Lexus IS500. M3, RS4 watch out.

[boombexus]

So you like your IS350 do you? Well, if you thought that was good, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! According to the latest industry buzz, it is looking increasingly likely that Lexus WILL produce a BMW M3 competitor next year. Parent company Toyota has seen not only the ‘halo effect’ that top-of-the-line performance cars have created for other luxury manufacturer’s ranges, but also the ‘bottom line’ effect achieved through increased sales. BMW’s ‘M’ models offer much higher margins, as well as accounting for a growing percentage of total model sales. In truth, this is a model variant that Lexus has to offer to be credible versus its German competitors, so the question is not if but when?
Expected to debut at several North American and European auto shows during 2007, the IS500 should be in showrooms by Fall 2007 as a 2008 model year car. It should arrive just in time to spoil the next M3’s launch party and will be the car Lexus uses to tell BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz that it is now playing leap-frog instead of catch-up.
Precise details of the new car are still a closely-guarded secret, but since Lexus Europe has been a little more forthcoming to European journalists on this subject than Lexus USA, we’ve got the inside track on what to expect. Firstly, the IS500 will have Lexus’ all-new 5.0 liter V8 direct injection engine (2UR-FSE). This engine was previewed in the forthcoming LS600h, but will be used in the IS500 without the former’s hybrid components. With a lengthened stroke, it is expected to develop in excess of 400 bhp to put it ahead of both the new M3 and Audi’s red hot RS4. We don’t know whether the IS500 will share the AWD drivetrain of the LS600h, but it’s possible. We suspect that Lexus will prefer to appeal to hard-core audiences and deliver a convincing rear-wheel drive layout.
What is beyond doubt is that the IS500 will combine luxury car credentials with focused sports car handling. Numbers like 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph do not tell the whole story. A highly tuned chassis with revised suspension components and firmer damping will ensure gum-on-carpet levels of grip and an enviable degree of ride compliance. The steering will be sharper and more direct. Up-rated brakes, which will include a ceramic disc option, will also be fitted. And while an up-dated VDIM will naturally be included to make the IS500’s power usable and controllable, we expect two settings: ‘ROAD will allow full intervention in all situations, while ‘TRACK’ will retard intervention allowing drift addicts to slide the car around corners. It isn’t clear whether you’ll able to switch VDIM off, but given Lexus’ conservative take on safety, we think this unlikely hence the dual settings. In other words, you’ll be able to do just about anything in this car – except to lose control.
Have cries for a manual gearbox fallen on deaf ears? A 6-speed manual transmission makes sense for the IS500, given that it will be a specialist, almost hand-built premium model. However, this isn’t an option that Lexus expects many owners to choose, because a new semi-automatic box should offer even faster changes. Rumor has it that the same advanced Magneti Marelli unit selected for the Lexus GT500 (and used in Ferrari’s top models) will also feature in the IS500. This highly sophisticated paddle-shift box will allow individual gears to be held until the driver chooses to change up or down, allowing you to relish the wail of the engine. We are reliably informed that the engine delivers effortless power calmly and quietly below 3,000 rpm. Thereafter, variable valve timing produces a Jeckyll and Hyde transformation in engine character. All hell breaks loose and the sound should be enough to curdle the blood of the most hard-bitten vampire.
Prototypes observed testing on Europe’s infamous Nurburgring have achieved lap times close to the magic 8 minute mark and below times set by both current RS4 and M3 models. Partly aided by a sleeker aerodynamic shape, the IS500’s faster performance is attributable to a truly sublime engine and ride and handling optimized with the help of Toyota’s F1 team.
The big unanswered question is what body styles the new IS500 will be offered in. Initially, we expect a 4-door sedan, but since other new IS body styles or are on the horizon, it is reasonable to expect a 2-door coupe version too. As far as the exterior styling is concerned, we have been advised to expect only subtle aerodynamic improvements, not radically changed or overtly aggressive body kits. The car will sit on standard 19” alloys.
Another significant tidbit is that the IS500 should retail at a price close to $60,000, which should undercut both the next M3 and Audi RS4 models by a worthwhile margin. If the price alone doesn’t guarantee the IS500’s success, the fact that Lexus is staking its reputation on making this car as close to dynamic perfection as the laws of physics permit shouldn’t damage its chances of doing well either.

Given Lexus’ tight-lipped approach to releasing new product details, this article is based on analysis of the few facts that are known and well-informed speculation, albeit from well-positioned and reliable industry sources. We’re confident, however, that the IS500 is more than just buzz. Expect the full scoop within 6 months.

Originally posted by, "Tailpipe" on my.is forums.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Not to completely write off the idea, but it is not within Lexus' reputation or sales reports that a car like this "needed." Of course, everyone is copying the Germans, really all around the world. Cadillac was one of the first to do it with a passion, and now Lexus?

Numbers like 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph do not tell the whole story.

...Actually, it does tell the whole story, as it only MATCHES the current M3, and doesn't quite get to the RS4. Adding a 400 BHP V8 to the M3 is going to change the game signifigantly, and don't forget that by that time next year, Cadillac should have a 500 BHP CTS-V on tap, locked onto Sie Germans und Sie Japanese...

Lets say that I am skeptical, as the source that posted the story is not only an IS fansite, but the story is clearly skewed twards the Lexus giving no other cars a chance in the super-sedan wars.

 

[Onikaze]

I think it is great.

Do I think they will flat out win the "super sedan wars"...no.

I do really like the styling of the new IS, though I miss the harsh nature of the older Altezza based car, and it's straight 6.

I don't think BMW, given the time it's had to wind up for this pitch, is going to throw anything but three rapid strikes to Audi, Cadillac, and Lexus, at least until the next gen comes around.

The M5 and M6 are so stupidly capable, the idea of a lighter, more aggressive version not living up to the M3's heritage seems silly.

 

[Poverty]

Dont think the M3 will have much to worry about and just for the fact that the RS4 is 4wd it wont neither. Nor would the C63 as thats a bahnstormer. It does sound good though but when it comes to competing with the germans on paper they promise so much yet always fall short, a bit like sony lol.

 

[Omnis]

Yeah, because microsoft are a bunch of nazis.

 

[Rogue Ssv]

...how is that relevant? At all?
PM me I dont want to kill this thread by tangents.

Nice IS, but I liked the previous gen. better. The 500 looks cool but dont like those extra vents in the front bumper.

 

[Tornado]

'Tis too bad the current IS is no where near as good as the old one. It's also too bad that the current IS is aimed at the old 3 series. In addition, it's too bad that Audi and BMW have just (and will soon) come out with an-old M3 beater, whereas this will only match the old M3. I bet even the Cadillac will be a better sport sedan.

 

[YSSMAN]

Lol, the Japanese are screwed once again...

 

[Tornado]

Lol, the Japanese are screwed once again...

Never fear, there is still the Infiniti G35, and (at least a little I guees) the Acura RL AWD.

 

[YSSMAN]

I would put money on Infiniti doing well, but I do not know about Lexus...

 

[Keef]

See, it will doubtedly have a stick. Lexus is not a performance company, they're an asian-born Mercedes. That means it sucks.

 

[GT Pro]

Looks good, though I can't wait until we purchase a new Lexus IS250 in a year or so. In my opininon they are one of the best looking cars in the world and was one of the few contenders for 'Wheels: Car Of The Year"

Pity Australia doesn't get a Lexus IS350.

 

[Onikaze]

I will agree that the new IS looks a lot better in person than in pictures.

The kicked up tail is very interesting.

 

[Wolfe]

I lost interest as soon as I saw that it would still suffer from a lawyer-computer and slushbox, just like the IS350.

I also wouldn't expect much from the suspension and handling when the IS350 is a bit of an understeering dog itself. "Halo car" or not, there isn't really any reason to believe that Lexus can make the IS500 handle better, especially when it's going to have a larger, heavier engine under the hood.

I also agree with YSSMAN when he pointed out that the acceleration times matched the current M3, and when Onikaze pointed out that the M3 wouldn't be burdened with the same weight that the M5 and M6 deal with.

 

[GT4_Rule]

It still looks good but I like the previous-gen IS. But 500 is a neat idea. Hopefully it's not just dropping big engine into a small car and leaving everything else like *cough*C55 AMG*cough*

 

[YSSMAN]

Does anyone else remeber the IS430 that was built by Millen High Performance?

...They used the old IS as a platform and installed a new 4.3L V8 from a GS430. It was matched to a Getrag 6-speed manual, and a Tien electronically-adjustable suspension to finish off the car. It debuted in 2003 at SEMA, but never reached production...

 

[GT4_Rule]

Does anyone else remeber the IS430 that was built by Millen High Performance?

...They used the old IS as a platform and installed a new 4.3L V8 from a GS430. It was matched to a Getrag 6-speed manual, and a Tien electronically-adjustable suspension to finish off the car. It debuted in 2003 at SEMA, but never reached production...

Oh yes, that! YSSMAN, thank you, I was discussing that in another forum and forgot the exact specs.

That car was featured in C&D if I remember it correctly. Didn't it have some shifting problems because the 4.3L V8 is supposed to be mated to a 5-speed auto?

 

[Jim Prower]

IS500? Toyota has sucked all the soul out of the IS-series by over-electronicing it, likely to make up for poor chassis engineering. Case-in-point: the cars actually seem to use driver aids to go faster.

I do like the Millen V-8 Altezza, though. I'll take mine in the same colors as the GT2 racing mod fro the TOM'S Altezza.

 

[YSSMAN]

The shifting problems in the IS430 were from the fact that the modern 4.3L V8 was not designed to be matched with a manual transmission, only 5-speed automatics. They had to figure out a way to "trick" the engine into thinking it was matched with an automatic, all while managing the new Getrag 6-speed as well.

It was a great one-off car, and they had said for quite some time that a IS430 would be on the way. But they, being the US automotive magazines, were quite wrong, and nothing happened.

 

[Keef]

Isn't that gay as hell that you can't just put a different tranny on and have it work fine? THere's no erasno for the engine's computer to get all pissy. You just shift when you need to. What exactly the the ECU dislike about the manual? Staying at high rpm for extended periods? I don;t understand why engineers have to make everything so frickin' complicated. And I hate old engines becuase they're old, worn out, crappy, not as eficient or powerful... Bullhonky.

 

[YSSMAN]

...From what I understand, some engines are designed to work with only certain automatics. It is pretty stupid, but it is the way that they keep a firm grasp on their respective market.

 

[GT4_Rule]

The IS430 would've been a great idea. But again, it probably would've cost Lexus too much to re-engineer the 4.3L V8 to accept manual along with other issues.