Murph145

I am sure it was developed with that in mind. American cars are not the pieces of crap they used to be, plus they all come with warranties. As with any car if all you do is mash the pedal and smash gears you will eventually damage it. The ISF is a fun car but the hell cat, GT500 are just a whole different level as said "apples and oranges"

LionelHutz

Oh, come on. The ISF isn't as quick as the new generation of launch-controlled sports sedans but magazine tested 0-60 @ 4.2 seconds, 1/4 mile @ 12.6 seconds and 170mph top speed will never be "slow."

itsmike177

iTrader: (3)

The 8 speed ZF auto in the Hellcat will dominate the 8 speed Aisin trans in the Lexus models. The ZF transmission(s) are pretty much bulletproof and able to handle loads of torque, hence it goes into turbo'ed cars. If it can handle the twin turbo v12 torque in a 6000lb+ Rolls Royce, the Hellcat Charger/challenger will be no problem.

The Aisin 8 speed trans is in need of a serious update. Only to find that it's going into the RCF is a disappointment.

And no, I'm not bashing the ISF trans. But after driving cars with the new ZF 8 speed auto trans (not DCT), the ISF trans feels old in downshift speed and overall smoothness on upshifts.

StealthFF

Good data, agreed. But, it the ISF was one of the first launched with such tranny, I could be wrong, but since the release of mine in 08, im sure there has been updates as other car manufacturers have adopted and adapted.

StealthFF

So, I just caught you said they are using a different, I know they said redisigned, but it will be the ZF in the RCF?

Murph145

I dont even need to launch control the gtr to know how much faster it is lol. I have the ISF still and when I get into it and drive it just seems like a slouch. I know I know the ISF is a good overall reliable and decently quick car but the power that the new american muscle cars are putting down are just in a whole different level than the F.

And of course the new zo6 will be crazy but you have to remember a used isf $35-$45K a new zo6 will be over $100K

vbb

iTrader: (3)

I like cars, so naturally I'm always looking at what is out there. The new Charger Hellcat looks impressive. But then logic brings me back in, and I realize that having a big, clunky, high horsepower American muscle car is not something I'd enjoy more than my ISF. The only car that comes remotely close is the C7 Z06. But in reality, if I were to get something faster than the ISF, I'd go smaller, and get a Porsche.

itsmike177

iTrader: (3)

Toyota doesn't use ZF transmissions. RCF has the same Aisin 8 speed trans from the ISF, just revised a little.

jat0223

iTrader: (1)

ZF makes transmissions with different torque handling. The ZF8hp90 transmission in the hellcat was chosen because of its torque handling but this doesn't mean it's better than the Aisin transmission.

If the hellcat made less torque, a lower torque handling ZF would have been chosen. Both transmissions are built differently and both have advantages and disadvantages. For example because of the way the ZF is built, it can skip more gears when you down shift, but it's slower in its up shifts. The Aisin on the other hand, can only skip a couple of gears on the down shift, but it's faster up shifting. I don't see why Lexus would need to make a transmission that handles so much torque when the RCF produces a lot less. Now if future Lexus cars produce a lot more torque, then Aisin can create different versions with more torque handling just like ZF does.

calteg

This, especially now that they've announced that it'll have an optional manual transmission.

I guess I should add, I've owned a C5 vette, 1st gen CTS-V, and a Z28 Camaro. Ironically, all had basically the same motor, but the interiors were all garbage compared to the CTS-V.

Every once in a while I miss the extra torque down low, but then I remind myself that I don't have to deal with all the little annoyances that came with GM ownership.

KOKISF

Only car worth for me to change the f is a gtr or turbo awd porsche

primecut

iTrader: (1)

I'm totally considering it just for a change of pace. I agree that a poor interior is a showstopper (It stopped me from considering the e92 in 08), but seems as though manufacturers have improved greatly since then, even for American cars, and especially this next gen of Dodge. So I'm willing to give a chance and see it in person. I'm also on the same boat that the F is not my DD so I can compromise a bit on reliability, since I'm not putting as many miles on it.

One other thing to consider though is resale. I think the F (Lexus) in general has REALLY good resale value, but domestics have been traditionally poor in that area. Does that also apply to the top-end muscle cars i.e. ZL1, Z06, GT500, Hellcat?

Katin2

^this. GT3

Murph145

new GT3 is upwards of $180K when fully loaded so yes GT3 would be ultimate driving machine.

As far as the F holding its value I don't see that being so true lately with the new gens out. I have an 11 F that I can't even get bites on at $39K!!

Sean

iTrader: (3)

^^ If I didn't buy my 2010 last year, I would buy yours now. Sorry!

Seriously, it took the previous owner of mine a long time to sell his, hopefully somebody picks up yours soon as it seems like a great deal.