Lexus announces another IS 350C F Sport special edition for 2011

Following in the footsteps of the limited edition 2010 IS 350C F Sport, Lexus has announced another special edition IS for North America, the 2011 IS 350C F Sport.  Like it’s predecessor, the 2011 F Sport arrives as a convertible only and will be limited to a production run of 175 examples (vs. 100 for 2010). You can have yours in Starfire Pearl (white) or Obsidian (black). It’s priced at $55995.00 (US) including delivery.

What do you get for the $1500 premium over a similarly equipped “standard” IS350C?  You get quite a bit actually. Starting with a fully upgraded suspension package, including: 19” graphite finish forged alloy wheels fitted with sticky Michelin Pilot Sports (225/35ZR19 & 255/35ZR19), retuned sway bars, F Sport specific Bilstein dampers and sport springs that lower the ride height 1 inch.  This special bit of kit substantially improves handling and gives the F Sport a more menacing street stance.

The interior gets a makeover as well.  Starting with heated & ventilated F Sport black & red leather trimmed seats featuring sexy red contrast stitching and ending with a center console “F Sport” badge. The F Sport also comes loaded with all the standard Lexus luxury features like navigation, XM radio, Voice Command, Bluetooth, Bi-Xenon headlights and a rear facing back-up camera.

There are no engine modifications to the IS 350C F Sport. The 3.5L V6 makes the same 306 horsepower as lesser IS 350 models.

The F Sport is a Lexus aimed at enthusiasts looking for a little top down fun. However, a coupe version would really bridge the gap between the IS 350 and fire-breathing IS-F.  Currently, no such option exists in the current product range.  Still, there’s a ton of value in the IS 350C F Sport. You couldn’t come close to reproducing this car in the after market for $1500, the Pilot Sport tires alone retail for around $1K. Best of all, its’ Lexus quality and covered by the factory warranty.