The Lexus IS F

The Lexus IS F is a high performance V8 that delivers comfort and refinement on city streets - but can also take on racing circuits!

Not only is the engineering superb, the interior design also exceeds all expectations. The cabin is designed with dark silver carbon fibre finishes, aluminium pedals and sculpted bucket front seats. It boasts 8-way powered sports seating and the memory function allows you to recall your preferred seating position. Exterior mirror and steering column positions can also be adjusted at the touch of a button. Those who like a little luxury during our cold Hobart winters will definitely appreciate the heated front seats!

Here is quick list of all the awesome features of the Lexus IS F:

• A 5.0 litre V8 engine 
• The world's first sequential eight speed automatic transmission 
• Packed with 311kW of raw power at 6,600rpm and 505Nm of torque at 5,200rpm 
• Best-of-breed race-tuned suspension and BremboTM brakes, with gear changes in 0.1 seconds 
• Quadruple exhaust pipes that make the IS F sounds unlike any other vehicle on the streets!
• The L finesse generates impressive aerodynamics to deliver a low 0.30 drag coefficient and a quiet cabin 
• For stability at high speeds, the underbody includes a fibreglass reinforced engine undercover providing additional stability at high speeds 
• Massive air intakes help cool the V8 engine, while radiator grill and side air grills quickly extract heat and cool the engine and brakes
• 19 inch forged alloy wheels that help draw air across the brakes to aid cooling; light and incredibly strong, the front wheels are eight inches wide while the rear are nine inches wide 
• Intelligent front and rear lighting. Daytime Running Lights make the vehicle more visible to other drivers and pedestrians and the powerful ‘High-Intensity Discharge’ headlamps give greater night vision
• Power-operated moonroof for extra ventilation and open air cruising 
• A hands-free Smart Key Card allows you to unlock and lock doors and start the engine at the touch of a button - without removing the card from your pocket or bag 
• Exterior mirrors feature a sleek, aerodynamic look which reduces wind noise, moreover these Electro-Chromatic mirrors that automatically dim on excessive light detection

The Lexus IS F is a perfect buy for those who want the privilege of owning a sports car that can be used on city roads. This car packs a solid punch!

Australia's Best Car Awards 2012 - Part 2

Today we’re looking at the winners of the over $50,000 categories in Australia's Best Car Awards 2012.

Following a rigorous testing and analysis process, the winners in each category have been announced on australiasbestcars.com.au by the Australian Automobile Association.

BMW 320i - Best Medium Car Over $50,000
The BMW 320i boasts exquisite design and handling features that make it an absolute pleasure to drive. Powered by a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder turbo engine with an 8 speed automatic transmission, the 320i gives a mileage of 6.0L/100km. It faced some tough competition from the Volkswagen CC 125 TDI and Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI, however the BMW outclassed them because of its spacious interior, power, improved ride and greater fuel efficiency.

Ford Falcon G6EcoBoost - Best Large Car Under $60,000
The Ford Falcon G6EcoBoost silenced its rivals - the Toyota Aurion AT-X and Peugeot 508 Allure HDi - with a satisfying driving experience backed by a powerful engine. The EcoBoost has a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine with a six speed automatic transmission system that yields 8.5L/100km. It retails for $40,835.

Lexus GS350 F Sport - Best Large Car Over $60,000
The Lexus GS350 F Sport has an amazing spec sheet with a 3.5 litre,V6 cylinder engine and a 6 speed automatic transmission system. A true powerhouse, it yields a mileage of 9.7L/100km. The finalists in this category included the BMW 520i and Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro, both of which lost out because of the GS350’s spacious interior and superior handling.

Kia Sportage SLi AWD - Best SUV Under $40,000
Kia has once again won the under $40,000 SUV category. The Sportage SLi AWD has a 2.4 litre, 4 cylinder engine, with a 6-speed automatic transmission system. It has a mileage of 9.2 L/100km - remarkable for an SUV. The contenders for this category included the Volkswagen Tiguan 103 TDi and 

Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2WD. 

Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE - Best All Terrain Four Wheel Drive
The Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE is a clear winner in the All-Terrain Four Wheel Drive category. With a 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine, and a 6 speed automatic transmission it makes for one of the most powerful four wheel drives available in the country. It yields an average of 9.3L/100km, which is decent considering its size and power. The contenders for this category were the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo CRD and Toyota Prado GXL.