IS350atWOT

iTrader: (1)

Lexus keeps saying it all changes with the new GS. I get what they're saying. But didn't it all really start with the IS-F for the "fun to drive" factor? The LFA was next. Then the CT took design cues from the F (like the CT F-Sport version). It seems like everything is following the IS-F. Don't us F owners really have the one that started it all?

VtotheJ

iTrader: (2)

The ISF was the first performance car to come from the factory with an 8-speed transmission (LS was first ever). It took other car companies long enough to follow suit... The 2012 BMW 5 series are coming with 8-speed trannys, and even the Infiniti M56 has a 7-speed, Chrysler 300 has an 8-speed, Dodge Charger... and the list goes on. They obviously copied Lexus.

Lexus deserves a lot of credit for setting the benchmark that a lot of companies are using to create their cars.

Autobacs

iTrader: (1)

Is it not funny when the IS-F first came out some auto critics commented the transmission had too many gears.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Big rigs have had 10 speed gearboxes for ages - with Hi/Lo split axles for 20 total ratios, and they're manually shifted!

MRxSLAYx

The one that started it all... IJS

CCJ22

iTrader: (26)

Quoted for true story....

hahahaf

iTrader: (2)

it bothers me how some of the gs commercials refer to it as beast

Rolotomasu

iTrader: (1)

Three words: Lexus Marketing Department

IceIridium

iTrader: (2)

I remember back when the IS-F specs were announced the Bimmer guys were saying "Psh 8 gears? Good luck to ya when THAT tranny breaks, and with 8 gears you bet it will!"

Fast forward a few years and our 8-speeds are rock-solid and the 3-series and M3 boards are filled with threads about tranny problems and now FOUR years later the Germans are finally getting their own 8-speeds... LOL

js619858

I wonder what BMW pep's are saying now?

I remember watching TOP Gear and they blasted the ISF for 8-Gears so I want to see their review for BMW now with 8-gears. Probably say BMW is the benchmark with 8 gears, dam bias show.

bnizzle87

Especially with strict emission laws, an 8 speed tranny was a gas guzzling saver I think. The M3 and C63 both got hit with that. I'm not sure if they plan on putting it into those vehicles, but I'm sure glad there was no additional charge for that when I bought my car back in 2008. I'm glad to see Lexus and its "F" marquee branch. The IS F, LFA, F-sport...they all bring awareness to Lexus; sport meets luxury. In no way is the brand content, and that is why all these new F-sport models are being produced. The pursuit continues, and this game changer will only bring a greater awareness to Lexus and the "F" branding.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Gearing and fuel economy are only very loosely related. No matter how you spin the engine, it has to produce a certain number of horsepower at a given speed. How you multiply torque to arrive at that power isn't the greatest concern. Very good thermal efficiency, solid aerodynamics, and tight engine tuning in the range where the EPA tests are the keys to not getting whacked by the gas guzzler tax. Also, we don't have MB's raw power - it definitely saves fuel not having so much excess capacity.

The big advantage to eight ratios is the ability to tune the engine's powerband over a smaller range of rpm and still deliver a solid driving experience.