2008 IS-F!!! (All threads merged here)
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,323
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Ok, so it's in a different class, but so what? It will take some buyers away from Lexus, without a doubt. If I put that car side by side with an IS and the horsepower was the same, there's no question I'd be taking the Skyline home. That car is unbelieveable...just sick. Where does the line start?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 950
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From: Washington D.C.
DON'T FORGET!!! The new Lexus IS-F is not suppose to be in the same class as the skyline or be compared with it.!!! It is suppose to go against M3, etc.... So, please don't start comparing IS-F and Skyline coz it will create unnecessary arguments.
If they come out with the supra or something, than maybe it would be in the same class....!
If they come out with the supra or something, than maybe it would be in the same class....!
8SPD automatic trans is a bit of a let down. I know that many of us were hoping for a manual and while I never thought it would happen, a DSG or SMG type gearbox would be a step in the right direction, and it's not like they couldn't use this V8 with that transmission in another application (GS, SC).
Mercedes gets away with strictly automatics, so I guess we'll have to see what they come up with in the end. A beefed up tranny with re tuned and more aggressive gearing could not be so bad. Not quite what I would like, but better than just the same one as the LS. 8 forward gears tuned for acceleration could be a good bit of fun I suppose, and hopefully the paddle shifting sticks around.
I also wish that they could use something other than BBS multi spoke wheels. I know there are only so many options, but if they're going after the M3 I wish they would do it with a less BMW-esque wheel. I guess we'll have to see what they come up with but people usually think multi spoke and then think BMW. I'll be interested to see what other cosmetic upgrades and enhancements the "F" gets. I'm pretty interested to see how they reshape the front end to allow more air into the 5.0L beast. Yamaha heads sounds gooooooooood to me
Has there been any mention of weight reduction though? The IS is a heavy car, and even shedding off 300 or 400 lbs would be significant, though it sounds like some of the hardware for this new car could ADD weight.
Mercedes gets away with strictly automatics, so I guess we'll have to see what they come up with in the end. A beefed up tranny with re tuned and more aggressive gearing could not be so bad. Not quite what I would like, but better than just the same one as the LS. 8 forward gears tuned for acceleration could be a good bit of fun I suppose, and hopefully the paddle shifting sticks around.
I also wish that they could use something other than BBS multi spoke wheels. I know there are only so many options, but if they're going after the M3 I wish they would do it with a less BMW-esque wheel. I guess we'll have to see what they come up with but people usually think multi spoke and then think BMW. I'll be interested to see what other cosmetic upgrades and enhancements the "F" gets. I'm pretty interested to see how they reshape the front end to allow more air into the 5.0L beast. Yamaha heads sounds gooooooooood to me
Has there been any mention of weight reduction though? The IS is a heavy car, and even shedding off 300 or 400 lbs would be significant, though it sounds like some of the hardware for this new car could ADD weight.
Last edited by MPLexus301; Nov 18, 2006 at 09:35 PM.
BMW "options" you to death...
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 1
From: The Bay Area, CA, USA
If that car in the R&T pic is indeed the same car you saw... hmm...dunno... I was expecting somewhat more dramatic changes like more prominent fender flares and some kind of an aerodynamic kit like in the X-Package. But still, the new bumper and new wheels don't look too bad I guess.
Last edited by XeroK00L; Nov 18, 2006 at 10:32 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
55k for a base model is pretty steep, especially when considerng a fully loaded 350 costs 10k less then a base IS-F, so you're looking at a 15-20k premium for those two extra cylinders on a comprably equiped IS-F.
Still, I'm pretty excited to see this thing come full circle. I'd love to see an underhood shot of how they crammed a 5L V8 in there.
Still, I'm pretty excited to see this thing come full circle. I'd love to see an underhood shot of how they crammed a 5L V8 in there.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 1
From: The Bay Area, CA, USA
55k for a base model is pretty steep, especially when considerng a fully loaded 350 costs 10k less then a base IS-F, so you're looking at a 15-20k premium for those two extra cylinders on a comprably equiped IS-F.
Still, I'm pretty excited to see this thing come full circle. I'd love to see an underhood shot of how they crammed a 5L V8 in there.
Still, I'm pretty excited to see this thing come full circle. I'd love to see an underhood shot of how they crammed a 5L V8 in there.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
I highly doubt it comes full loaded too, so once comparably equipped, the premium is a lot higher than $6,500. Not to mention the IS-F will more than likely see higher dealer markups than an IS350. It's definitely a niche market. I guess it will all depend on how it compares to the M3 in terms of both price and performance.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 0
From: CA
Do you think the 8 sp auto tranny will be somewhat like a M3 SMG or just a triptronic like the current IS 250/350. 8 speed is amazing, but auto is a mistake for a enthusiasts cars. What in the world are the engineers at toyota thinking?
