Namely, Lexus has tackled the ride and handling. We found the IS F to be something of a punishing ride off the track and lacking the utterly intuitive steering of the M3. The folks at Lexus apparently agreed and set their engineers at righting those wrongs. To that end, they've revised all the spring rates and shock settings as well as the rear bushings and camber angle, all in the name of improved ride comfort and responsiveness. They also set about tweaking the electric power steering system to improve steering feel and driver control.

Unfortunately, Lexus also caved to recent allegations of electronic gremlins and installed a brake override function on the IS F, likely putting an end to power-braking launches and other such shenanigans.

Topping things off, Lexus also did a little sprucing up inside the car and out. Outside, the 2011 IS F gets some trendy LED daytime running lights while the interior is treated to new gauges, a silver-trimmed steering wheel, "dark finish aluminum" trim and a "Sport" button relocated from the center stack to the steering wheel. Cars ordered with the black interior now get seats with leather bolsters and Alcantara inserts to better hold you in turns. The Terra Cotta interior is out, replaced with a new orange and black leather interior package.

More than any luxury car maker, Lexus has been stereotyped, sometimes crudely, as the antiperformance brand, the epitome of masterfully built but soporific and soulless cars. Yet when Lexus does manage to create a car like the IS-F, a wildly fun-to-drive sport sedan, enthusiasts turn the argument around and question why any Lexus buyer would want one.