When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
well now wouldnt you know it, me an my little puppy here just had occasion to climb into the mid 6000's for a spell,
and what lovely sound we made ! on top of the the roar of all of the V8, we developed a high pitched cry
i would describe as induction wail, with all 16 intakes humming in unison to produce a beautiful sound...almost F 1 like;
i imagine you ferrari owners have heard this before
Lexus will continue to bring more F cars into the market as they help with brand image and high margin. Shoving the existing V8's into several other line up doesn't change the LC image IMO. IS500 / 600 / 800 or whatever may be / will be faster, but still, walking around to most people they couldn't distinguish IS250 to ISX00. It's like BMW 3series to M3, MerC300 to C63. LC is a car of its own. Sorta like the BMW i8--may not be the fastest spec or the lightest car, but it's just special in its own right. At least I am bought into that ethos and why I have one in my garage.
i would describe as induction wail, with all 16 intakes humming in unison to produce a beautiful sound...almost F 1 like;
i imagine you ferrari owners have heard this before
I do miss the sound of my 355 with the top down and 8,000 RPM through the tunnels. There will never be a better sounding setup, IMO. I had racing cats, headers, and exhaust on that Italian Princess.
What caught my attention was why are they calling it a F-Sport and not a F. So given some thought here's my prediction. The "F" will be reserved for the LC-F and IS-F with V8 TT later this year or 2022
It is pricing strategy. Starting price is projected to be much cheaper than RCF because it got the RCF version of the 2UR (472 HP and 395 ft-lbs), but not the track hardware related to chassis, suspension, seats, brakes, tires, wheels, cooling systems etc. The 8 speed transmission unit is also from the IS350.
That is why it is an F sport because of product positioning strategy.. Though, base model weighs as per Lexus about the same officially at 3890 lbs (vs 3900 lbs for the RCF).
As far as I can tell, this is the first time Lexus actually boosted performance when going from non F sport to F sport so they are being a bit creative
They have a lot more business in F sport vehicles so maybe they are trying to support that sub brand a bit
We aren't getting an IS 500 non F sport so we can't compare versions this time.
Let's play this out a bit, is the typical Lexus new vehicle customer someone who wants a big wing hanging off the trunk, a tacky body kit, lots of stickers stuck on it. To me the answer is no (of course there is that base in the tuner space).
The IS 500 F sport bumps up performance a bunch, I would expect a hefty price bump related to the V8. You won't get the uncomfortable seats from the RC-F, so old chubby customer like me can enjoy the car.
I do wish they upgraded the brakes but it's kind of a moderate upgrade overall, still will be fun to see how popular the car is.
but not the track hardware related to chassis, suspension, seats, brakes, tires, wheels, cooling systems etc. The 8 speed transmission unit is also from the IS350.
1. The IS500 will include the items from the IS350 F-Sport's dynamic handling package. Handling should be up to the Level of the RCF.
2. Seats appear to be standard F-Sport fare and may not include a leather option.
2. Brakes are in fact smaller and not Brembo. They appear to be from the GS 350 F-Sport. Four piston front calipers with 14" diameter 2 piece rotors.
4. Tires will be Hi-Po Summer in the same class as RCF tires. Sizes are not known at this time. RCF uses 255/35/19 & 275/35/19. IS350 F-Sport uses 235/40/19 & 265/35/19. I expect the tire sizes will be at least one size up from the IS350.
5. The wheel widths are not known at this time, but are 19" OD, the same as the RCF. RCF uses forged BBS wheels. The manufacture of the IS500 wheels Enkei wheels. Don't yet know if they are forged. Note - The Dynamic handling packing of the IS350 includes forged wheels.
6. Cooling system capacity is unknown at this point.
7. The transmission is in fact the AA80E eight speed, the same one used in the RCF and GSF.
I don't want to derail this thread. Just simply wanted to chime on why this is not an F-car, but here is what I know for a fact
Originally Posted by flowrider
1. The IS500 will include the items from the IS350 F-Sport's dynamic handling package. Handling should be up to the Level of the RCF.
That remains to be seen, but we know Lexus is positioning it has a cheaper than the RCF. I am just talking about the hardware specs. It does not have the chassis bracings the RCF does. The hood shows it does not have the solid strut braces. I also know, it has split folding seat while the RCF has a brace running in the back so no split folding seats. Not sure about the doors and sills being reinforced etc.
4. Tires will be Hi-Po Summer in the same class as RCF tires. Sizes are not known at this time. RCF uses 255/35/19 & 275/35/19. IS350 F-Sport uses 235/40/19 & 265/35/19. I expect the tire sizes will be at least one size up from the IS350.
Tires are Pirelli P-Zero 235 front. Rear size is not known, but would be either 255 or 265. That is compared to Michelin Pilot PS4S 255/275 on the RCF. Also, the wheels are Enkei wheels. Not BBS forged as stated above.
5. The wheel widths are not known at this time, but are 19" OD, the same as the RCF. RCF uses forged BBS wheels. The manufacture of the IS500 wheels Enkei wheels. Don't yet know if they are forged. Note - The Dynamic handling packing of the IS350 includes forged wheels.
The diameter is 19 inch, but given the narrower tire width, most likely the wheels would be 19 x 9 and 19 x 10 since the fronts are only 235.
6. Cooling system capacity is unknown at this point.
Clearly does not have the ducts that run through the fenders and also the hood vent. Oil coolers and transmission cooling systems are not determined, but the press release did not mention them.
7. The transmission is in fact the AA80E eight speed, the same one used in the RCF and GSF.
Lou
It is the IS350 as per the Lexus press release. RCF has a different 8 speed AISIN unit than the IS350 especially on the software level. I have driven the IS350 and I don't believe the torque converter locks up like it did for the ISF/GSF/RCF (I assume. LC500 has the lock-up).
Last edited by 05RollaXRS; Mar 4, 2021 at 11:35 AM.
Just got confirmation from my direct contacts at Lexus who confirmed with the TMC engineers, it is the AA80E Sport Direct Shift transmission with lockup torque converter (just like IS F, RC F & GS F). Not AA81E.
The press release is not correct saying the IS 500 F SPORT Performance has the trans from an IS 350.
I agree the SHOCK tower braces are not included with the IS500. Note - the shock tower braces are not solid. You other statements are speculation.
Originally Posted by 05RollaXRS
The diameter is 19 inch, but given the narrower tire width, most likely the wheels would be 19 x 9 and 19 x 10 since the fronts are only 235.
Note - the stock wheels on the RCF are indeed (9" and 10" in width.
Lou
Last edited by flowrider; Mar 4, 2021 at 11:58 AM.
I agree the SHOCK tower braces are not included with the IS500. Note - the shock tower braces are not solid. You other statements are speculation.
Lou
By solid, I mean aluminum. Other statements are based on actual facts. The tires are Pirelli and 235 in the front. You can see them in the pictures. The rear seat is split folding. Also, the transmission from IS350 is in the Lexus press release stated above.
If you take issues with me saying the strut braces are made of aluminum then feel free to PM me the documentation explaining which material they are made of.
Originally Posted by flowrider
The shock Tower Braces (STB) are not solid or aluminum.
If you want to talk further please go off line.
Lou
Last edited by 05RollaXRS; Mar 4, 2021 at 01:15 PM.
^^^^Well not so sure The 2UR-GSE is a special engine IMHO and my engine of choice.
Lou
i agree with you lou , the mill in this baby is special...300 cu in, all aluminum, dual port, 7300 rpm, probable long life with reasonable care....care to expound ?
I heard the LC500 is not selling too well.Last year something like less than 1,300 was produced
Do you think at some point the LC500 will be discontinued?
This would be so sad but I guess for those who want to get a use one, the use price might drop
over time.
What does everyone think ? At a pace of 1,300, how much update will Lexus put into
future LC500s let along continue to support the platform?
Last edited by jonas's RX; Mar 7, 2021 at 10:09 PM.
The 2UR-GSE is a special engine IMHO and my engine of choice.