Can"t help feeling the...

Can"t help feeling the new Lexus IS-F isn"t a worthy rival for Europe"s fastest? Then feast your eyes on this spectacular evolution of the newcomer built by an American tuning firm called Five Axis.

Aimed at stealing the thunder from the likes of the eagerly anticipated new BMW M3 CSL and powerful Mercedes C63 AMG Black, the car is powered by a near 600bhp evolution of the standard cars 5.0-litre V8. To add visual drama, the composite bodied machine is actually a full six inches wider than the standard model, thanks to wheelarch extensions and changes to the front and rear axles.

The car also gets 20-inch alloy wheels, plus custom paint - called black pearl satin black. The matt finish looks spectacular, and though not yet offered as an option at dealers, the changes to the car do show that the Japanese firm is serious about delivering performance modifications for the IS, under a new programme called Lexus F Specification. This will allow customers to choose from a wide range of go faster options, designed to make their cars look and drive better.