Lexus Announces IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition, Priced from $58,375

First of all, before you run down to the comments section to... run us down, what you see pictured above is NOT the special edition F-Sport model but an F-Sport equipped IS350C as Lexus did not accompany the announcement on its new model with pictures.

Not that we've cleared that up, let's see what the IS 350C F-Sport special is all about. To put it briefly, it's a limited run version of the coupe-convertible IS packed with performance and styling accessories from Lexus' F-Sport accessories line as well as additional equipment that will be available only in two colors, Tungsten Pearl or Obsidian.

On the outside, the special edition IS 350C will be distinguished by a set of newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, exterior badging and a unique F-Sport grille not previously available.

To improve handling, Lexus upgraded the suspension with a sway bar, a new set of shocks from Bilstein and new springs that reduce the ride height by approximately one-inch while it also wrapped the new rims in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber size 225/35ZR19 in the front and 255/35ZR19 in the rear.

An upgraded brake kit that is said to offer a firmer pedal feel and enhanced fade resistance is also part of the package.

There are no changes under the hood with the F-Sport model featuring the same 306HP 3.5-liter V6 as the standard IS 350C.

Inside, the IS 350C F-Sport comes with black leather-trimmed seats with contrasting blue stitching and leather-wrapped shift knob and embroidered floor mats with the F-Sport logo.

Other 'Special Edition' standard features include heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim; Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); headlamp washers; and Lexus Navigation.

Lexus plans to keep production limited to 100 units with the first examples of the F-Sport model scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this month with an MSRP of $57,500 (not including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875), or roughly the same price as an Audi S5 soft-top convertible that gets a 333HP 3.0-liter V6 TSI.