2012 Lexus IS F Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Lexus IS F earns a below average Total Car Scores in the Luxury High Performance category.  
 
Just as the regular IS rivals premium compact sedans from Germany, the IS F is an attempt by Lexus to compete with one Bavarian sport sedan in particular. Hence a powerful V8 engine and a highly tuned chassis that saw, last year, many improvements over the first iteration. 
 
These improvements have changed reviewers' minds. They once considered the IS F as intriguing and certainly fun to drive, but ultimately not on the same level as an M from BMW or AMG from Mercedes-Benz. There's still some daylight between these machines, but critics like the IS F's new maturity. 
 
The car can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 170 mph, doing so in a surefooted yet supple manner. 
 
Some reviews gripe that the IS F doesn't offer a manual transmission, but the auto trans is smooth and quick. And the aerodynamic appendages look like cheaper items than a Lexus would normally wear. However, the build quality and cabin get the thumbs-up. 
 
There's a new design of alloy wheel and that's about all the changes for the 2012 model year. A generation of IS is anticipated in 2013.

2012 Lexus IS F Model Line-Up

The four-seat 2012 Lexus IS F is the high-performance variant within the wider IS range. 
 
A 5.0-liter V8 engine makes 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque, then sends it to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission fitted with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. A limited-slip differential ensures balanced power to the pavement. 
 
Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, leather-covered front sports seats with heating, push-button ignition, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, satellite radio and iPod integration. 
 
On the options list are navigation, a rearview camera, parking sensors front and rear, intelligent cruise control, and an (excellent) 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. 
 
Standard safety equipment includes traction and stability controls, front knee airbags, Brembo brakes (a supplier to many top-end manufacturers) with antilock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and Lexus/Toyota's Smart Stop feature, where the brakes override the throttle if both pedals are pressed simultaneously. 
 
EPA estimates for the 2012 Lexus IS F are 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

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