Experienced by Kimatni Rawlins, Photography by Garvin St Villier
“Welcome to my city,” Darrius “Dr Darrius” Summers broadcasts to his loyal audience from the iHeartRadio 97.9 WJLB studio before hitting the streets of Detroit (the D) with Automotive Rhythms to explore the culture. Connected to everything with flavor in the D, our DJ was more than ready to rip through his city in the newly-released 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport AWD featuring the defining Black-NuLuxe Ash trimmed interior. And with full-time AWD and F Sport suspension tuning, the compact premium sports sedan has more handle than Pistons’ legend Isiah Thomas.
Dr Darrius is one of the most prominent voices in Metro Detroit – with an extensive career as an accomplished radio broadcaster, commercial voiceover talent, lifestyle influencer, fitness advocate, and international DeeJay. He also keeps your afternoon drive jumping during his midday show “The Doctor’s Office” for the radio station. What better way to explore the good life behind the wheel of the reimagined and beastly 2021 Lexus IS that 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 26 highway mpg. “Trust, its V6 energy with “Drive Mode Select” set in Sport mode is the truth,” exclaims Dr Darrius. And if you happen to see white flakes falling in Detroit – which is typical – switch to Snow mode.
The first stop was to pick up some grub from Detroit Vegan Soul, which satisfied our cravings. In past years I have only visited downtown Detroit, so it was good discovering the outer banks of Motor City. From visits to Motown Museum “Hitsville USA,” where musical history was made, to the 982-acre Belle Isle island park to view the skyline hovering the Detroit River, the weekend was full of allure.
Rolling from spot to spot, the tunes had to be on point. As a Detroit DJ, you know premium sound is a must. No problem since the Lexus IS features a standard 8″ touchscreen multimedia system showcasing both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with sound reverbing from a 10-speaker Lexus premium audio system, Dynamic Voice Command, Lexus Inform Wi-Fi, and a remote touchpad for additional control. An expansive 10.3” display is also available.
We cruised methodically through the busy quarters of Downtown Detroit where the Pistons, Tigers, and Lions play 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 Lexus is augmented with a carbon fiber spoiler, massive black grille, black rear diffuser, twin pipes, black blades running beneath the doors, black taillamp frames, jazzy 19” forged alloy BBS rims, and two-toned mirror caps.
Dr Darrius is an active advocate in the community collaborating with brands and organizations such as Foot Locker, Puma, The Sean Anderson Foundation, United Way, Fresh Empire, Wish Upon a Teen, Detroit Manufacturing Day, The Detroit Tigers Foundation’s “Play Baseball Detroit,” The NCAA Final Four Detroit, The Detroit Red Wings “SHOTS” program, and The Detroit Pistons Foundation. He also created an alcohol awareness program, “The SMART Tour,” and “Dr Darrius Healthy Life Choices.”
When he’s not working, Dr Darrius enjoys supporting his kids with their academic and athletic endeavors. “As part of the Fit Fathers movement, I have three active boys that I must keep them protected and healthy. Well, the new IS is the first Lexus to come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, so I feel secure,” he addresses. “Additionally, INTUITIVE PARKING ASSIST acts as a guide when I pull up for a DJ set.”
Lexus vehicles are designed with far more than luxury in mind, especially the IS F Sport. Starting at $42,900 ($53,385 as tested), the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is dynamic, intelligent, and represents another Grand Slam for the brand.
