Lexus IS F

When Lexus first released details for its sporty new 'F' brand, the company didn't mention such exalted company as BMW's M Division, nor the AMG division of Mercedes-Benz, but there was no denying the likely market positioning of a high-performance version of the 3 Series sized Lexus IS.

And so the IS F finally is to go on sale, complete with a 5.0-litre V8, rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed gearbox. True enough, the engine doesn't quite scale the heights of the masterpiece powering BMW's M3, but it rivals it for winning engine note and out-punches the BMW significantly in torque terms. The IS F is not just about straight line performance either, engaging the driver convincingly. That's despite being fitted with an automatic gearbox, as it's one of the most impressive transmissions fitted to any car.

Monday February 4