lexus claims an economy figure of 11.4L/100km.TransmissionOutputs are delivered to the wheels via a new eight-speed transmission – also developed from the one in the LS460 — with paddles on the steering wheel and a simulated manual mode that Lexus says can give up shifts in 0.1sec and downshifts in 0.2 sec, helped by a throttle blipping control that matches engine speed to the gear.The transmission can be used in normal mode, snow mode or – for all-out fun – F sport mode in manual, which locks the torque converter from second to eighth gears to unleash the beast within, and the system changing throttle characteristics, steering assistance and the dynamics control settings.SafetyKey to safety in the IS-F is the integrated dynamics system (VDIM) that dovetails stability, traction and throttle controls with anti-skid brakes, brake assist and force distribution. The system is intended to anticipate when you are likely to skid out of control and bring the technology into play to prevent it. The stability control (VSC) can be switched off, leaving only the limited slip differential and ABS in control.The car rolls on Bridgestone Potenza tyres, which Lexus admits may not have ultimate dry grip but are judged by them to have the best wet/dry compromise.SuspensionUnlike rivals such as the Audi RS4, the Lexus doesn’t have adjustable suspension, but works with an independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear system with coil springs and gas dampers. Lexus believes that unless you can adjust both spring and damping rates, you shouldn’t risk having adjustable suspension.However the system has been given a different calibration to the IS250, with stiffer springs and stabiliser bars, plus larger dampers to give a sportier result.Pricing and salesWhen the car was first shown at the Sydney Motor Show a year ago, there was strong inquiry and deposits were taken on an estimated price of $150,000. However the final tag has emerged as $129,000 – an aggressive swipe at targeting the BMW M3 at $157,00, the Audi RS4 at $164,500 and even the Mercedes-Benz C 63 at $146,000.While the price may make it attractive, there could be a dampener in the waiting time. With just 25 a day being built by specially trained workers at the Tahara plant in Japan (where another Lexus rolls off the line every 87 seconds) – and about 6700 sold in the first year – the Australian queue stretches out to February delivery.DRIVINGThe Lexus engine voice up to now has always been a restrained purr, so the note of the IS-F unit came as a stirring surprise as it opened its throat in a wonderfully undignified induction snarl and an angry blurt at the auto-blip on the downshift.There’s plenty of urge there to match, too, with the engine responding forcefully to requests. We managed 0-100km in just a smidge over 5 seconds in a very rough test, so the Lexus claim of 4.8 under proper test conditions looks more than reasonable.Gear changes are swift and smooth, and the ability to use the paddles while still in full automatic mode offers a good option for the occasional times when you need an extra burst of power of engine braking in highway cruising or city traffic.And the well-weighted steering is the best we’ve seen on a Lexus, although there’s still a feeling that it’s missing the absolute directness of some of its more expensive rivals.But we were able to throw it around with a lot of satisfaction, and a bit of time on the skid pan switching between the varied options of the stability control system proved not only the benefit of the technology but that you could have your safety in whatever degree you felt comfortable with.All this adds up to a very good car. But if there was one aspect that undermined it, you could feel it in the seat of your pants – or any other part of the body that was jolted around by what turned out to be a surprisingly bumpy ride.We expected it to be firm – the price you pay for sportiness – but it was also far more jumpy than we would have imagined at this price. 

Well, of course they can. More than this number is wrong every 12 months. Otherwise there would be no ancient Daewoo Kalos disguised as a Holden Barina.But we’re talking here of the 10,000 who since late 2005 have looked hard at the previously German-owned compact prestige sedan segment, thought a bit, ruminated some, then gone “bugger it” and bought a Lexus IS 250 – the updated version of which Carsguide is the first to drive.Although competition has only become tougher since ’05 – the latest entry-level C-Class Merc is no longer a try-hard’s car and Audi’s new A4 is finally a worthy contender – the baby Lexus remains our choice.As to BMW’s 320i, well, we might live in nation of nanny state speed limits but we’d like at least the theoretical ability to get 100km/h before another birthday comes around. The 320d (diesel) slays its petrol sibling, but then there’s those perennial 3 Series grievances – a cabin that’s about as welcoming as the ride on runflat tyres is comfortable and looks that are not winsome but wince-inducing.Not that the Lexus retains this title by default. Equally it isn’t necessarily outstanding in any one or two respects. Rather it remains the best all round package with incomparably the best level of standard kit in any iteration.Available now, the upgraded IS line-up has new front and rear bumper styling, a lower intake design and chrome grille surround. More functionally, those big side mirrors (rear three quarter vision is this captivatingly shaped car’s downfall) include indicator signals, new tail lights and a redesigned under-body to improve air flow beneath the car. Sports Luxury models – such as the one we drove – cop a new set of 17s and further colour choices of Molten Copper (sounds a bit naff) and Arctic Blue (which looks right nice). Within the centre instrument stack and switchgear have been revised for what Lexus says – and indeed - is increased usability. Rear vision is helped out a whole lot with foldable headrests in back when the back two places (and the IS really is a four-seater) are unoccupied. It’s still tight in there though, as it is upfront if you go for the headspace eating sunroof. Most importantly, VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management entails stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control and steering) is standard in all IS 250 models. It cannot be entirely deactivated and boos of the purists aside, this is as it should be for most that set sail in her.Both manual and automatic transmissions have been upgraded and while we can’t speak to the former – a manual IS is seldom seen – the tweaks to the auto are appreciable and welcome. A common criticism of the previous model was that the gearstick had to be slotted into sport mode before the shifting paddles could be engaged. Now there’s temporary manual override in Drive, with full auto mode resumed by holding the upshift paddle for second or two.Downshift times have been almost halved to 0.8 seconds, a response that given that the IS has never had bags of twist down low, makes a quick gear grab a useful facility. In manual mode it holds gear on redline till meltdown. If it doesn’t equal the 3-Series’s benchmark ZF auto, the Lexus jobbie now runs it closer.In general running this enhanced alacrity can but add to an already enjoyable and desirable device. At around 1600kg it’s a hefty thing, but the well-balanced and highly accessible rear-wheel-drive dynamics come to the fore with a decent length of slack extended before the VDIM system beeps censoriously.The 153kW/252Nm 2.5-litre V6 is something of an analogy for the whole car - sophisticated, efficient and while outmatched by the bigger bent sixes of Audi and the inline sixes of BMW, it’s also elegantly sufficient for most buyers. And that mid-eight second 0-100km/h time is more than enough squirt in this legislature.In all, the IS is a fine thing smartly enhanced. Which means the next 10,000 are going to be even more right to buy it. 

And, given the push-button convenience of the latter these days, the car's upper garb often comes off quicker.Spring is also, of course, the time when Carsguide preaches to the convertible.It's a task made easier by the ever-expanding range of topless four-seaters _ cars that combine a decent degree of utility with a goodly serving of desirability _ so that now ever more are converting.The facility to have it off and on at will (most such lids fold up or down in around 20 seconds and some can do it at 30km/h) is worth a lot more as a selling point than all the kilowatts and cornering force figures in the world combined. Otherwise, just buy a coupe.Not that BMW's 125i (priced from$63,755) lacks a means of propulsion or is in any way reluctant to address bends.Even detuned to 160kW/270Nm, this three-litre jobbie is a classic example of the Bavarian's trademark in-line six _ which, combined with rear-wheel-drive dynamics, is unique among current compact convertibles.Contrary to the hairdryer image of this genre, the only thing soft about the 125i is its roof which, in a world increasingly given to folding metal numbers, is of fabric construction.For a car that, even by the compromised norm of this type, is knee-crushingly cramped in the back, it's starting to get bloody dear _ though even that's relative, given it's $30K easier on the wallet than the identically engined 325i.Equally, the Volkswagen Eos TFSI (from $49,990) offers value _ indeed, allure _ that would necessitate spending maybe $40K extra on a more prestigious badge.The VeeWee also boasts the best top of all these sometimes-roofless Germans: one with a number of variations, all of which enable it to be completely convincing as either a convertible or as a coupe. In either guise, it looks great.The TFSI shares the Golf GTI's platform and drivetrains: a slick, six-speed manual or a twin-clutch auto driving that sublime two-litre, direct-injection turbo four-potter.If you tick the optional sports suspension with 18-inch tyres box, it can do a fair dynamic imitation of this now-ubiquitous warmish hatch.So can Audi's A3 2.0 TFSI Cabrio (from $54,900) _ as it should, given that it has the same underpinnings and go bits as the allegedly humbler Eos.But although perceived prestige badges can have a disorienting effect on some punters' sense of proportion, the Eos's trick roof is enough to see it shroud out its soft-topped cousin.It used to be that to go topless in traffic, you had to be Swedish; time was, indeed, that Saab's 9-3 was synonymous with this sort of behaviour.But that was 10 years ago. Today, a 9-3 Convertible is an unreliable and outclassed alternative to simply wearing a T-shirt that reads: “Clueless”.Fortunately for Scando enthusiasts, there's Volvo's C70 T5 (from $79,950). No, it doesn't get up and go anything like those mentioned above (despite a worthy 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo), much less handle.But it does have visual presence, GT composure, a smart folding metal roof and _ perhaps more to the Swede-lover's point _ a perceptible quality of having been hewn from something extremely solid and ever-so safe.Just as Lexus's IS sedan chucked a spanner into the compact prestige segment by doing a rear-drive/six-pots-up-front package that undercut the Germans for value, so too will the Lexus IS250C coupe/convertible.Seen at the Sydney motor show, this folding-aluminium-roof number is due in these parts in the second half of 2009 _ no doubt priced at a point to cause the Europeans maximum discomfort.The IS250C has a rear overhang some 50mm longer than the sedan, and Lexus claims class-leading boot space even with the lightweight, three-piece lid folded.Roof up, it looks better still, with a coupe sleekness that becomes the IS more than the four-door shape.The IS250C shares the sedan's 153kW/252Nm 2.5-litre V6 and six-speed, paddle-shift automatic.At $1.19 million, the ultimate convertible costs 20 times more than the least expensive car here, but the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is quite possibly the world's best car _so this seems only right and proper.We mention it mainly to have an excuse to run its exquisite likeness, because next to none of us is ever going to get into one.But it somehow helps to know that those who do have the wherewithal aren't wasting their dough on rubbish.Besides, as the stock market goes at the moment, a Rolls is probably a better investment than shares. 

Its top was dropped for the first time last week in gay Paris for the Mondial l’Automobile, and now Lexus has shipped its new IS convertible to sunny Sydney, with two race-inspired sedans hot on its heels.The surprise arrival of the IS 250C confirms the car for Australia, and converts the sedan range into a trio of three by 2009. The IS 250C is a two-door four-seat version with an aluminium three-piece folding hard-top roof with a drop time of 21 seconds.The convertible is powered by the IS’s 153kW/252Nm 2.5-litre V6, with a six-speed auto as standard.Lexus claim rigidity revisions and suspension modifications bring the drop-top up to par with the sedan in both handling and NVH.The body is differentiated by unique alloys, different front bumper, a high centre-mounted brake light (and of course, only two doors and no roof).Lexus also boasts a mechanical ‘roof brake’ on the closing stages of the conversion, bringing the ceiling back to the windscreen without an awkward thump or rattle.The rear overhang has increased by 50mm to accommodate the folding roof and additional weekend luggage (that includes a golf bag, though not much else).Toyota’s high-end arm also has not one, but two performance versions of its base IS250 on display at this year’s show.The Sports Concept is a works version of the base IS250 sedan, resplendent with big six- and four-piston calipers beneath grey 19-inch forged alloys, Bilstein sports suspension, rigidity braces, a new heavy-breathing air intake, cat-back sports exhaust for a 1.5 per cent increase in power, short-shift manual, and fat integrated spoilers.The engine itself extracts a further three per cent of power, and is hidden under a carbon-fibre engine cover. The factory options are under consideration for the Australian market as a way for an IS250 owner to afford some, if not all, of the IS-F’s extreme power and sporting prowess.Speaking of which: the IS-F sedan’s local facts and figures have also been revealed.Its massive 5.0-litre V8 engine and eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SDS) transmission claims combined consumption of 11.4 litres/100km while managing 311kW at 6600rpm, and 505Nm of torque at 5200rpm through the rear wheels. The 0-100km/h sprint is all over in 4.8secs.The IS-F will be officially launched in November this year, with the IS 250C following on a year later. So it won’t be long until Lexus has a full-scale assault team to tackle the 3 Series BMW and C-Class Mercedes-Benz.

Its top was dropped for the first time last week in gay Paris for the Mondial l’Automobile, and now Lexus has shipped its new IS convertible to sunny Sydney.

DrivetrainThe GS450h is also the world’s first rear-wheel drive hybrid and is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 petrol DOHC petrol engine producing 218kW at 6400rpm and 368Nm at 4800rpm.Mated to the V6 are two high output electric motors that recharge using the kinetic energy produced when braking. The first one starts the car while the second drives the rear wheels. Both motors put out 147kW, and when combined with the petrol engine, 254kW is produced.An electronically-controlled, continously variable transmission ensures subtle gear changes and allows both petrol and electric motors to act as one.Suspension up front is independent, double wishbone, with independent, multi-link at the rear, and a choice of ‘normal’ or ‘sport’ mode according to your driving style.Using 95+ RON PULP to fill the 65 litre tank, the luxury hybrid should burn 7.9 litres every 100kms.ExteriorThe slightly refined design reduces drag for better aerodynamics, while the long bonnet, pulled-back cabin and short muscular rear give the vehicle a strong, purposeful stance.A rear-view camera with rear guide assist, and electrochromatic side mirrors that dim to prevent headlight glare, are just two of the exterior features that make this car easier to drive. Add to that a pre-collision safety system, rain-sensing wipers and a power-operated moonroof, and Lexus’s focus on cutting-edge technology for the GS450h is obvious.Other exterior features include five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon active cornering headlights and a rear spoiler.InteriorIn the multi information display, a constant reminder that you are driving a hybrid is a power meter that updates you on the total power output and advises which systems are operating.The clean intuitive dash is highlighted by woodgrain and metallic trim, and by the multi function steering wheel that incorporates controls for the audio, cruise control and phone.Matching the exterior for features, inside the car you also get climate-controlled seats with memory, a Mark Levinson audio system, DVD-based sat nav, leather upholstery, front seat head restraints and sufficient cup holders and storage pockets.SafetyIn addition to the pre-collision system, you get ABS, EBD, VCS, a comprehensive airbag package, Active Cruise Control that detects vehicles in front and adjusts speed accordingly, and electrically controlled braking.PricingThe Lexus GS450h starts at $128, 899.DrivingDriving though the city was comfortable. The steering at low-ish speeds was surprisingly heavy but we liked that – it made us feel like we were driving a cheap Benz. But the thing is, the Lexus not cheap. For a minute let’s just forget the hybrid aspect.At $128,000, it's too close in price to the Mercedes C63 AMG and too far over the $80k Holden Grange to be an option. Unless it’s all about the hybrid aspect for you, which is very effective both from a performance and efficiency aspect.An 80k drive on the freeway was uneventful. Acceleration was good and in a very small way it delivered that slot car feel you just know the performance electrics will have when they get here.We had to constantly feed in steering, which was too light - now at speed. Both aspects were very annoying.We did find the thing amusing or maybe disturbing when we started it again back at the office - it was hot and fully charged. After a couple of goes we realised it was in complete electric mode. There was absolutely no engine noise when starting.The electric experience was good and the dash and gauges for the hybrid display were fun to watch.A comparison can be made between the evolution of the mobile phone and that of hybrid electrics. The Prius is the early brick in that it basically got the ball rolling, the GS450h is the slim flip phone -- starting to get a bit more function and style. But unfortunately we are a long way off an iPhone and it may be Mercedes, rather than Lexus, that will get us to that point.However, this is an important car as it represents a stage in the life of the current leader in hybrid technology. Let’s all just hope they go the way of the brick mobile phones and lose their dominance.VERDICT: 7.1 

A purpose-built 4x4 track at the Australian International Motor Show offers visitors the chance to evaluate a range of different vehicles.Show-goers are able to experience as close to a real-life off-roading situation as you can get in the city.Exhibiting 4WD brands are:Hyundai - Santa FeJeep - WranglerKia - Sportage, SorentoLexus - LX 570Mitsubishi - Triton GLX-R, PajeroNissan - X-TRAIL Turbo DieselRenault - KoleosToyota - Landcruiser 200Volkswagen - TouaregVisitors to the show interested in a particular 4x4 will receive a VIP pass to the 4x4 track to experience the vehicle’s performance and are driven around the track by a professional driver.Track is built to demonstrate the abilities of each vehicle and obstacles are designed to demonstrate the vehicles’ increasingly advanced technology and abilities.The see-saw gives an indication of vehicle balance, the hill structure tests traction and control, the moguls and rocks show-off ground clearance and the new addition of the u-turn at the end of the track demonstrates the tightness of the turning circleThe vehicles navigate the track in slow motion; just as experienced four-wheel-drivers would approach such obstacles in real-life situations.

An array of futuristic hybrid concept cars, mainly from Japan, will join exotic supercars and new and updated models at the Darling Harbour show from October 9-19.And there will be increased interest for children at this year's show with two family days featuring TV characters.Organisers this week announced two new carmakers to the Australian scene, Cadillac and Isuzu, will unveil models at the show.Cadillac will display its US award-winning 3.6-litre V6 CTS sedan ahead of its Australian showroom debut later this year.Isuzu, meanwhile, will show its new D-Max range of one-tonne utes, in a return to the Australian car market. It is effectively the latest version of the Holden Rodeo which, designed by Isuzu, has sold here for the past 28 years.But now Isuzu is selling the car under its own name. Holden has since released its Rodeo replacement, the Colorado.Organisers say they will be among more than 40 concept vehicles and all-new or updated models on show. Futuristic fuel-efficient machines on display include the Mazda Taiki concept car, the Nissan Mixim electric car, Toyota's Hybrid X, the Lexus LF-Xh and the latest Suzuki Kizashi 3 machine.Toyota will also be displaying its Camry hybrid, which will become the first locally made hybrid car when it goes on sale next year.VW will have two of its BlueMotion economic range on show, a Passat and a Polo.Nissan will show off its next generation GT-R supercar while Holden will have its Coupe 60 concept. Volvo's take on the future is on a different path. It will show the newXC60 SUV, the latest in advanced safety technology — a car that avoids crashes by using distance-monitoring sensors. The City Safety technology seeks to prevent front-end collisions at speeds below 30km/h.Safety will also be the theme on the RTA stand, where NSW cricket team players will make guest appearances to meet showgoers.But the stars of every motor show are usually the ultimate exotic supercars. This year organisers have brought them together in the new Supercar Central area to showcase the latest in dream machines. Starring this year will be the $2 million Koenigsegg CCX, capable of just under 400km/h. Going from standing still to 100km/h takes just 3.2 seconds.The super Swede will be joined by the $1.5 million Pagani Zonda Roadster, a new Elfin to be unveiled on opening day, a Lotus Elise S, Bolwell Nagari, Gemballa Avalanche GTR 800 Evo, Morgan Aero 8, Chamonix 550 Spyder and the retro Bufori La Joya.Children's favourite TV character Roary The Racing Car will attempt to steal the limelight from the real cars, with two family days on each Saturday. Roary and his sidekicks, plus other TV characters, including Bob The Builder, will greet children and their families.“Family day is extremely busy and in previous years we've found there's just not enough time to accommodate the huge number of children and families on one Saturday,” event organiser Robby Clark says.“By adding an extra day dedicated to families and children, we can provide an even more enjoyable day for all visitors.”Outside, 4WD fans will again be able to assess the value of the latest machines on the Waeco 4WD Action Track. Showgoers canbe chauffeured up and down the track, which includes serious rocks, hills and a see-saw.Shannons has 25 rare and classic cars to display ahead of the last day auction. Last year the headline act was a Falcon GT-HO. This year a Ford from the same era, but of different heritage, will be the most valuable classic on show: a fully-restored American 1969 Boss 429 Mustang, complete with a 7.0-litre V8 engine (top speed above 320km/h), and likely to sell for between $320,000 and $350,000.A '69 Falcon XW GT HO Phase I is expected to sell for up to $200,000, while Holden fans will admire a black, four-door 1977 Torana A9X and an original 1950 ute.And a yellow and black NSW Z number plate is tipped to fetch up to $25,000.SHOW STARSTen cars not to miss at the show* Mazda Taiki* Suzuki Kizashi 3* Toyota Hybrid X* Nissan Mixim* Lexus LF-Xh* Nissan GT-R* Koenigsegg CCX* Cadillac CTS* Holden Coupe 60* Peugeot 308 CCAustralian International Motor ShowWhere: Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition CentreWhen: Thursday, October 9-Sunday, October 19Opening hours: opening day 5pm-10pm, other weekdays 10am-10pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm, Sunday October 12 9am-9pm and Sunday October 19 9am-7pmTickets: adult $18, under 16 $11.50, under 5 free, senior $14, family of two adults and up to three children under 16 $44Don't miss the official motor show program free in The Daily Telegraph on October 10. 

The hybrid concept will be one of two all-new Lexus vehicles to be displayed at the show. The all-wheel drive LF-Xh features a V6 petrol engine mated to a high-output electric motor hybrid system, reinforcing Lexus' commitment to a hybrid future. Designed by Lexus' Shuhei Miyashita, the concept aims to capture the essence of Lexus' unique L-Finesse design philosophy for an SUV. The LF-Xh's aggressive stance and edgy design features large LED headlamps, handleless doors and distinct blue hybrid badging. Interior design has also been heavily influenced by Lexus' L-Finesse design language, featuring a large flowing centre console and wrap-around dashboard housing hybrid-inspired blue instruments. Lexus Chief Executive John Roca said the Lexus stand at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show would be its biggest ever in Australia. "In particular, the LF-Xh concept demonstrates our ongoing commitment to hybrid technology as a core Lexus power-train." "Lexus hybrid drive is a core strength for us. We have already incorporated it into several production models, and our intention is to continue to grow our hybrid vehicle line-up," said Mr Roca. "While others continue to talk about their moves to new power-train technologies, Lexus has been making it available to consumers in Australia since 2006," said Roca.

The future for Lexus could be sprinkled with high-performance models as its F label becomes as important as an M badge at BMW. The chief engineer of the brand's breakthrough IS-F, Yukihiko Yaguchi, is already checking everything from the GS sedan to the RX soft-roaders for their potential for an F upgrade. He wants more and to do more, even if there is no firm plan. “It hasn't been decided yet but, yes, I would like to do that,” Yaguchi says at the Australian press preview drive of the IS-F at Fuji Speedway in Japan. “It is just an idea . . . but the IS F was just an idea, also.” Yaguchi made the $150,000 IS-F a personal campaign, battling management reluctance and limited support to produce a 5.0-litre V8 competitor for long-standing luxury performance vehicles from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. “I wanted to develop a new breed of animal for Lexus,” Yaguchi says. “In general our company produces rather rational cars and it was certainly a very difficult project . . . I cannot say what the future holds.” Lexus Australia boss John Roca hopes Yaguchi's IS-F will not be a one-shot wonder. “There is nothing on the drawing board at this stage, but you certainly wouldn't rule out similar performance derivatives of GS and LS in the future,” Roca says. “This (car) will also give our existing customers a boost. As much as we have had potential customers wanting to buy a Lexus had this type of vehicle been available, we also have existing customers who have clearly shown they are ready to move into a car of this type.”