2008 Lexus IS250 - NASA Instructor - Import Tuner Magazine

The sloppy, factory six-speed gear shifter is replaced by a billet aluminum F-Sport quick shift. By replacing the factory shifter, gear selection was noticeably crisper and throw was reduced by 35 percent to aid in quicker shifts.

The sloppy, factory six-speed gear shifter is replaced by a billet aluminum F-Sport quick

The ride quality of the F-Sport car didn't feel that much different from stock as we commuted back into the city. This is mostly due to the progressive-rate springs that don't really stiffen up until you lean on them, and dampers that have mild high-speed valving. The exhaust isn't even that intrusive with the windows up. However, on the outside it certainly makes your presence known. If we could have more of anything, it would be power. The axle-back exhaust sounds wicked, but the car is more likely to break the necks of its admirers than its occupants. Still, the designers at Lexus have come up with a really tempting assortment of upgrades that work really well together. We'll resist the calling of boost . . . at least until the warranty expires, anyway.

Former Honda Challenge champion and senior editor of Sport Compact Car magazine (bless her track-loving soul), Andy Hope is a NASA instructor turned part-time 2NR driving stooge.

2008 F-Sport Equipped Lexus IS 250

Engine: F-Sport intake, axle-back exhaust

Drivetrain: F-Sport short shifter

Andy Hope comparing stock and F-Sport-tuned IS 250s through SoCal's Santiago canyons.

Suspension (Front): F-Sport/Bilstein shocks, springs (25 mm lower, 268-377 pounds per square-inch progressive rate), 28.6mm hollow anti-sway bars

Suspension (Rear): F-Sport/Bilstein shocks, springs (19 mm lower, 228-399 pounds per-square-inch progressive rate), 19mm solid anti-sway bar, under chassis brace

Brakes (Front): F-Sport six-piston forged aluminum calipers, 355mm diameter cross-drilled two-piece rotors

Brakes (Rear): F-Sport four-piston forged aluminum calipers, 345mm diameter cross-drilled two-piece rotors

Wheels: F-Sport forged aluminum wheels (19x8 front, 19x9 rear)

Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport tires (225/35/ZR19 front, 255/35/ZR19 rear)

F-Sport's stronger, more lightweight forged wheels are wrapped in a set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires for enhanced performance.
F-Sport's stronger, more lightweight forged wheels are wrapped in a set of Michelin Pilot
The F-Sport forged aluminum wheels play an integral part in offering the IS 250 a sportier appearance, thank in part to their dark graphite finish and aggressive offsets.
The F-Sport forged aluminum wheels play an integral part in offering the IS 250 a sportier
F-Sport accessories are readily available at most Lexus dealerships and offer piece of mind, knowing an experienced ASE-certified technician is installing your parts and not some kid straight out of high school.
F-Sport accessories are readily available at most Lexus dealerships and offer piece of min