The production version of the LFA coupe, available in 2011, confirms Lexus‘ commitment to ultra-high performance.

The earlier generation Concept LF-A Roadster is evidence that performance and open motoring can go hand in hand.

The Concept’s low-profile, sleek, aerodynamic shape is fashioned from lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum and features a speed adaptive rear wing. And like the coupe, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving V10 engine capable of over 500 horsepower, which can reach an astonishing top speed of over 200 mph on the track. Fasten your sunscreen.

The exterior features a confident stance and short overhangs, while the vehicle’s performance resonates with the interior’s racing–inspired styling and drive-by-wire steering. It lives up to its promise with the high-output, front-mounted V8 engine and six-speed sequential automatic transmission.

There are luxurious cars, and there are fuel-efficient cars. There are even some that offer moderate levels of both characteristics. But no vehicle has managed—or even attempted—to take luxury and fuel economy simultaneously to such high levels as has the 2010 Lexus HS250h, the industry’s first dedicated luxury hybrid.

From the start Lexus has earned a reputation for well-sorted ergonomics, and the HS carries on this fine tradition. Logically sized and arranged knobs and buttons handle most functions. Secondary settings and the nav system are operated, as in the RX, via Lexus’s response to iDrive.

The HS 250h is the Lexus brand’s first dedicated hybrid, just as the Prius was for its parent brand Toyota. Previous Lexus hybrids were adaptations of existing vehicles, including the popular RX 400h crossover—replaced for 2010 by the RX 450h—the GS 450h sports sedan, and the full-size luxury barge LS 600h. But the HS will be sold just as a hybrid, with no gasoline-only version.

A comfortable palmrest, force-feedback, and slick graphics provide the console-mounted toggle pad with much of the familiar feel of a computer mouse. An available 15-speaker Mark Levinson system provides another sign that the HS isn’t a Toyota anymore.

The HS 250h shares its 147+40-horsepower powertrain with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Rough engine, ropy CVT, non-linear power delivery, non-linear brakes…a whole lot of not good.

And the 2.4-liter gas-hybrid four-cylinder sounds and feels almost normal in regular driving. There’s some scoot off the line, thanks to the assistance provided by the insta-torque electric motor. Acceleration slackens at higher speeds, but never becomes downright slow. Force the engine up towards the assumed redline, and you’ll escape a four-cylinder Sonata, if not the four-cylinder sonata.

Lexus unveiled F-Sport, its first-ever performance accessory line available for the IS 250, and the IS 350. The line was premiered at the 2007 Special Equipment Marketing Association Show in Las Vegas, where the appearance marked the division’s first official participation at the show.

So what’s a budget-minded enthusiast to do? Have a glance at Lexus’ F-Sport package, available on the remainder of the Lexus IS lineup.

Taking a page from the aftermarket tuner handbook, Lexus is offering a whole range of components to sharpen up its entry-level sedan, allowing the owner to upgrade according to both taste and budget.

These days no performance car seems complete without an upgraded low-restriction intake system or a free-flowing twin-exit exhaust. Fully-polished aluminum with a welded-on F-Sport logo marks the intake tubing immediately as “something special.”

A reusable dry polyester filter works with a specially-shaped airbox “bottom” to increase airflow to the engine. Downstream, polished 304 stainless steel piping meets with two beautifully welded and polished mufflers, terminating in attractive chrome tips.