2021 Lexus IS
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Hey guys, perhaps an outside perspective?
The new rav4 prime will go 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. It is a plug in hybrid.
tesla model 3 performance is 55k without self driving package giving AWD + 0-60 in 3.2s.
with the gs range axed, the IS should be propped up with performance hybrid especially with the latest toyota battery technology.
But for some or for most people, we cant afford to have a full electric car due to infrastructure. (I live in NYC without a private garage like many millions of new yorkers).
I would love to see a new IS-F with performant hybrid getting 0-60 in less than 4.0 seconds. Mating 2 electric motors upfront for e-AWD while keeping RWD bias. oh and more rear legroom while keeping the overall dimensions of the car compact(perhaps less than 188 inches in length).
A modern, futuristic IS-F with a futuristic interior(think like prius/tesla) with lexus touch of luxury would be great.
TLDR:
Would a modern/futuristic IS-F with performance hybrid terrain sub 4 second 0-60, more rear legroom(1-2 inches) and futuristic interior(tesla/prius??) too much to ask for?
The new rav4 prime will go 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. It is a plug in hybrid.
tesla model 3 performance is 55k without self driving package giving AWD + 0-60 in 3.2s.
with the gs range axed, the IS should be propped up with performance hybrid especially with the latest toyota battery technology.
But for some or for most people, we cant afford to have a full electric car due to infrastructure. (I live in NYC without a private garage like many millions of new yorkers).
I would love to see a new IS-F with performant hybrid getting 0-60 in less than 4.0 seconds. Mating 2 electric motors upfront for e-AWD while keeping RWD bias. oh and more rear legroom while keeping the overall dimensions of the car compact(perhaps less than 188 inches in length).
A modern, futuristic IS-F with a futuristic interior(think like prius/tesla) with lexus touch of luxury would be great.
TLDR:
Would a modern/futuristic IS-F with performance hybrid terrain sub 4 second 0-60, more rear legroom(1-2 inches) and futuristic interior(tesla/prius??) too much to ask for?
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
I don't know why you keep pressing that the TLX is moving up to the Midsize segment just because it's a bit longer now. Acura has stated that the starting price will be in the mid $30's... so it's not moving up.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
There's more going on. They wouldn't bother to change the window if there weren't other areas being updated. Think about all the stuff that is affected by a window - crash safety, visibility, the trim pieces that go around it, the interior... Not cheap to evaluate let alone implement.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
But let's not get too off-topic.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,474
Likes: 382
From: ON/NY
Good pic you posted. Looks like a significant re-skin. Will be definitely a disappointment if no new engines are offered. My guess is that a hybrid option will finally be offered for the US. I still think this will be the end of the road for Lexus in this segment. Extract as much profit as possible and move on to something else that will sell in better #s
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Jun 12, 2020 at 06:38 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 219
From: Silicon Valley
Good pic you posted. Looks like a significant re-skin. Will be definitely a disappointment if no new engines are offered. My guess is that a hybrid option will finally be offered for the US. I still think this will be the end of the road for Lexus in this segment. Extract as much profit as possible and move on to something else that will sell in better #s
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,474
Likes: 382
From: ON/NY
the last dance.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Jun 12, 2020 at 06:58 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 216
From: PA
Agreed, I think the IS's biggest problems are the Model 3, recently-redesigned BMW 3-series, and of course the G70 which will probably be updated before too much longer as well - with the new 3.5-liter V6 twin turbo as well (not confirmed, but very likely). The rumored IS 500 would be a niche/enthusiast sell at best.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,474
Likes: 382
From: ON/NY
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Jun 13, 2020 at 07:32 AM.
Not too sure about this but I am willing to bet that this will increase in size to 187-188" in length to fill the GS void. The rear isn't too bad. This would be more of a soft reboot.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 1,600
From: CA
The cheapest Model 3 is $35k but you have to go to a dealer to order (not through website). The standard range RWD is ~$38k and the AWD is $47k. The RWD does 0-60 in the 5 second range and the AWD does it in the low 4s range so for the same priced car, its much faster than the IS or 330. Service in California is really good because there are a ton of service centers. I hear not so good in other states especially the midwest. The east coast is pretty good too. You can't add 400V to a house...most just outfit a 240V for about $500 install. This will charge your car overnight as you get about 30 miles of range every hour. You can opt for the wall connector from Tesla that charges at 44 miles an hour if you need it but with 300 miles of range, not really needed. You can Supercharge but thats only for people that are doing long-distance. Most people just plug in overnight as they don't typically drive more than 250 miles in a day (you won't really get 300 miles...more like 200-250 miles). A Supercharger will typically take 20-30 minutes for a charge up to 80%. You don't go above that for many reasons.
In California, you pay 11 cents per kWH which equates to about $8 per complete fill up of the car. Premium gas for the IS350 on a 17 gallon tank would be $65. Its about ~6-8x cheaper to fill up an EV in California. Summer doesn't affect range that much...you lose maybe 10% with a lot of AC. There is also almost no maintenance for the Teslas. Just brake fluid when needed which could be anywhere from 2-4 years depending on the environment. The brakes need servicing after 100k or more miles.
In California, you pay 11 cents per kWH which equates to about $8 per complete fill up of the car. Premium gas for the IS350 on a 17 gallon tank would be $65. Its about ~6-8x cheaper to fill up an EV in California. Summer doesn't affect range that much...you lose maybe 10% with a lot of AC. There is also almost no maintenance for the Teslas. Just brake fluid when needed which could be anywhere from 2-4 years depending on the environment. The brakes need servicing after 100k or more miles.
$47k for the long range is priced competitive!I guess that only leaves charging. We don't pay a flat rate 11 cents per khw. Where did you get that number? Even a quick google search of "CA electric rates" says we pay 17.97 cents, which is wrong for my area. I'm connected to SCE and we're on a convoluted tiered rate system. SCE says tier 1 is 21 cents per kwh, but then they vary it by zones and temperature. My summer rate goes up an additional 2 cents per kwh for tier 1. Tier 2 goes up an additonal 26 cents, and tier 3 goes up an additional 46 cents. I'm looking at my bill for June right now and we're already in tier 2 paying 47 cents per kwh. June hasn't even been that hot yet
If your $8 fill up is based on 11 cents, but is 4 times than in reality, it puts it pretty even with a tank of gas.I'm sure these numbers vary by location, but charging is not as cheap as some make it out to be. And you still don't have the convenience and security of gasoline while traveling.
With that said... at a $47k price I'd still be interested to see what a 240V outlet would cost for my garage. The model 3 would make a great daily if reliability was there (not sure how reliable they are). No maintenance, fill up at home... would be pretty sweet!