Experienced by Kimatni Rawlins and Fly Guy DC / Photography by Garvin St Villier
“Welcome to my city,” bellows an animated Fly Guy DC who is wrapping up Streetz 94.5 on-air duties before hitting the urban streets of Atlanta with Automotive Rhythms to explore the culture. Deeply rooted into everything on fleet from sneakerheads to hip hop artists passing through town, the radio and TV personality, entrepreneur, and philanthropist was enamored with the Infrared 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport we handed him the keys to for the vibrant weekend.
We began our Saturday afternoon at the radio station where the influential millennial was finishing his set before jumping in the fiery F Sport replete with White Luxe and Black Geometric trimmed leather guts. Reimagined for the new year, the beastly 2021 Lexus IS returns with a chiseled body and broader stance. Under the hood we’re working with the sedan’s 3.5-liter V6 that kicks out 311-horsepower and travels a top speed of 143 mph. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, owners can achieve 28 highway mpg.
In Georgia’s eclectic town, you can experience more than a few attractions daily such as the SkyView Atlanta 20-story Ferris wheel in Centennial Park; historic Piedmont Park which inspires healthier lifestyles with workouts, walks, or runs; the Tabernacle concert hall originally opened in 1911; Tyler Perry Studios; and of course the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park which is Atlanta’s top tourist destination.
We cruised methodically through the busy quarters of Atlanta as onlookers glanced at the sporty vibes of our ride. The IS 350 sports sedan is not only attractive but thrilling when you grip the thick steering wheel and advance with the mounted paddle shifters. The Lex is augmented with a black spoiler, massive grille, black rear diffuser, twin pipes, black blades running beneath the doors, black taillamp frames, jazzy 19” rims, and two-toned mirror caps.
Automotive Rhythms periodically stopped for photos and video of Fly Guy DC with the vehicle in popular locations. Here, he chatted about his need for sound innovation since this is a crucial aspect of his world. So all he needed to hear was the sedan’s inclusion of Apple CarPlay, a 10.3” touchscreen display and accompanying 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System, Dynamic Voice Command, Lexus Enform Wi-Fi, and a remote touchpad for additional control.
Next, we jumped on the highway en route to the symbolic Outkast mural that sits adjacent to Wish Atlanta Boutique that attracts the attention of shoe and style aficionados across the state and out of town. Quick and decisive, our RWD F SPORT rolled on 19” staggered alloy rims and featured F Sport suspension tuning that allowed us to whip through traffic like the Hawk’s Trae Young with the rock. The car turned corners on a dime while its 3.5-liter V6 with Drive Mode Select shifted to Sport mode felt too special. And if you happen to see white flakes falling in Atlanta, switch from Sport to Snow mode.
We parked in front of Andre 3000 and Big Boi and headed inside to pick up a few pairs of Jordans, classic hoodies, and other premium-quality apparel pieces. When stepping out of fly rides, you certainly want the same appeal from your gear and kicks. Wishful thinking will always set you straight.
So, if you only thought Lexus vehicles were designed with luxury in mind, then you have been highly misled. Starting at $42,900 ($48,280 as tested), the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is dynamic, tech-heavy, and represents another triple-double for the brand.
