European fans of the Lexus IS-F rejoice; this is one sports car that won't be axed on the other side of the pond due to the introduction of the more stringent Euro 5 emissions standards. Unlike the current generations of the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R and Mazda RX-8 -just to mention a few, the IS-F will make it to the 2011 model year thanks to its tweaked 5.0-liter V8 that is now fully compliant with the upgraded Euro 5 norms.
The specification sheet says power remains unchanged at 423HP with the IS F being capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 270 km/h (168mph).
Similarly to the rest of the 2011MY IS range, the flagship IS-F benefits from some subtle exterior and interior revisions. On the outside, the sports saloon gains revised headlamps with LED daytime running lights and a new optional finish named "Starlight Black GF".
On board, changes include new dark sliver fibre inserts, revised front seat design for improved driver support, blue instead of white stitching for the leather upholstery and last but certainly not least, a new instrument panel design that repositions the tachometer, speedometer and shift indicator within the binnacle. U.S. buyers should expect similar styling upgrades for the 2011MY (or 2012MY) version of the IS-F.
The 2011 IS-F will have its world premiere at the Paris motor show next month with sales in Europe to follow shortly after.
