THE Lexus range starts with the most compact car the company builds, the IS, but there has never been an IS like the latest addition to the line-up.
The IS F is a different machine is every respect to other models, coming as it does with a 5.0-litre V8 under its bonnet.
On the road the £51,155 IS F can be distinguished from other IS models by its lower stance, deeper front spoiler with larger grille and intakes and the wider wheelarches with side vents.
At the rear the stacked quad tailpipes in the deep rear bumper signal the presence of the V8 engine and a spoiler is neatly integrated into the lip of the boot.
The new all-aluminium engine, engineered for high output and high-performance driving is matched to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission.
It develops a hefty 417bhp which rockets it from nought to 62mph in 4.8 seconds.
The IS F uses the same double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension configuration as the standard IS, but with the benefit of a number of track-proven modifications, with high strength steel used for key elements to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Sitting an inch closer to the ground, the IS F also has a lower centre of gravity.
Lexus worked with Brembo to develop the IS F braking system, with 360mm ventilated and drilled six-piston discs at the front and 345mm two-piston discs at the rear.
The attention to detail extended to the 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels and the creation of bespoke tyres with both Michelin and Bridgestone to suit the car's high performance capabilities.
The IS F went on sale in April and just 150 are available for sale in the UK this year.
For anyone looking for a more modest IS the range starts from £24,585 while diesel models start from £25,617.
In contrast to 5.0-litre V8 models Lexus continues to lead the global automotive industry by offering the most comprehensive line-up of hybrid vehicles of any manufacturer.
In fact almost one in every three new Lexus models sold in the UK is now a hybrid.
The company says motorists are making a considered choice to opt for the unmatched combination of lower emissions, fuel efficiency and performance offered by Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, helping push sales to record levels.
The RX 400h is Lexus's best selling model in Europe, representing a 24 per cent share of European sales volumes, while in Britain 80 per cent of RX sales are of the hybrid version.
Prices for the RX 400h range from £35,610 to £44,130
The GS 450h executive sports saloon is another hybrid that outsells its conventionally powered sister model and the new LS 600h flagship limousine, which went on sale towards the end of last year, had an advance order book filled for six months at launch.
The LS 600h features the world's first full-time, all-wheel drive full hybrid V8 powertrain, combining a technically peerless 5.0-litre engine with a powerful, high-output electric motor.
The result is performance that rivals a standard V12 petrol engine (0-62mph in 6.3 seconds) with fuel consumption and emissions that are on a par with the segment's best performing - and substantially lower powered - diesels (30.4mpg and 219g/km in combined cycle driving).
LS 600h prices range from £81,210 to £87,810.
Lexus GS petrol models are headed by the 4.6 V8 engined GS460. This delivers 342bhp and this power is matched to an eight speed automatic transmission.
This car, priced from £50,200, is the performance flagship of the GS range reducing the 0-62 mph time to 5.8 seconds and with a 155mph top speed.