AutoGuide Review
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From: Arizona
Lead Lap
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From: GA
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From: GA
The engine is smooth, with a silky, linear power delivery that only a naturally aspirated V8 can make. Nail the throttle from a dead stop and 60 mph arrives in 4.4 seconds. This is properly quick, but a similarly-powered BMW M3 does it a bit quicker at 4.1 seconds. With a similar curb weight of 3,891 lbs (1,765 kg), most of the Lexus’ deficit is due to the transmission.
With downshifts, it’s even more pronounced as the transmission tends to hang between gears. Regardless of drive mode, or if the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters are used, the IS 500 is never rapid to downshift. It diminishes the car’s sporty edge as there isn’t that satisfying blipping of the big V8 as the car decelerates.
There isn’t the accompanying V8 growl when downshifting either. There’s no bark or roar as the engine decelerates from higher rpms.
On throttle, the engine will make a throaty, boisterous noise over 3,000 rpms that’s quite glorious. But under 3,000 rpm, it’s nearly silent. It’s a bit of an all or nothing situation depending on which side of 3K the car is on. The drive modes don’t have any effect on this either.
We wish there was a way to increase engine sound at lower rpm. Driving over 3,000 rpm with enough aggression to hear the sweet spot is not sustainable, or comfortable, when driving around town. We wish the IS 500 had a more prominent engine sound like its bigger sibling the LC 500, which is audibly one of favorite V8 cars.
We wish there was a way to increase engine sound at lower rpm. Driving over 3,000 rpm with enough aggression to hear the sweet spot is not sustainable, or comfortable, when driving around town. We wish the IS 500 had a more prominent engine sound like its bigger sibling the LC 500, which is audibly one of favorite V8 cars.
But it lacks the feel and reflexes of a car like the BMW M340i.
Anyway, I digress. I like the level of detail in the review even if the author has some weird takes.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
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From: TX
Actually, two things. A) The M3 is, realistically, going to be at least $10k more expensive. B) The tires are a huge limiting factor, and upgrading the tires will likely knock a couple tenths off the time on their own.
My experience is pretty much the opposite. Downshifts are amazingly crisp when using the paddles, and using the kick-down pedal results in nearly instant downshifts.
I don't know if we're driving the same car anymore.
Meraki Autoworks would love to sell you an exhaust system. Also, ASC.
Oh, you mean the car the people on the Bimmerpost forums constantly complain about how its steering has no feel on the highway which makes it impossible to stay in one's lane without watching it like a hawk? Really.
Anyway, I digress. I like the level of detail in the review even if the author has some weird takes.
My experience is pretty much the opposite. Downshifts are amazingly crisp when using the paddles, and using the kick-down pedal results in nearly instant downshifts.
I don't know if we're driving the same car anymore.
Meraki Autoworks would love to sell you an exhaust system. Also, ASC.
Oh, you mean the car the people on the Bimmerpost forums constantly complain about how its steering has no feel on the highway which makes it impossible to stay in one's lane without watching it like a hawk? Really.
Anyway, I digress. I like the level of detail in the review even if the author has some weird takes.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 554
From: Vancouver, BC
Oh, you mean the car the people on the Bimmerpost forums constantly complain about how its steering has no feel on the highway which makes it impossible to stay in one's lane without watching it like a hawk? Really.
Anyway, I digress. I like the level of detail in the review even if the author has some weird takes.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 146
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From: CA
I actually was able to get my tires swapped from the S001 to P4S and the difference is much better. I find that the car tends to behave better. However, I found more confidence in my square set up of RG3s with V601s. I'm personally not one for staggered set ups but it does look nice.
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