LexusLexus has a bit of an inconsistent history with performance cars. Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the brand was almost solely a luxury brand with a bit of extra power under the hood compared to your average Toyota. Then, in the 2000s, the brand started producing the IS, LC, and RC performance cars. But perhaps the greatest Lexus performance car to ever exist (and it's been argued that it's one of the greatest cars ever) was the Lexus LFA. It was capable of 202 mph thanks to its 553-hp 4.8-liter V10, and was discontinued in 2012 after its 500-unit run was completed.Nowadays, Lexus's performance stable is a little lacking, consisting of only the LC Coupe and IS. If you're after a speedy and luxurious Lexus sedan, the one you'll want to go with is the IS. According to Lexus' official specs, the base model and all-wheel-drive IS 350 top out at 143 mph and set you back a shade under $50,000.Read more: 5 Additives That Can Actually Increase Your Engine's Performance & LifespanThe cost of Lexus performanceLexusNow, the IS 350's 143 mph isn't slow by any means, but it's still a big gap between Lexus' current fastest model and the heights its catalog once reached. Regardless, the Lexus IS 350 is powered by the decades-old 2GR-FKS engine, which makes 311 hp. The rear-wheel drive version has the quicker acceleration time of the pair, with a claimed 5.6-second 0-60 time according to Lexus' figures. The AWD version is close behind, though, at 5.7 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe RWD IS 350 starts at $46,895, with all-wheel drive bumping that up to $48,895 (both prices plus $1,395 destination). Every version of the IS 350 has the same engine, and therefore the same performance figures, but if you want some extra aesthetic flair, the IS 350 F Sport Special Appearance Package gives you unique BBS 19-inch wheels, matte white paint, and a Mark Levinson sound system. That version is limited to 350 units for North America and starts at $63,095.Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.Read the original article on SlashGear.
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