These are speed-sensitive times with lengthy driving bans and even jail hiding among the bushes for transgressors of the law but it doesn't stop manufacturers trying to break the sound barrier with their flagships.
All they need to do in reality to cover themselves is print "where permitted" in the marketing material next to the bit that gives three-figure top speeds.
In the case of the Japanese marque Lexus it was actually a quite easy concept to produce a hot version of the normal IS. As a manufacturer, they already had five-litre V8 engines pushing their limos around in creamy-smooth fashion.
So, all they needed to do was squeeze one of them into the smallest body they could find, whack on a rorty exhaust and stiff suspension, huge alloys and a Batmobile tailpipe - and there you have it, a potential M3 beater.
(We've asked Lexus SA if the cars are coming here and the best answer we could get was a sort of "yes, maybe, we're talking about it". If they have more to say, we'll let you know.)
And there's a debate I'm not prepared to enter - is the ISF and real rival for the all-conquering BMW M3? Whether it is or not, you must agree that the Lexus is at the very least a worthy contender.
On paper, just look how close they are. The ISF costs a little less at £50 000. Both engines pack eight cylinders in a V, but the Lexus is a lot larger than the BMW's - five litres against four. Power output is within a kW or so of each other. Top speed is a lot more because the Lexus will do 270 and the M3 is governed to the gentleman's agreement 250km/h.
The 0-100 times are within 0.2 seconds - the BMW just about shaving it - but the Lexus is more economical.
They both look what they are - bruisers - with skirts and spoilers, whopping alloys and bulgy bits. You should see the ISF's straining bonnet! The IS is normally the entry Lexus model with modest engines under its skin. This particular one, however, has stretched its bonnet around the V8 like a military bed with hospital corners.
So enough of comparisons - what's it like? Up to 4000rpm it's a mild-mannered janitor. It's typical Lexus, supremely smooth and refined, peppy and controlled without being astounding.
PLAYING WITH THE GRIP
At 4000rpm something magnificent happens. Some little elf under the bonnet flicks a switch, turns up the volume and makes the world pass by in a blur. The noise is a symphony of V8 aural magnificence, stunning the senses.
The back-end twitches as the computer-controlled stability control plays with the grip and the power to provide optimum propulsion.
Grip is good, ride is brick-hard and can jar, but as you would expect there simply isn't any body roll and the steering is superb.
Specification is bewildering. There's every toy imaginable and a touch screen to boot. The stereo has a million speakers, the auto aircon is so good you could operate inside the rarefied atmosphere without any fear of infection.
The IS is not a big car, of course, but it doesn't really matter when you have the V8 pulsating away underneath. It's a sports car in every respect - except you get the bonus of a decent boot and four leather seats.
CAN BE CIVILISED
The ISF is a worthy addition to a great range of quality cars. It is thrilling to drive and has one of the best-sounding engines there is today.
It can be so civilised around town with only the bulges and slightly menacing exhaust rumble threatening what it can unleash.
Let it loose and it will be the rocketship it is designed to be with sense-shredding performance.
See you in court.
Car facts
Model: Lexus ISF.
Engine: Five-litre V8 petrol.
Drivetrain: Eight-speed auto.
Power: 313kW.
Top speed: 270km/h.
0-100km/h: 4.8sec.
General fuel consumption: 11.44 litres/100km.
Price in UK: £50 076 (about R666 000).