![Lexus IS350 F Sport](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_80,pg_1,q_80,w_80/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 80w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_140/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 140w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_265/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 265w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_340/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 340w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_490/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 490w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_645/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 645w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_740/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 740w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_965/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 965w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1165/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 1165w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1315/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 1315w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1465/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 1465w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1600/8da1caf4cf4dfd3b3bc5c9a2d957276f.jpg 1600w)
Motor Trend pointed out Lexus attempted to explain its F performance brand at the 2021 SEMA show. And in doing so the luxury automaker has unnecessarily complicated things, adding additional layers to something that really shouldn’t have layers.
![2019 Lexus GS F](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_80,pg_1,q_80,w_80/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 80w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_140/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 140w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_265/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 265w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_340/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 340w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_490/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 490w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_645/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 645w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_740/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 740w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_965/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 965w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1165/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 1165w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1315/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 1315w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1465/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 1465w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1600/55169aee02c53c9df584e8fe7ee8d017.jpg 1600w)
Lexus’ F brand hasn’t been a thing for some time. Lexus knows it and we know it and I’m sure they know we know it. In its existence since 2006, we’ve only been given three full-on performance vehicles: the IS F, the RC F, and the largely forgotten GS F. Everything else has for the most part been cosmetic, as Lexus has thrown F bits on nearly every car in their lineup from the RX to ES.
![Image for article titled Lexus Confusing The F Out of You With New Tiers](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_80,pg_1,q_80,w_80/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 80w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_140/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 140w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_265/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 265w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_340/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 340w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_490/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 490w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_645/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 645w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_740/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 740w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_965/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 965w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1165/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 1165w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1315/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 1315w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1465/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 1465w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1600/e57rozwphojraidxoyft.jpg 1600w)
The introduction of the IS500 earlier this year appeared to complicate things further. Here was a car that followed the formula of the original IS F by putting a big V8 into a small-ish sedan. But according to Lexus it’s not a full-on F. It’s an F Sport Performance with the full name being Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance. Like I pointed out before, this confusing name would imply that there is a standard IS500 in the IS model lineup and that this model is an F Sport trim of that model. Some disagreed with me saying that that’s not the case, and that this meant this was just an IS500 with F Sport trim, which….is my point. Lexus has only made things worse.
So again, the IS500 F Sport Performance isn’t a full-on F even though it’s essentially the same recipe as the original IS F. On top of this confusion in distinction, there is now a four-tier system to the F brand. From Motor Trend:
The new four-tier F system that applies to future Lexus models is as follows: F Sport Design, F Sport Handling, F Sport Performance and F.
The F Sport Design motif will be the tamest, aimed at those who appreciate a sportier look. Enhancements will include unique front and rear bumpers, a fresh grille, and special wheels.
F Sport Handling builds on the Design kit, adding an adaptive suspension that has been developed for a sportier drive (the Lexus ES300h F Sport hybrid we recently tested would qualify for this status). F Sport Performance is a step above Handling, adding a higher-output powertrain, like in the IS500, and serving as a stepping stone to full-blown F models, which will remain the pinnacle of the sub-brand. F models such as the existing RC F coupe receive total performance makeovers with upgraded brakes, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight materials in addition to saucier powertrains.
So to recap, those four tiers are: Design, Sport Handling, Sport Performance, and F, with the IS500 being a step below F with a more powerful engine. And besides the RC F, there is no other full F model in the lineup. As it stands now, every single Lexus model has an F Sport trim except for the LX, GX, and LC which all have sport packages that aren’t F. It’s confusing I know.
Lexus has chased the Germans for years. They should’ve done so again by following what they do and simply given F two tiers: F Sport and full F and be done with it. With Lexus saying new F models are coming soon, it’ll be interesting to see how much more confusing this could, and will get.
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