Lexus IS F Model Years and History

While the Lexus IS 350 and 250 sedans are completely redesigned for 2014, the sport model, the IS F, carries on with last year's model. The IS250 and IS350 exterior styling is much more aggressive than that of the outgoing models, with a pinched, angular grille and rocker panels that flow seamlessly up and into the rear wheel arches. While the IS F still carries over the 2013 model, the IS 250 and 350 ride on an all-new, slightly longer chassis and is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive and powerplants remain unchanged: The IS250 soldiers on with its 204-hp 2.5L V6, while the IS350 remains with its 306-hp 3.5L V6. The previous 6-speed automatic transmission carries over as well, though rear-wheel-drive IS350s now come equipped with an 8-speed direct-shift automatic. The 6-speed manual transmission has been discontinued. Underneath, front suspension components carry over as well, though a new multi-link rear suspension has been sourced from the GS sedan, along with the power steering system. Inside, the IS sedan benefits from more space, including nearly an inch more front legroom, and 1.6 inches in the rear. A 60/40 split-fold rear seatback is new this year. Other interior features have been revamped as well, with a nod to the excellent LFA supercar, including the center stack, which now boasts a 7-inch screen and a host of touch-sensitive capacitive switches. Lexus claims that more than $1,400 in previously optional equipment has been made standard on the 2014 IS. The 2014 IS F gets a standard carbon fiber spoiler and new LED fog lamps for 2014. Pricing for the IS250 starts at $35,950, while the IS350 starts at $39,465. The IS F starts at $63,350.

2013 sees the introduction of the F sport package available across the IS 250 and IS 350 model range. The F sport package takes cues from the ultra-high performance IS F and integrates them into the more restrained IS models. The F sport package includes sport tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with dark superchrome finish, heated and ventilated front seats, a leather interior, unique badging and a front chin spoiler. 2013 Lexus IS models with navigation also get a one year subscription to Enform 2.0 and App suite, bringing significant updates to the interior entertainment system on the IS. Bluetooth and HD radio are also both available and newly updated for 2013.

For 2012, the Lexus IS lineup receives only minor changes. In the 250 and 350 sedan and convertibles, the coin holder has been discontinued, and Smokey Graphite Mica and Glacier Frost Mica have been replaced as exterior colors by Nebula Gray Pearl and Fire Agate Pearl. The performance-based IS F gets wider wheels and tires, along with new shock absorbers, a new seating color scheme and the same changes found elsewhere in the lineup.

Following the introduction of all-new IS 250C and IS 350C retractable-hardtop convertible models last year, the IS sedans receive a bit more attention this year. For 2011, the Lexus IS sedan lineup especially takes a step toward a sportier image and more performance potential. A new IS 350 AWD (all-wheel drive) model is added to the IS sedan lineup. There's also a new F Sport Package available on rear-wheel-drive IS 250 and IS 350 models, which adds some of the appearance upgrades, as well as a sport suspension and sportier steering tuning. A special new Ultrasonic Blue color is available with the package. The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sedans get a new black-metallic trim inside, as well as a new headlight and taillight design. Also new this year, sedans get newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels and optional 18-inchers. LED running lamps are also new to the lineup this year. They're included in all IS 350 and IS-F sedans but optional on IS 250 sedans and all IS C convertibles.

The big news is truly big for the 2010 IS: after nine years on the market, a convertible coupe finally joins the 4-door sedan. Though it looks as if the sedan was merely chopped and shortened to create the convertible, in truth, the only exterior panel they share is the hood. They do share engine and transmission choices, and loads of luxury.

The IS-F, which is a limited-edition, high-performance variant of the Lexus IS sedans returns for its second model year with no significant feature changes. There are however a few minor interior revisions for 2009, including a new instrument panel design and a new Piano Black finish on navigation-equipped vehicles. A two-tone Terra Cotta and black interior scheme is newly available.

The IS F, new for 2008, is the first performance car to come from Lexus and thus the first to wear the "F" label. It is the big, bad brother of the quite competent IS 250 and 350. The "F" in IS F means many things, among them a 5.0L V8 making 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque. It also means an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspension, muscular exterior bulges, a rear spoiler, and an aggressive fascia. From the back, there's no mistaking the purpose of the stacked dual exhausts on either side. The IS F carries a $56,000 price tag.