Spy Photos: Lexus IS 500
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Donas64 said:
From what I have read on the couple of Nissan forums, Nissan is planning a twin turboed VQ35 for the 350z. So hopefully Infiniti gets a G35 with this motor. Wonder what the Skyline is actually going to have for a motor. It could be a V8 or a VQ35dett.
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Donas64 said:
So are you telling me the current body M3's and M5's styling is ugly? With you being such a Bimmer fanatic, how can you say those words? This is not an attack by any means, but I have been around BMW's since I was about 5, and I have nothing short of love for every one that has been released. BMW is the Ultimate engineering for any non-supercar out on the market, it will last you the longest, and the styling is almost, yes almost, always awesome. Granted, this is of course my opinion, but I guess I was just shocked to hear someone say that. Just my 2 cents.....
Donas64 said:
The regular IS handles really well. Its not on par with a 330i but its beats it with its 300hp vs 255hp for power. Look how BMW had to twin turbo the new 335i coupes and sedans to get 300hp.
I think the IS 500 will be in the same price range as the new M3, S4/RS4 and AMG C63. These are low production vehicles so they will have high prices.
As for the bigger fan of bmws, I know alot of them. I work at Bavarian Autosport so I deal with customers thats all they will buy and drive.
I like the current M3 (designed Pre-bangle) and I like the Last Gen M5 (For a long time my favorite car). The newer M5 is much faster and nicer but overall, I much prefer the older bimmer styling. Don't get me wrong, I never faulted BMW engineeing (except for iDrive which is more trouble than it's worth) not did I fault their driving dynamics.
But it's a case of the new styling thats done it for me. I like the fact that they took a risk and did something different. But I'm sorry it's not for me. They will still sell a boatload of cars. But last ben beemers look better than the current gen ones IMHO.
The ultimate wolf in sheeps clothing! My favorite BMW
But it's a case of the new styling thats done it for me. I like the fact that they took a risk and did something different. But I'm sorry it's not for me. They will still sell a boatload of cars. But last ben beemers look better than the current gen ones IMHO.
The ultimate wolf in sheeps clothing! My favorite BMW
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At the 2006 NAIAS, they had this IS350 all done up. I wonder if this might be a hint at what this IS500 may look like. If so, I will have one in my driveway when I get rid of my Protege. I saw about a dozen IS350s the other night, and everytime I see one I love it. Beautiful design and power to go with it. Its a perfect blend of power and luxury IMO.
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Donas64 said:I like the current M3 (designed Pre-bangle) and I like the Last Gen M5 (For a long time my favorite car). The newer M5 is much faster and nicer but overall, I much prefer the older bimmer styling. Don't get me wrong, I never faulted BMW engineeing (except for iDrive which is more trouble than it's worth) not did I fault their driving dynamics.
But it's a case of the new styling thats done it for me. I like the fact that they took a risk and did something different. But I'm sorry it's not for me. They will still sell a boatload of cars. But last ben beemers look better than the current gen ones IMHO.
The ultimate wolf in sheeps clothing! My favorite BMW
I love the E39 M5s. My uncle has a 01 M5 with the updated angeleyes and LED taillights. Its a blast to drive. Its been Dinaned out but its missing the supercharger.
BMW styling is more like the rest of them now. The current 5 series likes alot like the Lexus GS or Infiniti M.
Unlike the rest of the car manufacturers BMW is is independantly(sp) owned.
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Mazdamia said:
We still don't know enough about this car to speculate what it may and may not have. I know Lexus likes to cram alot of technology on their cars, and I know when Peter Farrell built the 900hp IS300, he had a tough time overriding some of the factory settings. All we can see is that this car will be right up there with the M3, S4, and some other big dogs, and look damn good doing it too. Hopefully by NAIAS 2007 we will know what really is coming out. I think Lexus will offer a 6 speed, otherwise they'll lose some of their key market segment to the S4 and M3.
tunersteve said:
I wquestion whether or not it is really NECESSARY to have a manual transmission in this market sigment anymore. I mean, the car won't even be offered as a coupe like the M3; being a sedan doesn't seem to hurt too much, says the S4.
Further, Audi and BMW also have automatic transmissions with fancy names like SMG II, and DSG that they position as the prefered transmission choice. Lexus announced an 8-speed auto for the new L460, so its possible this tranny will be used in the IS500, maybe with shorter gears. Can you imagine just barely reaching 100MPH in fourth gear. With the way autos can be computer controlled to shift in just a few miliseconds that could really be a fast ride!
At the end of the day, however, the choice comes down to street credibility; something Lexus has never had in this market. Toyota really has lost all momentum that the MR2 and Supra ever gave them, too. The only hope I see for this IS being a success is if they launch it with the new LF-A supercar and say it has some similar peince of key technology like the same engine-block or seats, or something. Use the LF-A as a halo car to bring enthusiasts down to the IS500.
Time will tell. FOr the record, if I were in the market to spend a single year's income on a car, I would probably get the Lexus. Too quiet, too reliable, too milky smooth to not sleect it. If I want a sports car I'll get an Ariel Atom...or two.
I was reading today in car and driver that the new lexus LS 460 has electronic nannies that can be disabled entirely, with one of the guys from lexus telling the editor "just be careful". Lexus, having recently distanced itself from Toyota, seems to be moving things in a good direction. Heck, if the electronic nannies on a big lux car like the LS are optional I wonder what the IS will have in store!Mazdamia said:
