Frankfurt Auto Show: Lexus IS

The Lexus IS presentation at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show doesn't come, as with other manufacturers, as a statement of the carmaker's building capabilities, but in the form of a question: "How much difference could a limited slip differential (LSD) make to the Lexus IS F’s performance?"

The answer is given, of course, by Lexus: two seconds a lap around the Fuji International Speedway. The compact Torsen LSD is the main change in the new Lexus, allowing it to handle the 500 Nm produced by the V8 engine.

"The unit uses low viscosity multigrade oil to reduce bearing rolling resistance and oil agitation resistance when the oil temperature is low, and a  friction adjuster has been added to suppress the stick-slip phenomenon when sliding the car and to improve quietness," Lexus said in a release.

And that's about all the chages made to the IS. The car is still powered by the 5.0l V8 engine, developing 417 bhp at 6,600 and 505 Nm at 5,200 rpm. The engine is paired with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic transmission, allowing the IS to accelerate from naught to sixty in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is rated at 168 mph (270 km/h).

The IS will be offered to customers with the F-Sport package, available in all body colors. It comes with IS F-style front grille, rear spoiler and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels on the outside, while on the inside IS F-style seats, steering wheel and automatic gear lever.

The new Lexus IS will be available in the UK starting December.