I did not get to the auto shows this season the see this ride.

In the mail I received an offer to test drive a Lexus and get a $100 Amex gift card.

Let's see, test drive a car and get paid, ok sign me up.

I made an appointment here in Chicagoland at McGrath.

The salesman actually picked me up from the train and I drove a new GS back to the shop.

He mentioned a new ISF was delivered and did I want to check it out.

The buyer passed and it was available if it floated my boat (sorry no test drive on that one).

We went back to the service bay where it was being prepped.

Here is my quick take.

It was a gray on black one. The wheels look ominous in a good way. The whole wheel and brake thing is great, slotted would be my thing over drilled but the black calipers on the kits look super.

Overall the car looks good. I was fearful of the front quarter panel vents but they were ok (not a very deep vent). Not for me but ok. The front bumper is too pronounced looking to me but again ok.

The inside made me happier. The seats had that hold you in place feel like the S2000 did. The salesman fired it up and had me check out the dash.
The visuals are a nice upgrade from my 350. Good stuff.

Now for that motor. He made me rev it up. Nasty nasty nasty. As has been mentioned, up to 4k, sounds nice in a Lexusy kind of way. Above that, wow.
The engine loves to spin right up to the red line and sounds like some kind of Lambo variant (loved it).

I am glad they brought the car here and for you lucky folks with the right fob, enjoy the ride.

 

Ever since I saw the IS F in person last year when it was introduced in Detroit, I've been waiting to drive it. Well earlier tonight I finally got my chance.

I have an IS 350 (purchased from McGrath in Chicago in October 2005).

I live in Milwaukee, so that is where the test drive took place. My wife and I went to the dealer after work and there was a Black on Black one just waiting for someone to take it out on the street where is belongs.

I was very pleasantly surprised how comfortable the ride was compared to what I thought it would be like. With the 19" Rims and stiffer suspension, I was expecting a rougher ride. I could easily see myself using this as my daily driver.

It was hard to really test the engine since it only had 59 miles (I didn't want to abuse it, just in case this is the one I buy) and there was a lot of traffic. With that said, I was able to go past 3600 RPM several times and heard the 2nd intake open producing a very welcomed sound.

My wife noticed people checking out the car as we drove, but I was more concerned about the handling and power. Both did not disappoint. The test drive only lasted about 20 minutes, but it was enough to know I was driving a very fine sports car.

To me, the IS F offers a great balance of Luxury and Power.

Will I buy one? That's a question I've been wrestling with for a while. I'm having a hard time convincing myself my IS350 does not have enough power for day-to-day driving.

The dealer is calling me tomorrow to tell me how much he will give me for my IS350 and also if he can get an Ultrasonic Blue anytime soon.

Stay tuned...

 

You won't convince yourself the IS350 doesn't have enough for d-t-d, because it has enough for d-t-d. The IS-F is an indulgence... you can't justify it, you just have to want it and get it.