I agree here, if it is an auto, at least give us true man-matic capabilites, SMG or dual clutch.....

I hope its not just a regular manual, ala AMG.

 

You mean regular auto, a la AMG.

I also hope they'll offer more tranny options, but chances aren't good it seems.

 

The storied new my.is editor has given us some more insight regarding the development of the IS500 and the LF-A.
http://my.is/forums/showpost.php?p=4236262&postcount=6

Quote from Tailpipe @ my.is:

Lexus will produce both the IS500 and the LF-A supercar. Each will appeal to very different audiences. Whereas the IS500 will take on the M3/ RS4 and be priced competitively somewhere around $60,000, the LF-A will compete with cars like the Porsche 911, Aston-Martin V8 Vantage and cost well north of $100,000.

Why have two focused sports cars? I guess the term 'focused' is a relative one. The LF-A is a car designed without compromise: very low weight, optimal weight balance of 50:50, carbon fibre everywhere, large engine capacity (both V10 and V8 options), massive power/ weight ratio, highest of hi-tech gizmos and 2 seats only. In many respects it will be an SC430 replacement, because a convertible model is also in the pipeline. The chassis was designed from the outset to allow both types to be produced. I suspect the convertible will be a sop to the Mercedes SL brigade, but the coupe LF-A should be the mutt's nuts, as we say this side of the pond!

The comparison with the Honda NSX is a good one. Honda has a fantastic image which the NSX undoubtedly helped to establish. It may not have been a best seller, but it sold a ***** load of Honda Civics and showed people what they could do. And unlike Ferraris back then, the NSX didn't break-down every 5 minutes.

By comparison, the IS500 will be as hardcore as a 4-door sedan can be. That means, it will be heavier than is ideal and there will be other engineering compromises made for the sake of practicality. As I said in my piece on the home page, this is a car Lexus HAS to make, because BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz do so well with such models. And its a CAR Lexus wants to make because M3s etc sell very well and very profitably.

Remember also that we Europeans don't get the IS350. Which is probably a good thing because the category in Europe now demands a V8. An IS350 wouldn't sell as well here as an IS500. So, in one sense, we need an IS500 more in Europe than you do in the USA!

Will the IS500 be better than the next M3 or current RS4? Probably not, but it will be close enough to make people think whether the Lexus' lower price, higher levels comfort, longer lasting build quality and shorter waiting lists ultimately make more sense than outright performance.

As for Lexus R&D, these guys aren't taking a smoke break round the back of the factory! The GS450h and RX350 are just out; the LS460 and LS600h are on their way; the LF-A is under final testing now; the IS500 is under final testing; the new IS coupe is under development; the new RX under development and new BS hatchback under development. These guys are going flat out.

 

very good read, nice info there!!!!!

and yse, while lexus needs to have cars like the is500, they also need one for the gs platform to go with the m5 and the e63. otherwise they will still be behind. there are people out there who wants the kind of performance and not the size of IS, c class, or 3 series

can't wait for the yrs to come for lexus

 

Thanks for posting XeroKOOL , that's quite exiting if all these info from myIS are indeed true

 

What a great article on page 3... This thing is going to cost a buck load of money but blow the doors off the RS4 and M series cars.. This is when lexus really steps up to the plate to deliver BMW's azz handed back to them...

 

I don't know about "blow the doors off" of the M3... They are getting a V8 to afterall. It should be interesting though.

 

I know this would never happen, but if Lexus really wanted to come out swininging...why not use forced induction on top of the 5.0L V8? If this engine puts out ~420 HP naturally aspirated, they could have a car worthy of ripping the M5, M3, E63, RS4, and RS6 in half with forced induction. The next CTS-V is going to use the 505HP version of the Vette Z06 V8, and Mercedes C63 will have 507HP. That much power should be very, very accessible for Lexus with a 5.0L V8 + forced induction.

And if they don't make a supercharged model, I'm sure there will be aftermarket support

 

probably my bad memory, but they are going to make c63? sounds like a very good way to slap themselves with the e63 having the same engine. the current c55 is NA engine pushing much less power than the e55 (v8 supercharged).

if lexus has the slightest thought about having GT version of the gs, then putting FI on the is500 is as hopeless as it could be. if anything that should be on the gs first i think

 

I guess it's a yes.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...9&postcount=47

Luxury car makers seem to try doing away with supercharging these days.

 

Have we heard anything from Lexus themselves? Or is this mostly speculation with a couple spy pics thrown in?

 

ah very interesting. in that case, gosh, lexus will be behind again?

 

Yes, because everyone knows that being able to rev higher is MUCH better than having a wider, more usable powerband.

Did you read the article?
I think a F1 style box is pretty nice myself The 6-speed auto in all the new Toyotas is already just as efficient (or very close) as quite a few manual transmissions. Whats left to complain about is gear selection and ability to hold those gears, and shifting speed. Which the article tackles all 3 of those problems.

 

Damn, looks like we cant luagh at this guy anymore.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ighlight=Is500

 

Whether it will take off is another question , I don't think there will likely be enough owners for what sure will be a pretty limited produced car to give it much traffic.
I mean let's hope it's not just a rumour as stated in the article.