mugenh22a4

iTrader: (9)

The Ferrari and IS-F transmissions are different in how they operate. Just because they both have paddle shifters doesn't make them the same.

I'll gladly take a manual in the IS-F any day. I like having full control of the drivetrain; it's something I'll happily give up a few 10ths or some lap time to.

Fapout

iTrader: (6)

bzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

That's the buzzer.... Read up my friend:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/01/2...geneva-reveal/

mr2fast

what about the drivetrain do feel you don't have full control over? Don't get me wrong I'm a purist and thoroughly enjoy being proficient with a clutch and stick, but the F's tranny is fantastic.

spekterg35

^downshifts. Full control would mean it goes down when we want. Whether that is going to cause injury to the vehicle or not. Plus, it's still controlled by the computer. I think most 5/6mt lovers are fond of the mechanical feeling of pushing the transmission to the next gear. Or maybe the sense of accomplishment in nailing a near perfect heel-toe downshift.

That being said. I do agree that the transmission is one of the best aspects of the car as it is currently available. One of the main reasons i bought it.

UCrazyKid

Having driven the ISF at Infineon Raceway last weekend I concur completely. There is no way I would have preferred a manual over the ISF's amazing automatic in manual mode. The shifting is fantastic and allows you to focus on the line.

Dexterr

Aside from all the request/changes mentioned above.

I just hope the Gen3 IS-F is going to be compared with a full-size car, such as the M5 or E63 AMG. I think it's only right (visually) and deserving of an IS-F to run with the big boys (4 door vs. 4 door) this time around.

And it's about time for the IS-F to get a V10 engine or a twin turbo V8.

melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

^^^
I'm torn on that thought about the V10 or twin turbo. I mean, they just put out the $325k LFA supercar that puts out around 560hp, right? Would it make sense to push the ISF into 500+hp territory for say $85k brand new? I'm leaning towards no b/c that would be cannabilistic. Some mods would allow you to reach equal hp AND save $200k.

I would love to see the F reach 500hp stock like the aforementioned vehicles, but I am certainly not going to hold my breath on that. It just does not make good business sense to me. Who knows...maybe they could capture both markets (i.e. insanely rich and those who just have plenty of money)... idk

spekterg35

^ true, except a limited production run of 500 negates the cannabilism argument. No matter how much money you throw at an ISF, it won't be an LFA. Also, there is a big difference between 100K and 375K. I think a lot of the evolution of the car is going to depend on how the next M3 and AMG C car perform. Are they still talking about a GSF. If so, it would make more sense for a V10 or Turbo8 to go in there.

Dexterr

I totally agree with you. And when you think about AMG, they also have the SLS with 563hp at $250k price tag. Why pay $250k+, when you can get an
E63 for $85k+? If you asked me, (in short) you're buying the bragging rights, not so much with the hp.

melbitoast

iTrader: (1)

Spekterg, absolutely agree about the limited production theory. If they leave the current model alone and run a limited edition 500hp, I believe that would work magically b/c of the growing enthusiasm towards the F. The basis of my statement centered on the 500hp F becoming a full-time production. That is from where the product cannibalism idea came.

Dexterr, I agree with you as well. At that point you're paying for the name/look/bragging more than the performance; but that's not to say performance is ignored by any stretch.

mugenh22a4

iTrader: (9)

Yeah, no cannibalism here. The local billionaire car nut won't be showing off his E63 AMG to his billionaire car nut buddies.....his money will buy him horsepower AND exclusivity. Horsepower isn't everything when you can afford to wipe your *** with benjamins.

bnizzle87

I'll believe it when I see it. And all I see is the C class coupe, no AMG model, even if the article says "it's set to debut." But if MB does make a C63 coupe, Lexus should compete in that particular segment theoretically because it would be losing out to customers who want the option of a high perfoming coupe, but my personal opinion is that it's great as a sedan form. If it's offered in a coupe form in the future, great for Lexus in keeping up with the competition. Personally, I just can't see the need for a coupe, especially if I'm hauling some passengers. I do like the M3 coupe, but rear seating is very limited, which was why I chose the F in the first place. But good article, though. I really like the beginning to the the video posted.

LexFather

Remember technically the LFA was to debut first then the the IS F, etc afterwards. That didn't happen since this IS F was a skunkworks project that got approved.

So that means an expanded "F" lineup is coming

Oddly rumors are that BMW will be dropping the M3 sedan again next time like the E46.....

Fapout

iTrader: (6)

I wanted more torque so I got the 335 coupe and for the four door I got the ISF... Something about a high revving BMW v8 just makes me nervous on reliability. The C63 is an awesome car but you might as well just buy a vette than a C63 coupe. I get the M3 niche, I get the C63/ISF 4door niche but not the 2 door C63 market. But that's just my 2 cents.

bnizzle87

I know what you're saying man. 335xi is a sweet beast, even stock. But modded....i bet it sounds and runs insane.