We drove several examples of the IS models at competition speeds relentlessly in temperatures that rose above 110 degrees and not one of them stumbled or misfired. Because of the hot, slippery track surface, the tires constantly fought for grip, but the advanced chassis electronics kept everyone on the pavement. The car's inherent balance made it easy to push it to the limit, causing the electronic aids to step in and dampen the thrill.

We prefer the automatic over the manual. Though our traditional side still likes clutch pedals and manual shift levers, the new generation of manual automatics is so responsive that it takes a really good manual gearbox to draw us away from the auto-shifter. The IS 250's manual six-speed doesn't quite fit that description and isn't quite good enough to make us opt for it in lieu of the optional automatic. The paddle-shifted automatic is mostly wonderful, though driver control is never complete to help protect it against damaging shifts.

Summary

The all-new Lexus IS models are a quantum leap forward for the Lexus brand in terms of cutting-edge style and higher levels of performance. But BMW still has an edge when it comes to claiming itself the ultimate driving machine.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Greg N. Brown filed this report from Southern California.

Model lineup:Lexus IS 250 6-speed manual ($29,990); IS 250 six-speed automatic ($31,160); IS 250 AWD ($34,285); IS 350 ($35,440)

Engines:204-hp 2.5-liter dohc V6; 306-hp 3.5-liter dohc V6

Transmissions:6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; 5-speed Auto-stick automatic; 6-speed Auto-stick automatic

Safety equipment (standard):dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, three-point belts for all five seats, automatic locking retractor for all positions except driver, who gets emergency locking retractor, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, traction control, Vehicle Stability Control

Safety equipment (optional):Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management

Basic warranty:4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled in:Tahara and Kyushu, Japan