the 3 series and A4 are entry level but the RS4 and M3 have sold like crazy, despite 60k+ price tags

 

This thread is so funny.

The IS500(?) does not even exist yet!!!! Just reading this thread one would be mistaken that we are talking about a production car.

 

The M3 has sold well since the one with the Evo-like wing in the mid-1980's and, I suspect that it will sell well in the new V8 version that is "just around the corner".

I think the jury is still out on RS4 sales because the model is too new to pass judgement on. A lot of Audi enthusiasts have been waiting for a manual transmission RS model so when the preorders are all filled and buyers see near $75,000 price tags...I'm not sure that sales are going to last.

Mercedes pulled the plug on the C55 rather quickly and I think that this car will be closer to what the IS500 will be like. A big motor stuck in a slightly warmed over chassis. I don't think the changes Lexus does in creating a IS500 will be nearly as extensive as the massaging that a M3 versus 3-series coupe recieves or a RS4 vis-a-vis basic A4 is subjected to.

 

I think you are overpricing it. Last time I check you can get a S4 for 46-48k and they aren't doing too well in terms of sales. A lot of dealers are offering rebates and discounts on the S4. As for the RS4 it's definately not selling like crazy. First, it's limited production vehicle therefore the demand might appear high however the market for car like that is very small. Also, a lot of potential buyers are considering a Porsche 997 coupe over the RS4. A fully loaded M3 ends around 60k, you can get a nicely optioned one for 55k and that's besides the M prestige goes a long way. A more realistic estimate for new M3 is starting at 55k and fully loaded in high 60s.

If Lexus prices is500 anywhere near the M3's price it's going to be in a world of pain. Only a diehard Toyota enthuiast will buy a is500 over M3 for the same price. I seriously doubt Toyota is going to tune is500 to have a as good of a balance as the M3 will and that is very important when a car can carry that much speed.

 

I have an STI now (waiting for is350 should be here end of month) raced a M3 i took it from start by about 1 car, by the time we hit 110 he was even with me. The bad part was i had my trunk full of stuff. Also the M3 had the SMG transmision. It will be interesting when it comes out but for sure it is out of my reach 55-60k.

 

I want to know more about the regular hardtop convertible damn it. that is going to be my new car . bye bye mazdaspeed if lexus is coming out with a is350 convertible coupe in hardtop form.

 

Is that what it is supposed to be, a folding hardtop? I don't see why they would bother with a fixed roof car if they are making a folding hardtop. If, and let me emphasize IF, this car actually comes to market I can almost guarantee that it will be a folding soft top and a coupe. The rear dimensions of the IS don't, IMO, look like a folding hardtop is possible.

 

fixed roof is always far stiffer and lighter than a folding hardtop car

 

The thing about those, as well as other high-strung, lower tq cars like the S2000... is to get these magazine numbers, you have to launch the car VERY hard. And considering many evo owners have clutch issues, this isn't a good thing. In an automatic, its not nearly as abusive to launch the car.


I'm not as concerned about the 0-60 on this car as the handling. It always seems as if Lexus cars have a little too much body roll and overly-numb steering. I think its a bad move for Lexus to openly say in press statements that they want to compete with BMW and then always fall just short. I realize that ride comfort is an issue, but they should realize you're going to have to compromise one way or another.

 

lexus competes with BMW in its own style, not by imitating BMW, fine the lexus doesnt have as good handling, the lexus beats the BMW everywhere else

 

Talked with dealer again today and he has now been told the hp will be 450.

 

Ask about 4 other dealers and you'll likely come up with a grand total of 5 different answers. That has been my expierences with most (but not all) dealers.

 

I trust this dealer. He just returned from a dealer meeting last week and all information was provided by lexus. I have purchased six vechiles from him so he knows it is in his best interest not to bs me.