Talk about your personality transformations!

Lexus, arguably the world's most prominent, best-known prestige automaker, is turning over a new leaf this year, adding torrid performance to their already illustrious portfolio.

The transformation comes via the introduction of the Lexus IS-F, a brutish looking, ground hugging, take no prisoners high performance sports sedan that will likely shock a good number of enthusiasts and others this year.

For starters, the IS F will have an engine that will deliver more than 400 horsepower and over 350 lbs./ft. of peak torque from a 5.0-liter V-8. That's not all. The engine has specially engineered cylinder heads that are fed by a two-stage intake system.

And the IS F is equipped with engine-oil and transmission fluid coolers for high-speed performance, and a cylinder head-scavenging oil pump for high g-force driving.

Sound cool?

Trust me, it is.

Of course, because this is a high-performance car, the suspension system is much stiffer than you see in normal IS series Lexus products, and includes double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems. The car also sits about an inch lower than other IS series models.

In case you're wondering why Lexus is using the "F" designation, it is part of the company's history.

The "F" originates from the "Circle-F" internal code for what became the Lexus Division nearly 20 years ago. Since then, the "F" code has come to signify a special vehicle program within Lexus that falls outside the normal engineering and development process. Much of the IS F development took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan.

And from what Lexus officials tell me, this is only the first of a number of "F" models we will see on the market. Actually, none of this comes as a surprise to me because the company's arch competitors, Mercedes with its AMG series cars and BMW with its M Series cars and Cadillac with its V series products are already fielding high performance models. Lexus almost has to do this to remain competitive.

Another technical highlight is that the engine for the IS F will use Lexus' first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission-- and of course, it will include paddle shifting. As a result, the IS F will zoom to 60 in an astonishing 4.8 seconds or so. That's at least as fast as a Corvette.

The IS F features an all-new, three-mode version of the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. In addition to the Normal mode, this new version of VDIM features a Sport mode that allows the driver to push the car even further before its braking-, throttle- and steering-control systems kick in.

The third VDIM system mode is "Off," which allows the driver to push the IS F to its ultimate level of handling performance on a racetrack.

The IS F brakes are an important part of the high performance story, too. They're both brutally strong and designed to draw attention from onlookers.

That's because these are gargantuan heavy-duty Brembo brakes that include 14.2 inch perforated front discs and six-piston aluminum calipers. high friction brake pads are fitted all around.

And as for those onlookers, wait until they get a look at the Lexus name proudly emblazoned on the calipers -- that's the first time, too for a Lexus product.

Obviously, with all this good stuff, you want to be sure nobody misses the IS F when they see one. Lexus took care of that issue by modifying the styling. You'll notice its dual-exhaust system and quad tailpipes, wider front fenders, and a larger grille and rear spoiler. Both the hood and lower intake were enlarged to accommodate and help cool the V-8 engine.

Inside, you'll notice unique styling with aluminized composite trim and special surface treatments. The instrument panel includes an oil-temperature gauge and shift indicator-lights, while the "F" logo is showcased on the steering wheel and rear-center console.

There also are specially shaped and trimmed seats that hold the driver comfortably and securely in place. The special sport seats are available in black or a unique high-contrast white and black trim.

There are no prices, but given Lexus' policy of undercutting the prices of its competitors, I look for the IS-F to cost somewhere in the low- to mid-$50,000 range. That would surely be less than the $60,000-plus you can expect to pay for a BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V or comparable high-performance sedan.

Fuel mileage ratings are not yet available.

The other big news is some serious changes to the Lexus GS series, the company's larger performance sedan models. This one's always been one of my favorites because of its strong handling qualities, sumptuous interior and sexy styling.

The GS will wear new front fascias, ride on different wheels, and feature some new colors, different dash and other features. power comes from a 3.5-liter, 303-horsepower V-6, a 4.6-liter, 342-horsepower V-8, or the hybrid system that includes a 292-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Fuel economy ratings range from 15 to 22 miles per gallon city and 22 to 26 miles per gallon highway, depending on the engine. Prices range from $45,000 to $56,000.