After recent revisions to the Lexus IS F differential, the IS F has never been so ready to hit the track. John Cotter, former Australian touring car driver, will drive the updated IS F as a safety car this year, leading the Australian GT Production Car Championship.

The differential revisions in question saw the old electronic limited-slip setup thrown in the bin and replaced by a proper, mechanical clutch-type limited-slip design. The updated IS F still features the same 5.0-litre V8, producing 311kW of power and 505Nm of torque. It also features the eight-speed automatic and will sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Out on the circuit, John Cotter says he is amazed by the car,

“The way it puts its power to the ground and the way it stops is just unbelievable. At the front of the pack you find yourself holding back. It’s just such a thrill to drive – it has so much usable power and that gearbox is fantastic,” he said.

Lexus Australia chief executive, Tony Cramb, also said in a recent release,

“Both the IS F and GS 450h offer outstanding performance – and what better way to demonstrate this then at racing events. The IS F was developed for the track, and with its recently adopted mechanical slip differential it’s even more competent on and off the track,” he said.

The Lexus IS F safety car is said to be completely unmodified, so anything and everything you may see or hear it do out on the track, the production version will do in equal measures. Only the lights and decals are added.

The Lexus IS F currently retails for $129,900.