Christmas comes early: Neiman Marcus Lexus IS F

Like a five-year-old kid, Lexus apparently just can't wait for Christmas this year, and is already offering a special edition car for the still-distant holiday season. The Neiman Marcus IS F Special Build Sedan (the name just rolls of the tongue) will be offered in the Neiman Marcus 2007 Christmas book.

Billed as the fastest production car Lexus has ever built, the NM IS F SBS (as it's affectionately known) is also one of the priciest, listed at $68,000. All that cash will get you some pretty serious go, however: the 5.0L V8 will sprint to 60mph (100km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, with quick shifts managed by a Sport Direct Shift eight-speed gearbox. Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, bluetooth interface, and premium sound and DVD systems included. No doubt what many will find most interesting is the included half-day of training at Skip Barber Racing School.

Inside, the car will feature black material with white accent stitching, white leather accents, and an F logo on the headrests. If Mitsubishi Evo-level performance for near Corvette Z06 prices combined with arguably tacky interior design is your thing, this is the car for you. Limited to just 50 examples, the IS F Special Build Sedan is a sure sell-out, so get on the horn and place your orders now. Or not.