Faults:

Valley Plate Leak: The coolant plate sealant at the top of the engine block (below the intake manifold) tends to fail, causing coolant leaks.

Exhaust manifolds crack over time.

The lower control arm bushings often wear out, causing uneven tire wear and vibrations.

Discoloration of the interior rearview mirror.

General Comments:

I think some cars are too fast for public roads, and this is a perfect example. The Lexus IS F might not seem like a car at first glance, but when you push it a bit, it feels like you're in a Formula One car.

This car has two serious equipment shortcomings. The first is that it doesn't come with a driver's license that can be revoked, and the second is that it doesn't have any dedicated roadways. With a car like this, any road will be too short, except perhaps an airport runway.

The darn thing always wants to accelerate, no matter how fast you're going. On the highway, flooring it just to hear the engine roar could get you a suspended license if you pass near a speed camera. Anyone who says 423 hp isn't much probably doesn't know what they're talking about. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds proves it.

Without a doubt, the most fun mode is sequential. The rev counter needle climbs and climbs until a yellow mark lights up on the instrument panel. Another one appears. Then a red one, and a beep sounds. 6,800 RPM. A flick of the right lever or a touch of the shifter, another burst of power, and more throaty roar. This sequence is addictive.

Eight gears are a lot for normal driving; you'll go crazy trying to be efficient. It's best to leave it in automatic mode ("D") under normal driving conditions. The sequential mode is fine for going downhill (with engine braking) or uphill, but for everything else, you'll get tired of shifting, no matter how much you enjoy it.

The torque converter transmission is very quick; shifting from one gear to the next takes about a tenth of a second and is a good match for the monstrous 5.0 V8 engine under the bulging hood. If you floor it in second, third, and fourth gears, you'll find yourself traveling at rather excessive speeds.

This car is a gas guzzler if you're not careful. It's true that in "civilized" driving, the average consumption ranges from 9 to 12 liters per 100 km, which, considering its power, is quite reasonable, especially if you only drive in urban areas when absolutely necessary. If you get stuck in traffic, you'll think someone's siphoned your gas with a siphon and a barrel.

If you like to accelerate hard in the city from time to time and show your neighbors that you're more powerful than them—in terms of engine displacement—it will be difficult to get below 20 liters per 100 km. On the track, consumption exceeds 30 liters per 100 km, but that's not as bad; a four-cylinder engine pushed to the limit also consumes that much.

Like all V8s, it's an expensive pleasure, but it's worth it.

The brakes are fantastic, they seem tireless. I think they'd only complain on a track at full throttle or while fleeing the police on a mountain pass full of hairpin bends and a downhill slope. Very powerful, very easy to modulate, and capable of massive deceleration when needed. You can definitely feel the Brembo calipers: 360mm with six pistons at the front and 345mm with two pistons at the rear.

The power steering, also superb, allows you to control the car in difficult situations, a great help when counter-steering; it's direct and has a precise feel. With great power comes great responsibility. When the Japanese put their minds to it, they make cars that are anything but boring.

It's not a car for everyone; it's expensive, more difficult to maintain than a normal Toyota, but the driving experience is unforgettable.