[Tycoon]

Too early to say that... We'll see, but i doubt...

[Monster]

The styling alone will turn off many buyers. What are they thinking with those side vents. The Audi RS4 interior easily bets the lexus.

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by Just_me

so do you guys still think its going to be a threat to the german trio?

Regardless of whether you like it in the styling department or not Lexus is a big threat in North America, and you can be sure even with this "tame" styling, they'll probably sell many of them.

Not to impressed with the styling personally, a little to oridinary in my opinion. No pictures of the rear end yet?

Don't get me wrong, I like it. However I was expecting more.

[Mr. M]

Originally Posted by martinbo

Thanks Just_me. Wow, doesn't seem to work in the styling department eh?

The front overhang is much longer than I recall on a standard IS and the raised bonnet gives the front a very bloated and unathletic appearance.

The car sits too low on its suspension and looks decidely flat footed.

A case of too much too soon Lexus?

I agree with Martin on this one - the first thing that set off alarms in my head was how low the car looks like.

[PC Valkyrie]

Interesting read, although I await more details about its technical features.

A few points:

1) I agree with the majority here that the restyled front end is more of a negative than a postive, IMO. That raised bonnet looks bulky.

2) 5.0L V8 making > 400HP and 350 lb-ft torque is nice. That's about 475 Nm, if my calculations are right.

3) The release seems to emphasize quite a bit about the 8 speed automatic transmission. This is in direct competition with AMG's Speedshift 7 speed automatic tranmission. Yes, it will stand out being the only 8 speed in this segment of cars. The most impressive thing is it will automatically blip the throttle before downshifts. So far, no AMG automatic transmission will do that while in Manual mode. However, the comments about torque converter lockup starting in 2nd gear are not that impressive. AMG Speedshift transmissions have offerred torque converter lockup starting in 1st gear since 2003. As such, it is likely the Lexus will suffer from more drivetrain losses than the AMG competition when when accelerating in 1st gear.

4) 0-60mph will happen in LESS than 4.9 seconds is the claim. Mercedes USA claimed the old C55 could do 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds. I'm sure the figure from Lexus is a conservative one. I expect the 0-60 run in the mid 4's, if it is going to be a legitimate threat to the new M3, new C63, and current RS4.

5) Being an automatic transmission car, the one car it could seriously threaten is the upcoming C63. I doubt people will buy the Lexus if their heart is on the RS4 or upcoming M3, both of which do not/unlikley to offer automatic transmissions. And knowing Lexus, they will price this car significnatly lower than their German competitors, making it seem like a good deal.

[Just_me]

This Lexus seem to have more in common with AMG than M. More comfort than sport?

[PC Valkyrie]

Originally Posted by Just_me

This Lexus seem to have more in common with AMG than M. More comfort than sport?

It's all relative to what you compare to. Nobody's driven or ridden in the new Lexus yet so it's all speculation now. As I've said many times before, the ride in my C55 can be quite harsh and it DOES handle very well compared to the E46 M3 (as you know by now ). But compared to the E46 M3, it is definitely more comfortable.

But I think you're likely going to be right in that the IS-F will be more of a C63 competitior. However, it is unlikely the IS-F will be a significant threat in terms of acceleration if the next C63 gets a detuned 6.2L V8 making about 478-480HP.

Time will tell.

[Bruce]

From Automobile:


"The speculation and hearsay is finally over. Lexus, having failed to match the basic BMW 3-series with the IS, is going straight for the big dog M3 with its new IS-F. Under the massively bulged hood you see here is a 5.0-liter beast of a V-8 engine putting out over 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Behind big nineteen-inch BBS front wheels lie six-pot aluminum Brembo calipers--the first ever with "Lexus" written across them--squeezing down on 14.2-inch perforated discs that hope to also clamp down on the lips of Lexus-doubters.

The IS-F borrows its far-beyond-necessity eight-speed transmission from the LS, but unlike in the LS, gearbox can be controlled via wheel-mounted paddles. Lexus claims that upshifts are popped off in a tenth of a second, and downshifts are met with automated blips of the throttle to match engine revs.

The IS-F rides up to an inch lower than other IS models, and is wider overall thanks to flared wheel surrounds and ridiculous brake vents behind the front wheels. At the rear, the IS-F is distinguished by unique, stacked quad exhaust outlets. Aluminum trim and sport seats--finished in black or white leather--define the interior, along with a special button for a new three-mode version of VDIM, Lexus's stability control system. Like similar systems from BMW and Cadillac, the driver can chose from a full-on stability mode, a sport mode that allows for some hoonery, and a full off mode that opens the flood gate for full drift action.

And full-on drifts won't be a problem with all that power. Lexus estimates a 0-60 mph time of less than 4.9 seconds for the IS-F, which is the first Lexus "F" cars. "F" will be the designation for sporty Lexus cars, much like "M" is to BMW, "AMG" to Mercedes, and "S" and "RS" are to Audi.

Lexus general manager Bob Carter says that "the intent of creating the IS-F was not to be a competitor to other performance-sport sedans. Rather, the goal was to create a true performance sedan in a uniquely Lexus way-one that is totally authentic with a unique interpretation of raw driving thrill at all speeds and provides a whole new definition of 'usable power.'" We hope that this unique interpretation is something brand new, because the Lexus experience we think of leans toward the numb, soulless side of the scale. With the debut of the IS-F, the task of creating a real performer appears to be complete for Lexus engineers. But now the real test begins. Can the fusing of the words "Lexus" and "performance" capture the hearts of the enthusiasts who matter? We'll find out when the IS-F arrives at dealerships in early 2008." - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

[Centurion]

Any word on when we will get our hands on the press release?

[BMW_Dude]

I'm really not sure about the looks of this car, look a bit OTT, and those rims look too large.

I like the engine specs, though, will have to wait to road tests though until we'll see if it's good as a drivers car!