Following on from the recent announcement on the 2012 IS-F in Europe, Lexus has released details on the mildly updated IS series for the North American market.

The three iterations of the IS series, which include the sedan, convertible and the high-performance IS-F, remain virtually unchanged for the new model year as the upgrades are limited to color and equipment features.

More specifically, the IS sedan models receive a brushed up color palette as Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica and Fire Agate Pearl replaces Glacier Frost Mica, while on the IS Convertible, Nebula Gray Pearl exterior replaces Smoky Granite Mica.

Both the sedan and hardtop convertible are offered with a 2.5-liter V6 producing 204 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm, and a 3.5-liter V6 delivering a more potent 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.

Finally, after gaining an updated suspension last year, the 2012 IS F receives a new and wider 19-inch forged wheel design, plus an all-new Red leather-trim that replaces the Orange/Black combination seating and interior theme.

The IS F is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine offering 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm, hooked up to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission.

* Lexus has not released any photos of the 2012 IS range.

2011 LEXUS IS SEDAN & IS-F