Friday 8th December 2006

Lexus to launch BMW M3 beater

New IS-F moves Lexus into performance saloon market

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Lexus IS250: the basis for IS-F

Lexus has announced that it'll launch the IS-F -- its BMW M3-killer -- at the Detroit motor show in January.

The nomenclature stems from the company's new badging system, where 'F' competes with BMW's 'M'.

Details are bit sketchy but it seems that it'll house the 4.6-litre V8 from the new LS460, which puts out 350bhp and 369lb-ft of torque in basic form -- though you can expect that it'll be tweaked to make more if it's to compete with the BMW.

Based on the IS250, the IS-F will probably get the new eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters along with the usual round of aero enhancements -- spoilers, skirts and diffusers.

Expect it to arrive in 2008.

In addition to the IS-F, Lexus said it'll also unveil "an exotic sports concept" in Detroit.

[Lord-Flasheart]

Yea but it's a Lexus, the least cool make EVER

[CO2000]

"Dan".........."Dan".........."DAAAAAAAAAAN" !!!!!!!!

[oagent]

I agree. My Lexus was built better than any other car I have ever owned.
At the time I thought a Lexus IS with the V8 mated to an auto box would be a better idea than a raw out and out performace machine.

[john_r]

Lord-Flasheart said:

Yea but it's a Lexus, the least cool make EVER

Ahhh, such delightful technical insight from a true car enthusiast...

Having recently changed from a new shape Lexus GS430 to an E60 BMW M5, the build quality and materials of the Lexus were far superior.
But don't get me wrong, the performance of the M5 is more than a trade-off!

If Lexus really can produce a V8 IS that combines 'M' type performance and handling with Lexus styling, reliability and dealership service then BMW have a serious problem on their hands!

[bad company]

I have really tried to like Lexus. I know they are good cars but they are all just so UGLY

[_deano]

8 gears!
We are going into mountain bike territory.

[jerrold]

_deano said:

8 gears!
We are going into mountain bike territory.

That or a coach!

Still think of the depreciation... How much to buy one after 3yrs, could be a bargain for the engine

[havoc]

_deano said:

8 gears!
We are going into mountain bike territory.

Agreed. And with a V8...who needs 8 gears with a V8?!? That's just going for one-upmanship over Merc...which, thinking about it, is probably where this will be pitched. Imagine it as a Lexus AMG not a Lexus M3. May be wrong, but...

[pasthim]

Lord-Flasheart said:

Yea but it's a Lexus, the least cool make EVER

Least cool??? What on earth are you talking about you drive a 'Seat Ibiza 1.4 Ibiza (1996)'.

[brotherharry]

Lexus is one of those brands that you secretly want to like, but the performance credentials don't allow it. Bit like Saab.
If you want an M3 but wouldn't be seen dead in a BMW (despite the fact you know it's the best handling saloon out there) because of the associations, until recently (RS4) there wasn't really an alternative. There's absolutely a gap for a M3 alternative that isn't a Merc, and if Lexus can deliver the performance/handling/evo-ness in addition to the square benefits, they could clean up.

[Road_Terrorist]

About damn time Toyota started shipping some performance cars again, and they waited far too long to give the IS a powerful engine, it's been crying out for more power since the day it was released.

There's some more info and a video of the test car at the 'ring here, that speculates it might even be a 425bhp yamaha tuned 5.0L V8.
www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=118182

It would be nice to have an option of a proper 6 speed manual or at least a manual 'box based paddle shifter like BMW/Ferrari rather than an 8 speed auto paddle shifter, which is still just a slushbox in the end

[Lord-Flasheart]

pasthim said:

Lord-Flasheart said:

Yea but it's a Lexus, the least cool make EVER

Least cool??? What on earth are you talking about you drive a 'Seat Ibiza 1.4 Ibiza (1996)'.

Yea I know its not cool, or particularly fast. As a student I am a little restricted to what I can afford at the moment

Edited by Lord-Flasheart on Friday 8th December 15:23

[Lord-Flasheart]

Does 8 gears really have much advantage over 7?

[Fittster]

bad company said:

I have really tried to like Lexus. I know they are good cars but they are all just so UGLY

Just make sure you park next to a BMW 3 series, in comparison it will look stunning.

[cptsideways]

About time they started putting non lethargic engines into the IS models, it's not as if Toyota don't have them in their parts bin! Plenty of choice from the 1JZ-GTE 2.5, 2JZ-GTE Twin Turbo's & the 2JZ single turbo. The 1UZ V8 is simply lovely but has always been a lethargic cruiser.

Very nice RWD platform, good handling cars even the boggo ones so 400bhp would make a fantastic weopon.

[redbullish]

And just 2050kg or so.....

[K321]

i think this new edge styling on the lexi (plural) is very nice. However the new M3 would probably beat it for pure drivers appeal. LExus are producing some great quality cars at the minute..their image? i think its a good one if a lil bit too clinical.

[Esprit]

cptsideways said:

About time they started putting non lethargic engines into the IS models, it's not as if Toyota don't have them in their parts bin! Plenty of choice from the 1JZ-GTE 2.5, 2JZ-GTE Twin Turbo's & the 2JZ single turbo. The 1UZ V8 is simply lovely but has always been a lethargic cruiser.

Very nice RWD platform, good handling cars even the boggo ones so 400bhp would make a fantastic weopon.

The 1JZ and 2JZ are no longer emissions compliant.... so scrap that idea.

[havoc]

Gazboy said:

redbullish said:

And just 2050kg or so.....

For an IS? A GS430 is 1695kg and it's a much larger car.

New IS based on the GS platform, so not as much difference weight-wise as you think...IIRC the IS 220d is over 1,600kg.

[mrvette]