The Lexus Alps Tour 2010

The Alps, the largest mountain range in Europe, up to 4800 meters high. Since the ice age crossing the Alps has been either an individual adventure, a strategic maneuver or a masterful speed of logistics. The Lexus ISF opens a new chapter in crossing the Alps, one of pure pleasure. More than 200 mountain passes link the countries of Central Europe with those in the sunny South, a challenge literally made for the compact sport Sedan from Japan. Steep uphill and downhill inclines, narrow hairpins, short; straight stretches of road, the Alpine Passes offer a quickly changing variety of situations. The chassis brakes and engine are constantly pushed to their limit. All this calls for the outmost concentration on the part of the driver. Traveling the international Alpine Passes is no mountain race, but the ultimate driving pleasure for connoisseurs.

Once you’ve decided to tackle the mountain, the quality of your equipment will decide whether the ride becomes a dream it turns into a nightmare. That applies to both mountain climbers and past drivers who are perfectly prepared for the challenge with the sporty Lexus ISF. The Japanese’s answer to the BMW M3, Audi RS4 or the Mercedes C63 AMG meets all the requirements for an exhilarating spree through the Alps.

4.66 meters long with room for five, the ISF crouches on its mighty 19-inch wheels. Four tail pipes point to the powerful five-liter V8 with four valves per cylinder. The 423 horsepower produces its 6,000 rpm ascent to the rear wheels by an 8-speed sequential shift transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle controls. For Alpine drivers, the Stelvio pass or Stilfser Joch which links Austria with the Italian town of Borneo is the most thrilling part of crossing the Alps. Here, the ISF truly proves its prowess. The electric power steering has great response and precise control. The sophisticated chassis craves each and every curve and the big disk break shows no sign of fading even after 58 turns.

The further journey through Italy is one for a touring Sedan made for comfort that definitely fits the ISF at least until the next pass control.