[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Lexus Enthusiast

Lexus Enthusiast’s Take
Having this information makes it easier to understand what ingredients are missing to create an IS F: Exclusive F front and rear bumpers with side fender vents, Brembo brakes, driver-focused suspension enhancements, active weight reduction, unique interior trim, launch control and more.

Thanks for posting that.

Some of that, like the brakes and suspension, obviously has actual tangible value. But the weight reduction is a bit funny given how much the RC F weighs.

[MmmmmM2]

Who wants to bet that it is still slower than an M340i?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by MmmmmM2

Who wants to bet that it is still slower than an M340i?

An M340i with xDrive? Probably. But this is likely to give a RWD M340i a run for its money.

If you look at BMW's official acceleration times for the M340i xDrive and M3 with RWD, they, too, are closer than one might expect.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by MmmmmM2

Who wants to bet that it is still slower than an M340i?

I'll take a NA V8 IS500 over the m340i. I could care less if it's slower.

Both are plenty fast, and I think this looks much better.

[jmull3r]

Originally Posted by MmmmmM2

Who wants to bet that it is still slower than an M340i?

RWD M340 to RWD IS500 will be extremely close. Since they are marketing it as a mid tier vehicle like the M340 it's definitely competitive again. It's a good effort on their part and like other said lexus is making their comeback to the performance market

[supra93]

[damnitBobby]

Damn I think I found my next car! But yeah need the price to decide. If they price it against the M340i I’m all in on the IS500. If they price it against the M3 then I’ll have to think hard about that.

[supra93]

[Burrcold]

It's really too bad they didn't upgrade the transmission. I'm not seeing how this car is all that different from the 1st gen IS-F.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Agree, luckily it still has physical HVAC and Seat Heating controls unlike the LC and LS as well, that really helps out. The touchscreen should also be helpful with Carplay. Its just barely usable, luckily there are so many other positives for the car.

I second this.

I do NOT like this tablet trend taking over interior design.

I like physical buttons for climate, audio, basic vehicle operation and the redundancy of having the same controls through the infotainment system. Rather have both with cumbersome infotainment than a full touchscreen tablet system.

[jmack]

Very pleasantly surprised! After Mercedes butchered the next C"""63""" I thought there was no way Lexus of all brands would put out a new compact V8 sedan. I'm holding off on my Mustang purchase until this comes out now.

[supra93]

This may foreshadow the "LS-F" and "LC-F". Let me explain. I recall reading a post somewhere awhile back that said a full blown F model for those two was getting watered down. Like Lexus was just going to drop the TT V8 into the LS and LC and pretty much call it a day. Kind of like what we see with this IS500 F Sport. IIRC, the reasons were R&D time and cost passed down to the consumers.

[MmmmmM2]

While I see the value of having an NA V8, the engine is still ancient. I don't know...I guess I really soured on Lexus after having a 17 Lexus IS350 F Sport. That car had no soul.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by MmmmmM2

While I see the value of having an NA V8, the engine is still ancient. I don't know...I guess I really soured on Lexus after having a 17 Lexus IS350 F Sport. That car had no soul.

Ancient just means reliable.

It's a great engine. I think you have to drive one of the F cars to appreciate it, and the cars equipped with this V8 have plenty of soul.

Also it's a 5 liter V8 that can push close to 500 horses. Who cares if it's "ancient".

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by Sublime00

Ancient just means reliable.

It's a great engine. I think you have to drive one of the F cars that have it to appreciate it.

The fact that this car even exists in 2021 is an accomplishment. I was not in the financial position to jump on the original IS F so I'm very excited that I'll have the opportunity this time around.

Finally something different in this segment and for once, I think Lexus knows exactly what they're doing here. A full on F model to compete with M3 and C63 would probably cost too much, probably not perform as well if the RC-F is any indication, and people wouldn't be able to justify it over the Germans. But as an S4/340 competitor, this thing speaks to me. And I'm not really an N/A V8 or Lexus fan in particular.

[supra93]

[David70]

Originally Posted by jmack

Very pleasantly surprised! After Mercedes butchered the next C"""63""" I thought there was no way Lexus of all brands would put out a new compact V8 sedan. I'm holding off on my Mustang purchase until this comes out now.

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Mostly because Lexus doesn't sell as much in Europe where regulations are strict. In Germany they still sell the old IS, and only in hybrid form, this "new" (refresh) isn't sold in some European countries at all.

The blame seemed to be on European regulations and what they can sell there. I don't think the regulations stop them from building V8's in Europe for the rest of the world? Lexus sells the V8 here and MB could do the same if they wanted?

[M3_WC]

Remember the days when bmw fanboys would make fun of Lexus because of their grill. Jokes on them now.

[supra93]

Anyone else seeing "$55k" being throw around a lot? I'm assuming people are using the price differences between the 3rd gen GS to predict pricing for the IS500.

2011
GS350: $46,900
GS460: $55,370

Differences: $8,470 ($9,849 with inflation)

2021

IS350: $42,900
IS500: $52,749

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by supra93

Anyone else seeing "$55k" being throw around a lot? I'm assuming people are using the price differences between the 3rd gen GS to predict pricing for the IS500.

2011
GS350: $46,900
GS460: $55,370

Differences: $8,470 ($9,849 with inflation)

2021

IS350: $42,900
IS500: $52,749

Well it isn’t a full fledged F model. Lexus said F Performance sits between F Sport and F model. It will be cheaper than a M3. $55k seems plausible.

[JamesGames]

if this car is 55k i think it'll sell like hot cakes - no one really makes a NA v8 like that inside a luxury compact sedan with a good fit and finish. I never owned a single lexus, never thought I ever would, but I would certainly entertain this car over M340i / S4 / C43 AMG. They may be using the same old motor over and over again but the combination of a compact sedan with a NA V8 if affordable should win a lot of hearts over.

[VisualEcho]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm impressed. The V8 alone is worth the price of admission. But I'm not believing $55K until I see it, my '18 IS350F Sport was $52K.

Well done Lexus.