Detroit Auto Show-It's official! Lexus to up ante on BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Acura and Infiniti

The headline would be more accurate if it said, Lexus follows in the footsteps of BMW, Mercedes, Audi. Not sure what Acura and Infiniti he's referring to.

Look forward to seeing what Lexus has done with this.

So when is BMW , MB , Audi gonna follow Lexus's footstep of being reliable ?

My Audis have been reliable.

I'm a little sick of hearing that argument, as I'm sure you are with the performance argument.

Or have the quality of Lexus.

99gs400-
No kidding, right. S4cabriofoxone, your Audi must have a different engine in it if you aren't having problems with it. My brother had an Audi and it didn't go one month without having something major go wrong with it. He couldn't even pay someone to take it because it was so worthless.

"S4cabriofoxone, your Audi must have a different engine in it if you aren't having problems with it."

This is getting really, really, really old.

There's such a small difference in reliability between car brands.

My S4 has a 344hp 4.2L V8, naturally aspirated, five valves per cylinder.

I haven't had a single problem with the car since I bought it in April of 2005. The same applies to my A3, which I bought in January 2006. My wife's Lexus hasn't had any problems either, but what it can't do is it just can't take any wear. The seats are mushy and wrinkled, somebody could probably pull the dashboard apart, and it has an overall schintzy feeling (it's only three and a half) that my five-year-old A6 didn't have when the lease was up.

S4 you are correct. I have had a similar experience with my Audi's no problems at all. Same with the Lexus. However after 150K on the daily beater. The interior and paint are in far better shape after 8 years than the garage kept Lexus after almost 4 years.

Now the Lexus drive train will probably last forever bar any more recalls. That portion pretty much is solid as a rock. So I guess both have strong points but after 3 years The wife harps for a new car simply because the Lexus looks tired.

Why drive a luxury car that can't look the part 4 years down the line?

With a lease that is not a problem, because you never really see that portion come about. To own one for a longer period of time, it becomes significant.

This is really bad for Mercedes and BMW. I'm sure the "F" models will be less expensive and a bit more powerful than the M, AMG, and S.

I know price isn't everything to everyone but for many, it goes a long way into helping with the final decision to buy or not.

"I'm sure the "F" models will be less expensive and a bit more powerful than the M, AMG, and S."

Probably not, actually.

Cheaper yes, but will they be as involving to drive as the German competition? Will they handle well? That's the real question.

Let's not forget that Audi RS, BMW M and MB AMG all have EXPERIENCE and a history in motorsport. That helps - a lot.

I agree about the IS350 vs. 330i argument (although, the 330i wasn't any more money).

"...considering that an LS460 is faster and cheaper than its new rivals as well"

I'm sorry to tell you this, but it's not. Lexus has overestimated itself.

The A8 for '07 (350hp), 750i and S550 are all faster.

I don't think it being less money is much of an issue in this class. People who can afford an S-Class are not going to get an LS460 instead because it costs less.

But we aren't talking about the LS-F here, we're talking about the IS-F, and the IS was faster than the 330i, so the IS series will out-do it's BMW and MB competition.

"...so the IS series will out-do it's BMW and MB competition."

You shouldn't just assume based on current statistics.

The 335i is now faster than the IS350.

The A4 was never as quick as the 3 Series, but the RS4 still beat it.

When the IS350 was as fast as the 330i (and it's not as fast as the 3 Series any more), it still could've been so the "F" series wasn't as good.

The C AMG, new M3 and of course the RS4 all do/will have over 400hp. There's simply no performance advantage for the Lexus.

OH, YES WILL, BECAUSE IT'S LEXUS, IT HAS TO BE THE BEST.

You're letting your bias get the best of you.

There are four obstacles:

1. The IS has never been the best car in its class- and that includes the IS350

2. This is Lexus's first performance car. Don't be surprised if it comes up last in a lot of comparison tests.

3. The Audi RS4

4. The new BMW M3

"Lexus already surpasses the Germans on luxury, and now they will on performance."

Puhleez!

Will, luxury and performance surely do not go hand in hand!

Lexus makes mistakes, too!

Not making a good performance car (Lexus) is just as bad as not making a good luxury car (BMW), so don't go making excuses when the IS-F isn't up to par. Unlike what many Lexus fans think, there's a HUGE difference between a car being FAST and a car being SPORTY.

The RS4 isn't a competitor? What are you trying to prove? You're just kidding yourself. It will be very hard to surpass the current class-benchmark- I'm sure the new M3 will (to say it's not class-competitive, as you did, is laughable), but the IS-F? It's Lexus's first attempt, so probably not.

The IS350 is not the best in its class. The 3 Series has always been, and will stay this way as long as Audi doesn't really revolutionize the A4. Again, there's a difference between a car being FAST (IS350) and a car being good overall, in all areas (330i/335i).

Nothing like some stiff competition to ensure good cars for us all. If it weren't for Infiniti and Lexus, we wouldn't have twin turbo BMW's to play around with. Regardless of whether or not the IS-F (dumb name imo) is any good, adding another competitor will make the next Audis and BMW's that much better. Bring it on Lexus.

"What's with this 3-Series business? Did you not read what I wrote? The IS can handle corners just as well as any 3-Series, is just as fast, and yet is more refined and more luxurious."

1. No, it can't handle corners as well as a 3 Series. In fact, with a Lexus, it's called "handling" corners. With a BMW, it simply overtakes them. Please, stop lying to yourself- you know the 3 Series is a better sports sedan.

2. I could say this over, and over, and over! SPEED does not equal PERFORMANCE! Take the previous-generation Audi RS6. It went like hell and looked great, and won all the reviews. But the M5 was still the best sports sedan, because it had handling- the RS6 handled like a tornado. Scary. Whereas the BMW has both speed AND performance.

3. Refinement is very vague. I don't know if you mean it has a refined ride, or refined engineering. The 3 Series certainly has more polished, refined engineering than the IS350.

4. I happen to think that the 5 Series's interior is worse than the 3 Series, and there's really not a huge difference in interior quality in this class. You could argue that the A4 or IS are the best, but it all comes down to which design you prefer. The 3 Series's cabin is airy, contemporary and elegant, and it seems well-finished. The IS's interior has more of an Asian feel, with more of an emphasis on silver plastic and sharp lines- though it's equally well-finished.

You are SOOOOOO biased! You never shut up! I'm an Audi fan, and you don't see me trumpeting how the A4 is the best car in its class- it's not, and I know that!

"...but this whole thing about the BMW being vastly better than any other of these cars in the segment is a myth and seriously over-hyped. The IS handles just as well as the 3, and does it will more elegance and even more suave-ness(?) and refinement (which, since you don't understand what that is, means that it rides smoother and cleaner, and is less jarring)."

Will, UNDERSTAND SOMETHING. The 3 Series is not all about performance! It not only IS vastly superior to anything else in this class, but it's not a myth! What is that? Where did you come up with that conclusion? The IS has more "elegance" and "SUAVENESS" as it drives? Seriously- who are you trying to prove this to? Me or yourself? The whole REASON the 3 Series is regarded as one of the world's best cars is because it is a PERFECT COMBINATION OF LUXURY AND SPORT! I can't stress this enough! It has a comfortable ride (YES, I'VE DRIVEN IT), confidence-inspiring handling, a well-finished interior, and it's truly a car that you'd enjoy driving on a day-to-day basis! Only a Lexus fan would say that it has a "jarring" ride- and by that remark, I don't think you've driven it at all. It's not a full-out SPORTS CAR, it's a sports-luxury sedan!

You may know that the A4 isn't the best car in it's class (because it honestly isn't), but if people would put their biased opinions aside, you included, everyone would agree that Lexus is the better car. German fanboys simply refuse to like anything Japanese because they are better cars and they are putting their precious German car sales down to the lowest they've ever been. The honest fact is, Lexus is the better car. They can make luxury and performance go hand in hand. They can build quality, reliability, safety, performance, and good looks into their cars without sacrificing anything. The fact is, I used to be a BMW guy. I never used to give Lexus a second glance. One of my friends was bragging about their GS. I thought that I would test drive one and see how great they were. Needless to say, I bought my first Lexus days later and have not turned back on BMW since. Why? Because I was not so stuck to German car brands that I was willing to give another car company a chance. Lexus was more comfortable without giving up performance. With BMW, it's one or the other. I bet that you have never even been in a Lexus. I bet you're really a 12 year old girl who has never driven a car in her life.

The 3-Series has no luxury. But I forgot to mention the C-Class. Luxurious, but not sporty.

Will, you're consistent in your desperate need for Lexus to be the best at everything. Lexus is in the midst of going from an old man's car to more of a driving machine, but IT'S NOT THERE YET. They still have a lot to work out. If you want luxury and perfect repair records, with some speed, you've got it. But even this IS-F will not out-gun an S4, RS4 or M3.

You should like what you like, but that doesn't mean you own the best car on the planet. I own a G35 and love it, but I also respect what BMW has done for performance. It made my car and many others better in chasing it. And I like Audis, which tend to be gorgeous though not always the sportiest, and are becoming much more reliable these days. Plus, I've driven all of them. The only person you fool with your constant harping about Lexus being the greatest is yourself.

Thank you! Will is starting to scare me with his blind "Lexus is the best at everything" posts!

I know Audi isn't the best at everything- but yes, they are gorgeous!

If you like Lexus this is good news. If you don't, I don't think the F products will be changing any minds.

I think that's a good thing though. The F cars should be special and not very common.

I think Mercedes has overstepped a little with its AMG offerings. In the San Diego area I see several AMG cars each and every day.

I agree with everything you said.

I think Mercedes has overstepped a little with its AMG offerings. In the San Diego area I see several AMG cars each and every day.
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So you have the magical ability to come to the conclusion that MB sells so many AMG's that they're not exciting anymore?

Get real. Seeing more AMG's on the road means nothing. I saw two new BMW M5's in New York a few days ago. Wow, BMW is really selling a ton of those!

It's not a magical ability. If you saw a pink Ferarri every day on your way home from work, seeing future pink Ferraris wouldn't be as special now would it?

AMG, in addition to its performance attributes, is supposed to serve as a more exclusive step-up from its model mates (much like designo).

When the CLs I see are of the AMG variety half of the time I come to the logical conclusion that they aren't that special/rare anymore.

Your area may vary of course.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Where do you live?

In wealthier areas, you'll see more similar products.

BMW (M), M-Benz (AMG), Audi (RS), Acura (S-Type), What's Infiniti's?

Type-S isn't even close! Ha!

20 more horsepower in the TL! Wow, they're really up there! Can you say torque steer?

They don't have one.

Don't compare Acura's measily performance increasing S-type cars with the real performance tuners.

what the heck was NS-X then?

Is this the M3 killer?

BTW, what does IS-F stand for?

fast? furious? fun? (as if)

No doubt.

That looks cool!

BMW530i,AUDIMANA4,Chewy,S4CABRIOFOX,Germannut,audiot,EL34- and company, give it a rest! @ least we as consumers stand to benefit from all of this competition. Stop being overzealous.

Yeh you idiots, you guys dont even try to hide your biasesses.

And I know you do, blueice. You're a master at this art.

I see Ricemaster HAS DRIVEN EVERY CAR IN THIS CLASS AND COMMENT ABOUT THEM.

Nice job, moron.

Cadillac V-Series? THATS AMERICAN! GET REAL!

"RS4 - Why is a heavyass(AWD) AUDI even here? Audi are never known for handling. It'll probably handle a bit better than the MERC but will lose to the Lexus in every performance category except off the line(AWD) in a drag race. "

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLLOOLOLLL!!!!

Read ONE review on the RS4, just ONE, and you'll see why!!!!

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you living under a rock or something???

No, he's not living in a fantasy world where Audi is king, unlike you.

All that Horsepower would great on the Cadillac,if you can even drive it off the dealer lot with out breaking down!!!

Get over yourself Ricemaster,

The current RS4 is only 4 seconds slower on the Nurburgring then a 997 Carrera S and 2 seconds faster then a Cayman S.
Not even a BMW M6 or M5 are enough to keep up with the RS4 on the track.

That would be awesome. There was actually a rumor about an IS 500 coupe a while back.

It's = its

For the love...these cars aren't even in Porsche's class. They aren't supposed to be compared with Porsche. None of these are going to handle the same as the Cayman because none of these are designed to go head-to-head with the Cayman.

Sometimes you post a lot of garbage, but I agree with you here. These high 12/low 13 cars and high 4s, low 5s are so abundant now that we are no longer impressed by such numbers. The number of sport sedans/coupes capable of such numbers include the STi, EVO, 335i, IS350, S4, G35, etc. I think the new RS4, M3, and IS-F are going to set a new benchmark in "affordable" performance with numbers in the mid to low 12s and 0-60 times in the mid to low 4s. This benchmark will force Subie and Mitsu to re-engineer their vehicles to undercut the above mentioned, which will force the premium brands to up the ante again, and so the cycle continues.

I also agree with you that the NSX is a great car and was ahead of its time when it came out, although it is a little outdated these days.

The 2005 997 is even better than the 996.

And yes, it does sound made up.

The Porsche has a "funny sounding engine"? What are you on? It's quite possibly the sweetest-sounding engine in the car industry!

S4, I feel your pain. Will never shuts up. As the owner of a 2003 330i, I aspire to buy a new 335i, a car that is truly magical to drive. I did have the chance to drive the IS350 and was dissapoited to say the least; it just isn't the same. This picture of the IS-LFFFL or whatever it is looks way too boy-racerish to me; almost like a poor effort at making it loook agressive.

Didn't they mention that Toyota and Porsche are exchanging info!!Porsche is helping Toyota with performance suspesions and Toyota is helping Porsche with hybrid info..

Didn't they mention that Toyota and Porsche are exchanging info!!Porsche is helping Toyota with performance suspensions and Toyota is helping Porsche with hybrid technology,So if by any chance this is true,Lexus may have applyed this suspension technology to the IS-F,the prototype has spent alot of time in Germany at the Nurburgring!!!

One major thing will "kill" this car for enthusiasts...the lack of a manual transmission....
Simple as that.

LexusHater the only L is up on your head.

L badge look better then the copy Olympic Rings. I for got they wasnt able to steal the last ring for the design.

L stand for Long Lasting

Okay, I might have to leave soon...

This website is so immature, so vile, so infuriating, so tiring...

IS-F500, RS4, M3, and C AMG are all very good...

Satisfied?

Is this the rubbish that lexus fans were bragging about???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA. they must b kidding ryt? This is just an IS350 that got lower bodykits!!!! I cant stop laughing!!!!!! BYE BYE LEXUS!!!!!

This isn't the IS500, I'm sorry to inform you.

It IS an IS350 with a lower bodykit- it was shown at an auto show as an "X Bodykit" or something. 001 really loves the color.

The reason we used this image was becuase it is close to what we might see and regarding the color, we heard the reaction was so good last year they decided to move forward with it in the future.

And as you can see from the image they released with the stacked exhaust, they chose that very color.

001

001, it's pretty easy to see that the stacked exhaust was photoshopped in.

If it was truly in the Lexus press release, then get ready for a car that's very badly put together.

But I doubt it.

But why does the RS4 compete with this group? Why not the S4? Why did Audi have to make one model that is less expensive and less powerful than the competition (S4) and one model that is far more powerful and expensive than the competition (RS4)?

http://www.teamlexus.com/

said it before, say it afain