Lexus offers IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition

Lexus is livening up its IS 350C with the introduction of the F-Sport Special Edition model. With accessories taken from the Lexus F-Sport parts catalog, the limited-edition offers open-air driving enthusiasts a better-handling and more aggressive-looking IS C right off the showroom floor.

Building off the 306-hp IS 350C, Lexus installs Bilstein-developed shocks, shorter springs, thicker antiroll bars and newly styled 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Lexus also upgrades the brake system for a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance.

Helping to distinguish itself from regular IS C models is a unique F-Sport grille, embroidered floor mats, shift knob, leather-wrapped shift knob, black leather seats with blue stitching and F-Sport exterior badges. Topping things off is an individually numbered center-console badge that marks the vehicle's spot in the 100-unit limited-edition run.

All 100 cars will be painted in one of only two available paint colors, tungsten pearl or obsidian. The 2010 IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition arrives in dealers later this month with a base price of $58,375, which represents roughly a $4,000 increase over a fully loaded base IS 350C.

By Jonathan Wong