[ash4390]

Originally Posted by FinalRenegade

If your only criteria is a naturally aspirated V8, then sure.
But the M3 will smoke this thing in every category except the number of cylinders

Considering this is a M340i / S4 / C43 competitor... the M3 damn well better smoke it.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

why only 500 cars for NA?

That is just the Launch Edition, like the Supra had.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

That’s is just the Launch Edition, like the Supra had.

I see

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by ash4390

Considering this is a M340i / S4 / C43 competitor... the M3 damn well better smoke it.

is it? what’s the price tag on IS500?

[ash4390]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

is it? what’s the price tag on IS500?

Based on expectations in this thread around 55-60k USD. I think M340i models start right around 55K as well if I'm not mistaken!

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by ash4390

Based on expectations in this thread around 55-60k USD. I think M340i models start right around 55K as well if I'm not mistaken!

RC-F starts at 65k. I would expect similar price for the IS500.

[Germanauto]

I'm so impressed with Toyota/Lexus. Just a handful of months ago it looked like their F division was going to die. Now we are hearing the opposite, that a slew of new F models are on their way. This IS500 looks sick as hell and wasn't good enough for Akio Toyota to be a true F. I can't wait to see how good the next ISF will be.

Sat in the new IS yesterday....I still can't get over the dated interior, both in design and quality (lot of hard plastic).

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

RC-F starts at 65k. I would expect similar price for the IS500.

If you read the press releases. Lexus specifically states this isn't a full fledged F model. One could still be coming. It is a new line called "F Sport Performance". Slots between F-sport and F. That is why media is speculating it to be around M340i pricing.

[Humdizzle]

it is interesting... this is basically a RCF drivetrain (M4 competitor), but in 4 door form, and will likely be 10k cheaper. So its a 340i/S4 fighter now based on price. The RCF couldn't compete with the M4, but it does compete very well with the 440i. might even be better.

i do agree the interior is dated though and that is a big drawback on a daily or semi-daily car. Even the f80 is better here. i think i'd still consider a used lc500 with 40-50k miles for $65-70k (and already eaten a good amount of deprecation) over this is500 for $55-60k. I dont need back seats and the interior/exterior is MUCH better.

[damnitBobby]

For me I have to consider the whole package. The interior isn't as modern as the BMW M340i or Audi S4 but still a quality interior nonetheless. The exterior is way nicer than the M340i and S4. The engine will be special only holding this car's resale value in the future.

[louscrw]

My wife had a 2015 IS350 FSport prior to her current 2019 330i. Was pretty certain we were going to get a M340i when her 330i lease is up in Feb, or possibly a M3 comp (if residuals are a little better once the dust settles). My wife doesn’t track her car, or try to race everyone at each red light, so we don’t need crazy numbers. As mentioned earlier in this thread, most of these cars are plenty sporty enough for DD duties. But admittedly, my wife does enjoy the increased sportiness of the 330i over her last Lexus, and she is looking forward to another step up in the M340i, and would be over the moon if I got her an M3. Though she doesn’t track or race, she definitely is a spirited driver.

Although the 330i is light years ahead of Toyota/Lexus in technology, it is also glitchy and everyday I wonder what my wife is going to tell me was acting weird in her car that day. I never had that feeling when she had her Lexus. Plain and simple, they are reliable and problem free. There is a reason why people lease BMWs, but purchase Lexus. You’d really be rolling the dice keeping a BMW beyond the warranty period...at least that is my gut feeling, I could be wrong.

Sure, this new 2022 IS500 looks VERY similar to my wife’s old 2015 model, but that is just the Toyota/Lexus way. People like reliability, and Toyota doesn’t change what isn’t broken. I did notice a front camera in one of the videos, so possibly 360 camera could be a nice addition to the IS lineup. That is one feature my wife absolutely loves on her 330i and pretty much a “must have” for her now going forward.

With all that being said, Lexus will definitely be getting another look from us when this hits the showroom floors. Perfect timing with our lease ending in Feb. Come fall, we’ll either be ordering a IS500 or another BMW. Only difference is, I’ll be purchasing one or leasing the other.

On a side note, if you’ve never experienced Lexus service and the whole dealer experience, it is truly special. BMW, at least my local one, is absolutely horrible.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

it is interesting... this is basically a RCF drivetrain (M4 competitor), but in 4 door form, and will likely be 10k cheaper. So its a 340i/S4 fighter now based on price. The RCF couldn't compete with the M4, but it does compete very well with the 440i. might even be better.

i do agree the interior is dated though and that is a big drawback on a daily or semi-daily car. Even the f80 is better here. i think i'd still consider a used lc500 with 40-50k miles for $65-70k (and already eaten a good amount of deprecation) over this is500 for $55-60k. I dont need back seats and the interior/exterior is MUCH better.

Obviously, the IS500 will serve as a DD for pretty much the majority of the people buying it (rather than being a weekend car), but I think the M340i would fit my need better. I have fun NA engines already, the B58 just fits the DD role well. Faster and also far more fuel efficient, although I 100% the draw of the IS500.

I agree completely that I'd also be looking at LC500's closely at that price range, assuming you don't need rear seats. 40-50k would be just break-in miles for that car

[Tacoma]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I'm so impressed with Toyota/Lexus. Just a handful of months ago it looked like their F division was going to die. Now we are hearing the opposite, that a slew of new F models are on their way. This IS500 looks sick as hell and wasn't good enough for Akio Toyota to be a true F. I can't wait to see how good the next ISF will be.

Sat in the new IS yesterday....I still can't get over the dated interior, both in design and quality (lot of hard plastic).

I'm not nearly as enamored. Their original 1st gen IS in 1998 was exciting and a good start to rival the E46 in terms of driving dynamics. But it's been a steep downhill since.

The current IS is the 3rd gen that began in 2013. For context, the E9x was still in production in 2013! Toyota has been sitting on their laurels since then relying on refresh of old platforms, old engines, old technologies, etc. to keep their good reliability reputation going. That's all they got now, frankly.

The IS 500 exemplifies this - putting an old engine in an old platform and calling this combination "new." The same V8 engine has been used for years on the LS, LC, RC-F and now the IS. Their F brand is weak, having no unique engines and, compared with BMW's M, is short on every performance measure except weight. The proposed LC F could've been their showcase for new Lexus performance technology but they abandoned it last year citing COVID as the reason. If COVID can kill this, it must have been another feeble attempt to begin with.

[bkfastwagon]

Originally Posted by Tacoma

I'm not nearly as enamored. Their original 1st gen IS in 1998 was exciting and a good start to rival the E46 in terms of driving dynamics. But it's been a steep downhill since.

The current IS is the 3rd gen that began in 2013. For context, the E9x was still in production in 2013! Toyota has been sitting on their laurels since then relying on refresh of old platforms, old engines, old technologies, etc. to keep their good reliability reputation going. That's all they got now, frankly.

The IS 500 exemplifies this - putting an old engine in an old platform and calling this combination "new." The same V8 engine has been used for years on the LS, LC, RC-F and now the IS. Their F brand is weak, having no unique engines and, compared with BMW's M, is short on every performance measure except weight. The proposed LC F could've been their showcase for new Lexus performance technology but they abandoned it last year citing COVID as the reason. If COVID can kill this, it must have been another feeble attempt to begin with.

I think you are underestimating the substantial portion of car enthusiasts who are not happy with the general direction of BMW and frankly the rest of the automotive ind. Cars are getting more complex (small displacement forced induction) and less driver oriented (self driving is the ultimate goal). Some companies understand this and to their credit they are listening to the enthusiasts. Porsche is an example- they went back to NA 6 cyl in their cayman/718 because that's what their customer wanted. IS 500 is not competing with the new M3. It's a classic 5L V8 matched with RWD in a compact sedan body. That's what the Lexus enthusiasts have been screaming for and they delivered. You could say manual transmission is badly outdated in 2021, but at least BMW understands its importance for the enthusiasts

[jpy1980]

Originally Posted by Tacoma

I'm not nearly as enamored. Their original 1st gen IS in 1998 was exciting and a good start to rival the E46 in terms of driving dynamics. But it's been a steep downhill since.

The current IS is the 3rd gen that began in 2013. For context, the E9x was still in production in 2013! Toyota has been sitting on their laurels since then relying on refresh of old platforms, old engines, old technologies, etc. to keep their good reliability reputation going. That's all they got now, frankly.

The IS 500 exemplifies this - putting an old engine in an old platform and calling this combination "new." The same V8 engine has been used for years on the LS, LC, RC-F and now the IS. Their F brand is weak, having no unique engines and, compared with BMW's M, is short on every performance measure except weight. The proposed LC F could've been their showcase for new Lexus performance technology but they abandoned it last year citing COVID as the reason. If COVID can kill this, it must have been another feeble attempt to begin with.

Speaking of first gen IS300s, I will always have a special place in my heart for one...and a lighter wallet =)

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Tacoma

I'm not nearly as enamored. Their original 1st gen IS in 1998 was exciting and a good start to rival the E46 in terms of driving dynamics. But it's been a steep downhill since.

The current IS is the 3rd gen that began in 2013. For context, the E9x was still in production in 2013! Toyota has been sitting on their laurels since then relying on refresh of old platforms, old engines, old technologies, etc. to keep their good reliability reputation going. That's all they got now, frankly.

The IS 500 exemplifies this - putting an old engine in an old platform and calling this combination "new." The same V8 engine has been used for years on the LS, LC, RC-F and now the IS. Their F brand is weak, having no unique engines and, compared with BMW's M, is short on every performance measure except weight. The proposed LC F could've been their showcase for new Lexus performance technology but they abandoned it last year citing COVID as the reason. If COVID can kill this, it must have been another feeble attempt to begin with.

You make good points, can't argue with any of them. But I'm just saying I'm happy to see them putting more effort now by dropping a V8 in the IS and them hinting at a forthcoming IS-F and other F models. But yes the cost cutting still shows because they did not redesign the 3-IS and instead gave it a second refresh. The interior is disappointing, powertrain carried over etc.

However from an enthusiast standpoint, who else is doing a V8 in their compact executive sedans? Overall Lexus really is doubling down on the engaging sport sedan thing while others are moving away from it.

[supra93]

[jpy1980]

Originally Posted by supra93

Sounds like theres gonna be an ISF model out as well. Very nice!

[supra93]

Originally Posted by jpy1980

Sounds like theres gonna be an ISF model out as well. Very nice!

This is what Bestcar just posted.

In addition, there is information that "F" is planned for Lexus IS and LS, and it will debut at the earliest this year. The IS is the V8, 5L NA installed in the US specification "F Sport Performance", and the LS is the newly developed V6, 4L twin turbo. The IS F will be 481ps and the LS F will be 660ps.

https://bestcarweb.jp/news/scoop/278174

[Humdizzle]

waiting on reviews of the 500 to come out. hopefully not too much longer.

kind of disappointed in the upcoming F models. Was hoping for a TT or supercharged v8 instead of another blown 6 cylinder like everything else.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

waiting on reviews of the 500 to come out. hopefully not too much longer.

kind of disappointed in the upcoming F models. Was hoping for a TT or supercharged v8 instead of another blown 6 cylinder like everything else.

I'm still holding out for the "3JZ." It's GONNA HAPPEN!

[SickGTR]

Originally Posted by supra93

Same big ass wheel gap as the new M's. WTF You can run over a football and never notice