Performance of Lexus IS 350

The 3.5-liter V6 in the F-Sport Lexus IS 350 breathes a bit easier thanks to a performance air intake and axle-back exhaust. The intake utilizes a high-flow air filter and a TIG-welded machined aluminum pipe. Lexus claims that this C.A.R.B. legal intake can provide up to a 3% increase in rear-wheel horsepower. The 60-millimeter axle-back exhaust is made of polished 304 stainless steel and provides up to a 1.5% bump in power.Suspension upgrades consist of progressive lowering springs, Bilstein shocks and thicker sway bars. Our test car was also equipped with forged 19-inch wheels wrapped in very sticky Michelin rubber. A brake upgrade, consisting of massive two-piece rotors squeezed by six-piston calipers up front, four-piston calipers in the rear, was also added to our test car.So, how does this car drive? To us, it doesn’t seem that different from the standard Lexus IS 350. Power delivery is strong, but the response still feels like it is being choked by the flappy-paddle automatic transmission. If any Lexus could benefit from a six-speed manual, or at least a good dual clutch auto, it would be this one. You can tell that the power is there and wants to get out, it’s just that the transmission won’t let it. There’s also a very annoying, very loud drone at about 2,500 rpm, a spot in which the engine likes to spend a lot of time.Handling is a much better story. Despite being much stiffer than stock, the F-Sport Lexus IS 350’s ride is really quite composed. We dare say that the ride can even be described as “comfortable.” The sticky Michelin Pilots provide an incredible amount of grip, and the feedback they send to the steering wheel lets the driver really feel engaged with the road. Only problem with these tires, as is the case with most sets of performance rubber, is that they cause the car to tramline a lot. Anyone expecting a leisurely “Lexus-like” driving experience -- where you just point the car in the direction you want to go and forget about everything else -- will be sorely disappointed.The most amazing upgrade in this car has to be the brakes. Yeah, they squeak as all performance brakes do, but damn do they stop the car well. The car will go from any speed to zero the instant you stomp on the “stop” pedal. And even after repeated heavy braking, these stoppers won’t show any sign of fade.