The best car in the world

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

We're flat-out on Germany's Sachsenring race track in the new Mercedes SLS AMG, chassis number 00045, a mildly camouflaged pre-production model. Ahead is an SL65 AMG Black Series--twin-turbo V-12, 670 hp, 738 lb-ft of torque--driven by Tobias Moers, head of AMG's r&d division, seasoned race instructor and today's pace-setter. Filling his mirrors, our red gullwing keeps pushing harder and harder, even though its normally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 is rated at a comparably modest 571 hp and 479 lb-ft. The Sachsenring has plenty of slow corners, lots of climbs and descents, two long straights and two very fast and very blind fourth-gear bends.

As our session progresses, this track is becoming a nightmare for the wide, fat SL, and dreamland for the light and nimble SLS. Despite the Black Series car's four more cylinders, 100 extra hp and 259 lb-ft of added torque, it's punished by its 551-lb weight penalty. The SLS not only uses a significantly lighter double-wishbone aluminium suspension, it also boasts a featherweight spaceframe body which tips the scales at a mere 531 lbs. Perhaps even more significant is the weight distribution. In contrast to the nose-heavy SL, the new gullwing places only 48 percent of its mass on the front axle and 52 percent on the driven wheels.

In this match, the Black Series SL doesn't stand a chance. It understeers early, and after only ten laps it has practically run out of front tires. The momentum gained on the straights can never compensate the speed lost on the approach to and through the infield.

2011 Toyota Compact FR Sports

2011 Toyota Compact FR Sports

7Tune revealed new details regarding the future sports car developed in cooperation by Toyota and Subaru. And we will start with a bad new regarding the sports car set to be released in 2011, where will be no WRX or STi versions. A good news though: there might be a convertible version.

The sports car will be based on a 100mm shorter Subaru Legacy platform and will be powered by a 2.0L four cylinder boxer engine from the Impreza with a power output of 190 hp. A 6-speed gearbox will be offered initially with an automatic transmission being offered later. Weight is expected to be around 1200kg.

Mini Cooper: Mini Mini rumored to be in the works

Post by: Automotive

Wolfgang Armbrecht, head of BMW's Mini brand recently hinted that a smaller small car may be in the works. In an interview with Germany's Financial Times Deutschland, Ampbrecht admitted that Mini may develop a small car for parent company BMW. We've actually heard these rumors before when talk sprang up about the potential for a BMW 0 Series.

If the thought of a Mini Mini crossed with BMW parts makes you excited, you're not alone. Who could say 'No' to the Ultimate Go-Karting Machine? As of yet however, there are no reports of a build timeline or potential specs, but a glimpse of what's to come is said to be earmarked for next month's Detroit Auto Show.

source: Mini Cooper Press

2010 Acura MDX

2010 Acura MDX

The 2010 Acura MDX ranks 1 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 78 published reviews and test drives of the Acura MDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The 2010 Acura MDX’s cabin is stylish, comfortable and better equipped than ever. However, despite Acura’s attempts to better organize the dashboard controls, several reviewers still find the layout confusing.

2010 Acura MDX

2010 Acura TSX V6 Sports Sedan

Acura debuted the all-new Acura TSX V6 sports sedan at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Scheduled to go on sale this summer, the 2010 Acura TSX V6 will be equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.
The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is really an American car. It’s so American that it works better with a 3.5-liter V6 engine than it does with its 2.4-liter inline-4, which is kind of a surprise for a car that comes from Honda by way of its premium car division.

The new Acura TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control.

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 has its American car thing pretty together on the highway. It’s pretty comfortable, pretty composed and pretty undemanding. Yet like the TSX four-cylinder, it has a peculiar mix of soggy damping at low speeds that lets the car bob and weave more than it should, while the suspension calibration at freeway speed feels too lively, as if someone had put 80 psi of air in the tires.

2010 Mazda 3 Sedan

The new Mazda 3 Sedan is perfectly positioned for the rapidly changing automotive market. It offers a mix of quality, styling, power, dynamics and fit and finish that meets the demands of today’s customers. In typical Mazda fashion, this new Mazda 3 Sedan will offer standard and optional equipment not found on other cars in its class – exactly what buyers want when seeking compact cars providing outstanding value.

Inside, the new Mazda 3 Sedan offers a sporty yet highly refined cabin – the dash sweeping dramatically from its centre to the sides of the cabin. The large gauge instrument cluster and centre stack are positioned to tightly link the driver’s limbs and senses to the car’s instruments and controls.

BMW Art Car Collection Comes to New York

Featuring a series of BMW racing sportscars worked by some of the world’s foremost artists, the BMW Art Car Collection showcases a bond between art, cultural trends and motorsport. First introduced by French auctioneer and ardent racing driver Hervé Poulain in 1975, each car of the collection has its own special story to tell. Having already exhibited in the world’s greatest museums including the Louvre and the Guggenheim, this fascinating visual experience will be in New York for the two weeks starting today. Now this is truly the difference between art on cars and the art of cars.

My new car

This car has lots of horsepower with its 7.0-liter V-8! And it was very successful at the race track this year.

New Car Collections | E WOLF E-2

The E-1 with the car manufacturer e-Wolf GmbH is a first: an ultra lightweight carbon / aluminum construction of the chassis with innovative flat cell technology, formula racing technology and the approval for use in traffic. Thanks to its innovation and technology, the E-1 performance values, which is impossible in its class so far: 0-100 kmh in under 5 seconds. For safety reasons, the top speed to 250 km / h is limited e-WOLF is also characterized in the market by its consistent use of lightweight components for its 100% electric drive system. All technologies, components and assemblies it uses are “Made in Germany”.

A Li-Tec Battery is CERIO flat cells, the major component. It has a higher temperature tolerance, and improved safety compared to other technologies. This innovation has been nominated for the German Future Prize 2007, an honor. Its special low-volume composite anodes can much more energy than most other products now provide on the market. Each flat cell (the battery has a total of 84) weighs only 1 kg and measures 23 x 18 cm. That is, it is only slightly larger than an exercise book. Another important aspect of the Li-Tec Battery is CERIO flat cells, the cycle stability and unmatched durability (10 years) and range (300 km). This makes Li-Tec, the spearhead of the current flat-cell development.

To demonstrate the technology, an open-wheeled version of the e-WOLF-electric sports car at the IAA 2009 will be issued. E-WOLF has scheduled its launch (customized limited edition) for the beginning of 2010. “Offer our goal, a 2-seater extreme sports car in 2011, the E-WOLF E-2″, Kai Schoenberg, marketing manager at e-WOLF GmbH “reach is dynamic performance that is very impressive. ” This innovative 4-wheel drive vehicle will be powered by 4 high-performance electric motors with direct coupling. “Here at e-WOLF, we can certainly imagine our E-2 participate in a 24-hour race in the coming years,” said Schoenberg. E-WOLF is marketed worldwide, with operations initially focus on the Middle East and Japan. e-Wolf is in a different league – it does not compete with the big sports car manufacturer. E-WOLF targets a market segment that has been neglected: extreme sports car for a very elite clientele. Let me be clear: There is an electric sports car with a capacity for acceleration that puts it on the edge of technical feasibility.

Newly established e-Wolf GmbH is part of the Maiworm group. The company has accepted the challenge of development and production of electrical power extreme sports cars. The e-company shall not approach Wolf know-how to accumulate the technological development of electric vehicles. Instead, e-WOLF negotiated strategic alliances and project partnerships that they deliberately draw on the expertise of institutes and companies active in this area can draw. In return, e-WOLF enjoys the significant advantage integrate, always in a position to the cutting edge of research in the design of its vehicles. Dr. Werner Hufenbach, director of the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology (ILK), TU Dresden, confirmed that the cooperation between the Institute and e-Wolf will remain an important focal point in the future. “We are sure to go with the trend in this regard and I am personally convinced that electric vehicles will change the world. We have a great chance that we are making the most of plan,” he said. The Institute for Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology (ILK), TU Dresden, the Saxon Centre for Lightweight Structures (LZS) and Li-Tec Battery are some of the most important e-WOLF partners.

By providing innovative drive components (motor, battery and control systems), e-Wolf GmbH is in the development of an ion transporter of FUMO Multicar part. Powered by electricity, is ideal for Multicar local governments and garden and landscaping work in the city centers, recreational centers and spas. A prototype of the Ion FUMO 1 electric vans will be on the eCarTec 2009 in October. Field trials will be undertaken as the next step.

New Car Collections | About Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible

Due to the limited production of Hennessey’s 2010 HPE700 Camaro run sold out long ago, the company has announced that it will build another 24 units for model year 2011. This latest edition of HPE700′s include the addition of the new convertible model (Chevrolet) and an increase in power from its supercharged LS9 6.2-liter V8 – the same engine in the Corvette ZR1 found.

The 2011 HPE700 gets its extra power from the revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system and 755 hp and 763 lb-ft of torque delivered. This 30 hp increase over 2010 will also contribute to the convertible extra weight, while the large 15-inch brakes remain from last year to make it quickly to a stop.

Since the Camaro Convertible coming in showrooms in spring 2011, the 6-speed SS hardtop model in addition to their brothers, the basis for the HPE700 LS9 Camaro transformation are available.

HPE founder and president, John Hennessey said: “We have already sold several of our 2011 HPE700 in hardtop form, increasing the potential for the Camaro Convertible LS9 an even rarer than the right option.” “I expect that we are all 24 units, as we have to sell in 2010 but this time we will probably even earlier, from a convertible option is certainly attractive to sell -. With 755 hp special.”

In addition to the updated LS9 engine, the HPE700 also an adjustable coilover suspension, bigger stabilizers, HPE light wheels, larger 15-inch brakes with six-piston calipers, stainless steel long tube headers, painted hockey stripes, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, carbon aero carbon fiber Car Body Kit and more round the car a distinct look and features.

As with the 2010 model year is the 2011 Camaro LS9 HPE700 be limited to only 24 units, with no fixed allocation between coupe and convertible. The prices for the complete upgrade HPE700, including the base vehicle is $ 132,500 and can be ordered directly from HPE or an authorized Chevrolet dealer’s Hennessey.

New Car Collections | About TESLA Model S

The S model, which carries the battery charger on board can be charged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet again, the latter in only 45 minutes. By charging their car while they stop for a meal, the driver can go from LA to New York in about the same time as a gasoline car. In addition, the soil attached battery is designed to be changed in less time than it is to fill a gas tank, so that the possibility of battery pack swap stations instead.

The floor-mounted drive train also results in unparalleled cargo space and versatility, as the volume under the front hood, a second trunk. The combination with a four-bar hatchback trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Model S, a 50-inch TV, mountain bike * and * recording a surfboard. This packaging efficiency gives the S model more luggage space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

“Non-S model of performance, efficiency or utility model compromise – it is really the only car you need,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Tesla is to relentlessly reduce the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we develop.”

Tesla Model S expects to begin production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receive $ 350,000,000 in bonds of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Model S assembly plant built in California by the Department of Energy Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing Technology Program.

Tesla is currently the only manufacturer already sells highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster offers almost all sports cars in its class is still six times as energy efficient as gas-guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadster, and almost 1,000 more clients on the waiting list.

Tesla not need regular oil changes, and they have moved much less (and breakable) parts, as vehicles with internal combustion engine. You qualify for the federal government and tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, subway passes and other perks. S model costs approximately $ 5 to drive 230 miles – a bargain, even if gasoline $ 1 a gallon.

The expected base price of the Model S is $ 49,900 for a federal tax credit of $ 7,500. The Company has not released pricing option. Three battery selection offers a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

“Model S costs half as much as a roadster, and it is a much better value than cheaper cars,” said Musk. “The ownership costs for model S, when to lease it and then make the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at an estimated cost of $ 4 per gallon have been, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $ 35,000 . I’m sure this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers. ”

The standard model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 km / h, to achieve much with sports versions expected acceleration 0-60 mph under 5 seconds. A single-speed transmission delivers effortless acceleration and handling. A 17-inch touch screen allows in-car 3G connectivity to passengers, listening to Pandora Radio, or contact Google Maps, or check their state of charge from their iPhone or laptop.

Tesla takes reservations online and showrooms in California. Tesla will open a store in Chicago this spring and is planning offices in London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington, DC and Munich later this year.

New Car Collections | About RUF Roadster

Alois Ruf and his team were delighted to build the Roadster RUF from a 1967 Porsche Targa. The 911 was equipped with an integrated roll cage, which combines the security of a coupe equipped with the fresh air feeling of a convertible bond. The heart of the roof could be removed and folded, the flexible plastic rear window can also be folded.

For your convenience, the new Roadster RUF an aerodynamically optimized, lower rear window and two extremely lightweight, removable roof piece carbon fiber is manufactured. The “soft” rear window of a three-layer Polyglass is made, has an electric motor down the rear window.

There are several ways to enjoy the joy of driving: are completely closed to completely open or open with a closed roof and rear window, or open the roof and rear window closed.

The Roadster has a 294 kW (400 hp) flat-six engine and / or as a Turbo with 412 kW (560 hp) available. Standard is a six-speed gearbox. Dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive are available as an option. The RUF car is equipped with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

The base price for the roadster, with a combustion engine starts at 195,000 euros excluding tax. The Roadster chassis is planned from 2011 with a limited production of electric eRUF cars.

New Car Modifications | Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Vanden Plas Tourer

Started by Walter Owen Bentley and Henry in 1919, Bentley Motors took their first Le Mans 24 Hours victory in 1924. The main reasons for this success were WO Bentley’s determination and natural technical ability. He had worked as an apprentice with the Great Northern Railway and had designed airplane engines before he started his own company. When the company went bankrupt in 1931, 3033 cars were produced and five Le Mans victories were achieved.

The various engines produced were technically very similar to the 3-liter four-cylinder engine of 1919. Characteristic were the revolutionary aluminum pistons and an overhead camshaft operating 4 valves per cylinder. These characteristics, together with dry sump lubrication, were well ahead of time, and it would take decades before many other companies caught up. The cylinder block and head were in one piece to prevent gasket leaks votes. The extremely long stroke provided the slow running engine with plenty of torque.

was announced in 1925 a new six-cylinder engine model. It just 6.6 liters, and was with all the features, which fitted the 3-liter engine special. More good news came in 1925 as additional millionaire Captain Woolf Barnato poured money into the company. On the track in 1925 and 1926 were disaster years, the two cars ran out of fuel and one caught fire in 1925 and motor disease and a late crash took the 3 cars entered in 1926 out of the race. In 1927, a single surviving 3-liter Bentley took the victory after the leading ram fell out of the race, an hour before the end of the race.

The work was started on a special high-performance version of the 6-cylinder car, to ensure Bentley’s racing future. Introduced in 1928 it was the Bentley 6 1 / 2 liter Speed Model or Speed Six synchronized. Meanwhile, a group of young racers Works was formed, with Woolf Barnato as the charismatic leader. Today they are called the best known group works drivers and are commonly as the “Bentley Boys”. The first success for the Bentley-Boys came in 1928, when the Barnato / Rubin driven Bentley 4 1 / 2 liter took a difficult victory at Le Mans.

Bentley’s glory years at Le Mans were 1929 and 1930, with the Speed Six dominated both races. Barnato was the winning driver in both years with Tim Birkin and Glen Kidston in each case as co-pilot. In competition specification the Speed Six engine was good for 200 hp at 3500 rpm rpm. was together with rock solid reliability of these more than enough to ward off the competition. Financial problems prevented Bentley from competing in the 24-hour race in 1931 and after Rolls Royce purchased the remains of the company, the racing program was scrapped.

More than 20% of the Bentleys built before the 1931 sell-out were bodied by Vanden Plas. Most popular of these was the Le Mans type model that is very similar to the Vanden Plas bodied Le Mans racer passed. The organizers of the fact that the cars resembled entered regular road tourer.

Featured is a 1927 built 3-liter Speed Model Vanden Plas with a stylish and built four-seater “Tourer” body. The Speed model was the road going replica of the Le Mans racer and is easily accessible by “Red Label” badging recognizable and has a lightweight chassis. It is seen here at the 2004 “The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering.

New Car Modifications | Bentley 4.5 Litre ‘Blower’ Gurney Nutting Boat Tail Speedster

Bentley Motors took their first Le Mans 24 Hours victory in 1924. The main reasons for this success were WO Bentley’s determination and natural technical ability. He had worked as an apprentice with the Great Northern Railway and had designed airplane engines before he started his own company. When the company went bankrupt in 1931, 3033 cars were produced and five Le Mans victories were achieved.

Before the production is shut down believed that just over 50 examples of the “Blower” Bentley were built and a surprisingly large number of these still exist today. One of the most original of these is the example presented to its first owner was notified in December 1931st It was built by Gurney Nutting with an exceptionally sporty 2/3-passenger Boat Tail body. Only two or three of them were built in Evere and this is the only survivor. For a large majority of his life to the Boat Tail Blower of the same family that owned it in the nick name “The Green Hornet ‘.

In 2007, the Klein family finally decided to part with the Bentley for a property there for well over half a century. The car was equipped still exceptionally original condition down to the felt on top of supercharger for the protection of the aluminum cover. Thanks to its excellent condition and fantastic bodies, it was sold for an incredible $ 4,500,000 in the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach. It was the most expensive car during the many auctions on the Pebble Beach weekend in 2007 sold.

New Car Modifications | Gumpert Apollo Speed

Gumpert Apollo Sports Car Manufacturing GmbH Speed presented at the 79th Geneva Motor Show. The car – Made in Germany – has earned its name, and rightly so. useless for any speed limit!

Gumpert Apollo Speed Car Design Modification | Gumpert Apollo Speed

While the optimum performance for racing, lateral acceleration and grip in all situations are the focus of Apollo, Apollo and Apollo-speed sport is at an exclusive high-speed clients. His domain is the mastery of the highest speeds. Thanks to its sophisticated aerodynamics, the drive side of the velocity values are far above the competition.

The appearance of the apollo speed is still racy and aggressive. Its distinctive two-tone paint emphasizes the Racer’s compact appearance, the low at 1,105 mm to 1,114 mm as his brothers.

A good view from the front reveals the changed design around the wheel arches. A low limit intake system complements the snappy appearance and provides fresh air into the engine. Further modifications to the rear end of the super sports car: The redesigned tail lights concisely show where the Apollo, before it disappears out of sight of the pursuer. The two-seater must also give a small adjustable wing it the necessary output for his speed rush.

With a fully enclosed CAS soil (carbon / aluminum sandwich) and tires (set at the front and turning on the back) the speed of the Formula 1 takes to the road and is just asking for a challenge to a sprint.

The powerful 8-cylinder bi-turbo speed of the Apollo provides an optional 650 / 700 / 800 hp and a torque of 850 / 875 / 900 Nm. Its performance is top class: The car can go from standstill to 100 kph in 3.0 seconds. A speed of 200 km / h in just 8.9 seconds at most. Its top speed is 360 mph (Depending on equipment, land-related data, gear ratio and engine power)

It is available with either leather or Alcantara, and offers a number of details, such as air conditioning and DVD Multimedia Player. The removable steering wheel makes it easy to get into the monocoque on embedded and held in by 4-point seat belts, the driver becomes one with the Apollo. A strong bond!

2011 Peugeot 508 Review

Peugeot 508 front

An innovation is prepared by the French automaker, Peugeot. They have to ” conceal ” sedan 407 and 607 merely to market a new model, Peugeot 508, whose images are exposed now.

2011 Fiat Mio FCC III Concept

Fiat Mio Concept front angle

Fiat revealed the new concept car that first appearanced at the Sao Paulo Auto Show 2010. Fiat called this concept car with Fiat MIO or me. The concept is planned by a alliance than 11,000 design draft 17,000 forward by the sender.

Fiat Mio Concept front

With a appear same to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Fiat Mio Concept has a huge t glass that covers the body with a small wheelbase. In reality , with a total distance end to end of 2489 mm body with a panoramic glass roof, makes it appears similar to one of Japanese anime creature s.

Fiat explain this car is designed for the worldwide to be passengers and the driver can manage the car throughout brainpower. This concept aims to encourage and give a new idea of the future of automaker. Title III Fiat Concept Car (FCC III) are given in Mio which also signify the upcoming style of Fiat products.

Fiat Mio Concept rear

Fiat said, the project of this website has paying attention more than 2 million peoples from 160 countries. It shows that the worldwide community is willing to exchange the way in designing a vehicle.

Fiat Mio Concept side

Separately from some parts of its exclusive features, this concept car in addition to leader the birth of Fiat’s electric city car in the future. The online project coworkers also suggested that the car was made with the clean performamnce, environmentally friendly and with recent technology devices such as combination of mobile phones, multimedia players, GPS, head-up display and touch screen.

New Car Collections | SPORT MEETS THE 2009 LEXUS IS350

To follow up on the IS300/Altezza story that was published earlier today on Speedhunters, I thought I'd post up a new car story, featuring this newly revamped 2009 Lexus IS350, which is built up with F-Sport accessories. In case you haven't yet heard of F-Sport, it's the newly branded line of performance parts available from Lexus - basically the same concept as TRD parts for Toyotas, but for the Lexus brand.

As almost all our readers know, I'm a huge fan of, and owner of several Toyota/Lexus vehicles. I recently heard from a friend at Lexus that the corporate offices just received the kouki (late model) versions of the IS350s, which had minor exterior revisions from the early, or zenki model, so I asked him if I could stop by the office and see the newly re-done IS.

The subtle differences in Toyota's zenki and kouki (before and after minor change) models are often difficult to to spot unless you have both cars right next to each other, so I thought I'd just explain some of the new styling differences in the cars. New for 2009, Lexus revised the IS model's front bumper and front grill. While I like the overall sporty appearance of the front grill and bumper, I'm quite honestly a bit saddened by the fact that there isn't an available front lip spoiler at the moment, due to the bumper redesign. I sure hope someone makes a bumper lip kit pretty soon. Vertex lower lip kit, anyone?

Aside from the exterior changes, this F-Sport equipped IS350 also comes fully equipped with the F-Sport suspension, which consists of TRD/Bilstein shocks, F-Sport lowering springs, F-Sport rear chassis brace, larger diameter F-Sport sway bars and polyurethane bushings. Nice! These suspension improvements will surely make a difference in the high and low speed handling of the F-Sport equipped IS models, as if the IS350 didn't handle well enough already! This is great news!

Wheels are important for the looks and performance of any car. This new F-Sport equipped IS350 features new lightweight forged alloy wheels with a staggered fitment - specifically, 19x8J up front with 225/35/R19 tires. The matching back wheels are actually 19x9J; I think it would look awesome to have 19x9J wheels all the way around the car. That would look awesome, due to the inceased fat lip of the wheels, from front to back. Aggressive.

Even when randomly glancing at the car, it's impossible not to notice the F-Sport brake upgrade, which consists of 6-piston calipers and cross drilled 355mm rotors, which are mounted on very nice looking black anodized aluminum hubs. Stainless steel braided brake lines also replace the factory rubber lines for added stopping performance - no danger of the brake lines expanding and bulging when the brake fluid gets hot from use on the racetrack or your favorite winding road.

New for 2009 models, Lexus has this slick looking turn signal incorporated into the side mirrors. I think these mirrors will be an extremely cool upgrade for owners of first generation IS250s and IS350s.

Inside the car, D-mode paddle shifting functions behind the steering wheel have been added to the normal IS350s, as well as contrast stitching on the door panels, leather covered center console/armrest lid and seats. Very nice way to step up the styling of the car, Lexus! As if it weren't classy enough. IS350 owners with high attention to detail may notice that the center panel instrument cluster is different as well.

While I prefer driving the 6-speed manual transmission version of the IS, I must admit, the automatic version is pretty fun to drive as well, especially with the paddle shifters. Nice looking shift knob and center console too.

If you look closely, you can notice the double contrast stitching on the leather seats and center console armrests. It's details like this that make me like Lexus a whole lot.

Even though the particular IS350 F-Sport in the photos doesn't have it installed, Lexus makes an additional optional F-Sport carbon fiber engine cover for the IS350. Although, to be extremely honest, I don't see the point in paying big money for a carbon fiber piece that just covers your engine. It doesn't make the IS350 perform better, but I'm sure some people out there will buy it just because.

What I think does matter for performance, however, is the addition of the slick looking F-Sport intake system, which has a high flow air filter, and nicely badged piping system, as we can see here in the photo. Whoever designed that metal F badge did a hell of a good job. And I never like anyone's logos! Good job as usual, Lexus.

For the 2009 model year, the rear bumper of the IS350 has been revised, as well as the taillights.

From here, you can see the flat lip on the 19x9J rear wheels, which have 255/35/R19s mounted to them. Like I mentioned before, I think I'd like to see these 19x9s all the way around, with 225s mounted to them. That would look awesome, especially if the car was lowered a couple more inchers, and used spacers to improve the offset. You could do that, too... because these F-Sport accessories are just accessories, there's nothing stopping you from ordering rear F-Sport wheels only, especially if you're ordering the wheels from an easy-to-deal-with Toyota parts counter guy like Herb at Cabe Toyota in Long Beach, or Jay at Glendora Toyota.

The exhaust uses polished stainless steel pipes and mufflers, and looks pretty nice with the exhaust tip style subtly placed under the bumper. Don't worry about getting pulled over by the local five-oh though... this exhaust system is certified street legal, and doesn't affect emissions compliance, and isn't too loud either - it is under the 95 decibel legal limit. So take that, officer. Go harrass someone else.

All in all, the F-Sport equipped Lexus IS250 and IS350 are really well done in my opinion. The big brakes and suspension modifications drastically improve the high speed and low speed cornering characteristics of the car, while retaining the smooth and luxurious Lexus ride quality. Even though installing an aftermarket intake system and exhaust are very simple mods, the beauty of the F-Sport packaged IS250 and IS350 is that the car comes with better-than-stock looking wheels, amazing big brakes, engine performance bolt-ons, and a good all-around suspension setup... and everything can be financed from the dealer as part of your monthly payment plan.

Good job, Lexus. I honestly think that the IS series cars are great for daily driving, and even more so if they are F-Sport equipped! Now the only difficult question is... which one to choose? IS250 F-Sport, IS350 F-Sport, or the monstrous ISF? Either one is pretty effin sporty.