Then Lexus is completely out of touch - and they should've just gone ahead and made an IS-F for that price.

 

It’s old but a great engine. People will take whatever they can get re: V8. I have 3 V8s, not by mistake lol.

 

Yes for sure. I see what you are meaning. I have just one V8. The greatest V8 Toyota/Lexus ever made was the 4.7

 

I think this V8 is the main selling point of the IS500 for sure. Its the last of the great V8s in luxury cars...now we have to deal with turbo 4s and hybrids in the future.

 

I think it's the 4.3. But that's an UZ still like yours. And it's close-- the Toyota/Marlboro Man 5.7 in my truck is a beast. Even my ancient GMC V8 (5.3, 285hp), it's not fast but peppy enough around town. Engine is very satisfying. I don't think anyone can make a V8 sound better than GM.

Yessir!!!

 

Sigh... I hate reading this. It is this exact thought that makes me want to order a CT5-V Blackwing and I justify a car I don't need by saying "But they'll never make the supercharged V8 again!"

You're making me spend money! All your fault!

 

This looks nice for a smaller car. Still not sold on the new front grill, but I'm sure it will grow on me.

As the IS cars are generally too small for me (I'm 6'4" with long legs.), I wonder if they'll come out with a true V8 in the LS500.

 

I wouldn't hold my breath on it. The days of the NA V8 are almost over. If IS500 sells they may do a true F version, but by 2023-2024 it's probably over in the case of Lexus. Even the 3.5L NA in the IS350 is probably going to go away replaced by a downsized Turbocharged or Hybrid version. The beloved Sienna now has a 2.5L Inline 4 mated to dual front EV motors and CVT

 

That didn't deter Lexus from pricing the GS-F to M car levels despite having the performance of a 540i.

I expect the IS500 to be very close in price to the RC-F, around the $65K mark. Fully loaded it should be in the mid $70K range.

 

Booo!

I saw an article on the CTS-V with the blackwing. I actually wanted to get into a Chevy (Holden) SS with the LS3 V8 and six-speed manual, but there were none in Southern California to test drive.

 

So the IS500 being about 1s faster to 60 over an IS350 is worth $20k? Thats an expensive second...

 

Might I remind you that we also get the entire drivetrain from the RC F? So, this means the upgraded transmission as well. So, it's more than just bolting the V8 up to the AA81E found in the IS 350 RWD. To me, as someone who has driven an RC F a couple of times and multiple IS 350s, this combo alone would totally transform the driving experience. Not to mention, we get an oil temp gauge now!

I don't know... I just find this car to be such a nice compromise that even though I just picked up an IS 350, I still find it very tempting.

 

The GS-F was $35K over a GS350.

A base RC-F is already $10K more than an M440i, no reason to expect Lexus to lower the price of entry for the IS500.

 

This wasn't supposed to be an F car. Its an F-sport performance which is supposed to be lower tier and cheaper. It would be a tough sell for me personally if I had to choose between an M340 at $60k vs. and IS500 at $70k. $10k buys you a lot of repairs

 

Aside from the badging and Brembos, what does a base RC-F offer over a base IS500? The more unique F features like the TVD don't come on the base RC-F.