Lexus Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi Speaks Out On The IS-F

this is not an article. it's a PR pitch that takes you to the lexus site.
worse yet, there's absolutely NO NEW INFORMATION there.

are you getting a free car from lexus for a while 009?

Not a Lexus fan myself (as many of you know), just posting an article about a much anticipated and pivotal car for Lexus.

We get that you don't care for Lexus. We get that big time.

You now need to chill out.

This article is just as relevant as links to the preview site of the new Audi A5.

Deal with it.

Man, I love autospies.com!

Is It Time for An Online Code of Conduct?
From the desk of David Pogue on the Web at DavidPogue.com.

When I was just out of college in the late 1980's, I made a lot of computer house calls in New York (all right, apartment calls). During those years, I learned an awful lot about people and the dichotomy between their public and private personalities.

One client in particular has never left my mind. She was a wealthy woman with an astonishingly huge apartment -- and an astonishingly sour personality.
Whenever menials like me were around, she played a game whose name, I now realize, was "You're Wrong."
It began the moment she answered the doorbell. "Well, don't just stand there like a mannequin. I'm not paying you $25 an hour to just stand there. Go inside."
So, mumbling apologies, I entered the apartment and set down my bag next to the computer desk.
"Not there, not there!" she shrieked. "You'll get dirt on the carpet! Put it out there in the pantry. Have some respect for people's things!"
If I then reached to turn on the computer, it was, "Don't do it yourself! How do you expect me to learn if you do everything for me? Don't treat me like I'm some kind of idiot!"
But if, on the next visit, I invited her to turn on the machine herself, she shot back, "How should I know how to turn it on? If I knew how to use the computer already, I wouldn't be paying you $25 an hour, now would I?"
No matter what you said, on any subject, no matter how neutral, Mrs. Cronkwitz could find fault with it. (Yes, this was the same woman who berated me for suggesting that her daisy-wheel printer couldn't print graphics.) Her simple rule was: "If you can't say something negative, don't say it at all."
I think about Mrs. Cronkwitz's game every time I read the comments on any online forum that accepts anonymous postings, like Digg.com or YouTube. It's all a big contest to see who can spit with the most venom on any product, any idea, any topic.
Just once, I'd love to see how many products, ideas and topics these people come up with themselves. (Actually, I already know: None, because most of 'em are still in high school.)
All of which brings me to the Kathy Sierra story, which The Times recently covered here.
In short, a computer-book author named Kathy Sierra wrote, on her blog, about whether it's OK to delete nasty comments left by your readers. Anonymous commenters descended on her with vicious, violent and even sexual comments and threats, complete with vulgar Photoshopped images of Ms. Sierra.
Anyway, Tim O'Reilly, the publisher of her computer books (and mine, by the way), responded with a proposal on his own blog: a voluntary, seven-step blogger code of conduct. You can read the full draft here.
There's room for argument over some of his points -- true to form, most bloggers' first reaction was to criticize it -- but one point, I think, is unassailable:
"3. Consider eliminating anonymous comments."
That's it, baby. People don't go to psychotic

Is It Time for An Online Code of Conduct?
From the desk of David Pogue on the Web at DavidPogue.com.

When I was just out of college in the late 1980's, I made a lot of computer house calls in New York (all right, apartment calls). During those years, I learned an awful lot about people and the dichotomy between their public and private personalities.

One client in particular has never left my mind. She was a wealthy woman with an astonishingly huge apartment -- and an astonishingly sour personality.
Whenever menials like me were around, she played a game whose name, I now realize, was "You're Wrong."
It began the moment she answered the doorbell. "Well, don't just stand there like a mannequin. I'm not paying you $25 an hour to just stand there. Go inside."
So, mumbling apologies, I entered the apartment and set down my bag next to the computer desk.
"Not there, not there!" she shrieked. "You'll get dirt on the carpet! Put it out there in the pantry. Have some respect for people's things!"
If I then reached to turn on the computer, it was, "Don't do it yourself! How do you expect me to learn if you do everything for me? Don't treat me like I'm some kind of idiot!"
But if, on the next visit, I invited her to turn on the machine herself, she shot back, "How should I know how to turn it on? If I knew how to use the computer already, I wouldn't be paying you $25 an hour, now would I?"
No matter what you said, on any subject, no matter how neutral, Mrs. Cronkwitz could find fault with it. (Yes, this was the same woman who berated me for suggesting that her daisy-wheel printer couldn't print graphics.) Her simple rule was: "If you can't say something negative, don't say it at all."
I think about Mrs. Cronkwitz's game every time I read the comments on any online forum that accepts anonymous postings, like Digg.com or YouTube. It's all a big contest to see who can spit with the most venom on any product, any idea, any topic.
Just once, I'd love to see how many products, ideas and topics these people come up with themselves. (Actually, I already know: None, because most of 'em are still in high school.)
All of which brings me to the Kathy Sierra story, which The Times recently covered here.
In short, a computer-book author named Kathy Sierra wrote, on her blog, about whether it's OK to delete nasty comments left by your readers. Anonymous commenters descended on her with vicious, violent and even sexual comments and threats, complete with vulgar Photoshopped images of Ms. Sierra.
Anyway, Tim O'Reilly, the publisher of her computer books (and mine, by the way), responded with a proposal on his own blog: a voluntary, seven-step blogger code of conduct. You can read the full draft here.
There's room for argument over some of his points -- true to form, most bloggers' first reaction was to criticize it -- but one point, I think, is unassailable:
"3. Consider eliminating anonymous comments."
That's it, baby. People don't go to psychotic

WHU DONT YOU POST IT A THIRD TIME IDIOT. haha

Whether you love Lexus or hate Lexus it is wonderful this vehicle is around the corner becuase just like when Lexus came on the scene in 1989, it has made everyone get better.

And that is great for you and I, the consumer.

Bring the battle on I say!

001

<HTML><BODY>
LEXUS IS TRYING TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD.

Buy German cars and stop this madness. <H>www.mbusa.com</H>
</BODY></HTML>

Ineresting press release. I will reserve my judgement of the vehicle until I can test drive one. I like the IS, think it is the best looking Lexus. I just wish the hood on this car was not so bulging.

You can't test drive one sadly. They are ALL sold.

I have a deposit on one, first deposit @ my dealer! I told the salesman he can drive it (after it's broken in) but that nobody is to test drive it!

Can't wait to get it!

Here are some photos of the IS-F I took @ the Chicago Auto Show.

http://www.taxicabs.com/autoshow/chicago2007/Lexus/IS-F/ and here http://www.taxicabs.com/autoshow/chicago2007/Lexus/IS-F/day2/

Enjoy,

Dave
IS-350, trading it in for the IS-F

i guess that wont happen 2..
Lexus IS-F a another car, it wont be a legend like M3 or AMG models

Hey sevor, its closer than you think

I'm curious about having an 8 speed trans on a street "sports" car - F1 cars have 7 speeds but they're going as fast as possible - just a point of view,

It is interesting to note that the LS600h's detuned 5.0-liter V-8 has 389 hp/385 lb-ft, which means the upcoming IS-F will have at least 385lb.ft of torque! That is close to 100lb.ft more than the M3.

Supra,
If the 5.0 liter V8 is indeed coming to the IS-F, that's great to hear. Has anyone heard if this is true? I went to Lexus's site and I don't see anything about engine displacements for the IS-F.
True the E92 M3 V8 has 100 lb-ft less than the 5 Liter V8 of lexus but that's to be expected due to the high horsepower and smaller displacement. To obtain 420 hp from a 4 liter v8 will usually mean 'smaller' torque numbers.
To have a more objective engine comparison, one would need to look at the E39 M5 engine that also displaces 5 Liters. It's much more comparable to Lexus's claim at 369 lb-ft of torque. Again, less than the lexus but it does achieve a higher hp rating at 400 bhp. This is doubly amazing since BMW achieved this 10 years ago.

IS-F using 5.0L v8 (engine code 2UR-GSE) is official, not a rumor, 400+hp, 350+lb.ft. ^0^

The one used in LS600h is Down-tuned version and the one used in IS-F is Up-tuned version.

The M3 uses high rev to gain hp, and IS-F uses Direct Injections to gain hp, torque and good fuel economy.

Using the 380hp/367lb.ft 4.6L v8 in LS460 to do approximate extrapolation, the normal 5.0L v8 should have around 410hp/400lb.ft.

You can guess the tuned-up version in IS-F should have around 430hp/385lb.ft or 450hp/365lb.ft...

The peak torque number is not as important as the torque curve. One of BMW's buggest strengths is their ability to produce engines with the flatest torque curve, meaning a high percentage of the peak torque is available throughout the entire RPM range.

This is one area where the Japanese manufacturers really need to concentrate on. Just imagine the Honda S2000 with an M3 engine in it, it would be, well.... the M Z4 I guess :).

Agent004, you should take a look the new series Toyota/Lexus engines with dual VVT-i and Direct Injections before came to this conclusion. Those engines have both strong low-end torque and high-end torque. Some examples: Camry 3.5L v6, IS350 3.5L v6, LS 4.6L v8 etc. Tundra 5.7L v8 is the new king in 1/2 ton pickups.

Sailor, what are you trying to say? Lexus can gear their 8sp as aggressive as they want and still spare one or two gears for good FE to make the IS-F no Gas Guzzler Tax.

Performance: Auto>>Manual.

1. No mater how you put it, DSG is an Auto.
2. BMW SMG sucks, and the manual in M5 is even worse, at least most reviews said so.
3. IS-F's 8 speed has torque-converter lock-up control from 2nd to 8th gear and does throttle blips to rev-match RPM during down shifting.

It all comes down to performances, smoothness of shifting.

"Audi had to use an additional 50 horsepower to get the same performance out of the RS6 as BMW got from the MANUAL M5..."

same performance? The old RS6 killed the M5, where are you getting your info from.

Since when do automatics have clutches?

> Torque is nothing if the transmission isn't built to that exact engine!

... actually torque is nothing without a solid sub-frame to hold on to the differential. Unfortunately I owned a E36 where the differential ripped away from the subframe. $$$!!! When I Googled "bmw subframe tear" I discovered this is a common problem on E36, E46, and Z3! I have since moved on to Porsche and will never buy BMW again.

> 1. No mater how you put it, DSG is an Auto.
Actually an auto transmission has no mechanical connection between the engine and the driveshaft - power is delivered via hydraulic fluid between turbines attached to the engine and gears. As the fluid heats up it eats power.

The DSG, however, uses a clutch/flywheel connection to deliver power with no loss, so a DSG is *not* an automatic.

> 2. BMW SMG sucks
Agreed.

I'm extremely curious about the final horsepower numbers for this car. It must be a deep secret, everyone who is in-the-know about the car wont say anything but "400+."

400+ what???

Probably 402.

You're right.
These Toyota rats will nver match Audi,BMW or MB.
Hell, even a '80s Rabbit has better luxury than LS460.

You guys are trolls, but damn you're at least funny.

I agree with 001, this car will bring a new level of competition to the market never before seen and hence good for all of us, in recent times AMG has gotten a little lazy, allowing the likes of BMW and Audi to roam free, and by the looks of things this car is going to be a fantastic competitor in its respective segment, I cant wait....

How so? We don't know how it will drive yet- and the horsepower war is already in overdrive. BMW and Audi are super-competitive right now. I don't see how the Lexus will make a significant impact, unless it's the best-driving car in this class.

You don't ever want to give anyone free roam. Heating up the mix always put everyone on their toes and we all benefit from it.

I don't care if this website endorses Lexus or not, but there's no denying the I-SF is not a great looking car by any stretch of the imagination.

el34

There is no endorsement of Lexus on this site. We have a large loyal base to them and because of that they chose to advertise here.

You see a lot of Lexus content here both good and bad because they are a popular make.

I don't think the marketing department at Lexus had obsessive internet geeks in mind when they created this piece.

If you don't spend your time scouring automotive websites and bitching about cars that aren't out yet, then you might get some knowledge from the presentation.

I was refering to everyone here at autospies (myself included) as geeks.

And my point stands. The entire Lexus marketing from their own website to news releases like this is a moot point for people like us who already know all this stuff.

Sorry if you didn't know that or don't understand that.

Ask 10 random people on the street if they know what the hell an IS-F is. You can even ask the customers walking up to a Lexus lot. The majority of people haven't a clue to what this Lexus is. And that is who these kind of releases are aimed towards.

I was not resorting to namecalling as you suggest. If I were I would have just called you a jackass and left it at that.

Jackass.

It seems like this IS-F is so far up your behind that it will revolutionize your rectum.

In my city, I just saw a new IS and I have to say is "WOW!" I really thought it was nice and aggessive at the same time. Now that I've seen the reg IS, I can see why people are clamoring for this IS-F. It is extreme engineering, with extreme horsepower. Bring it on, I agree with 001 competition brings nothing but the best to the comsumer! It'll take a little while for the IS-F to make it here, but when it does I'll look at it with respect and a little jealousy because I want to drive it too!!

The M3 is a uglier version of the already dull-looking 335i.

"This car will be so far above the M3, C63, and the RS4. Lexus will revolutionize performance cars". Lexus king, you're an idiot. You really think this will truly out perform any of them?

Ranger... don't listen to idiots like "LexusKing." I believe you're new to the site, and there's a crop of fake "Lexus fanboys" who exaggerate about every single Lexus product- they are a mockery of the "real" Lexus fans, and just don't pay attention to them.

Just like all the German fanboys who spew all their garbage about their cars and how amazing they are, right. A tid bit of info for you, you<re just as ignorant as those Lexus freaks.

Are you guys thinking Lexus will revolutionize performance cars the way they have revolutionized (read never won anything) racing? Stick to bettering former American style luxury - plushness and detached driving engagement. Perhaps consider Lexus The Old Cadillac of today. I like that, also reflects the overall 'champagne' color orientation of the brand.

Scooter, do some research before you yap.

Scooter- my 4 year old daughter knows more about cars.

Hell, yes!

I just wish no matter what MFG they spent more time and money about how to squeeze every ounce of gas mileage for the American public. 400HP means nothing where i live, police every other block and radar cameras every 3 miles you are lucky to go 40mph let alone 0-60 in 4 seconds?

The car is not out yet, but from the look of it, it very impressive. Hopefully it will perform as good as it look.

"LexusKing" BMW's 7-series out performs the IS350...so you really think the IS-F has what it takes to out perform the M3?

You really shouldn't waste your time commenting in any of these blogs, no one takes you have seriously anyways.

Stop smoking whatever it is your smoking, it's not for you.

munichrob, you dont know what your talking about and plus the is-f is going destroy the m3 on the straight and the track.

Oh, of course. You're so right! I forgot that the IS-F will have 678hp and will probably outhandle the Lotus Elise even though it weighs twice as much! It's obviously going to totally WHIP this class, because WE already know how unbelievably well it drives! It is just SO much better than the RS4, RS6, M3, M5, C63, E63, S65, S8, SLR, M6, and R8, even though it's not even out yet!!!

LOL!

LOL yourself pal.

The Germans always underrate their power:

M5: 589 hp
S6: 567hp
E63 634 hp
S8 657 hp

But IS-F: 176hp

Toyota can NEVER build a half-decent car.

What a moron. All these Lexus fans on Autospies are idiotic.

And they always claim "smart" people buy a Lexus. Oh the irony...

As a current Germand and Lexus owner i have to agree that the IS-F is horrible with those side vents but many of you are kidding yourselves if you think this car won't be a match to the M3 and RS4. It will not outperform, though it will be alot closer than most are willing to admit. Looks is always a personal issue, to me the RS4 is the best looking of the two but i would still choose the M3 over it. Let's all just wait till this IS-F comes out before we start saying who will rule the street. And i still think the regular IS is much better looking than the F version.

[SupraNeverBack] ON NOTICE!!!

You have praised that the effectiveness of "smooth" shifting is essential to the performance of a sports car; Sedan, Coupe, Convert., Wagon, etc...

"1. No mater how you put it, DSG is an Auto.
2. BMW SMG sucks, and the manual in M5 is even worse, at least most reviews said so.
3. IS-F's 8 speed has torque-converter lock-up control from 2nd to 8th gear and does throttle blips to rev-match RPM during down shifting.

It all comes down to performances, smoothness of shifting."-SupraNeverBack

Lets address each of your follies one at a time shall we...

VAG's DSG technology has revolutionized the manu-matic, sequential shifting transmission tier tremendously for many reasons. One of them isn't that it is a over indulged AUTO. The DSG works off of twin clutch technology, originally developed by BorgWarner under the name DualTronic. Like an automated manual gearbox, BorgWarner’s DualTronic can operate as a semi-automatic, where the driver changes gears via buttons, paddles or conventional shifter. There is no clutch pedal, because the clutch is automatic while the gearshift is implemented by electro-hydraulic actuators. For relaxed driving, there is also a full automatic mode, where computer determines which gear to be selected. Automatics=torque converters. The DualTronic or as VAG has dubbed(no pun intended) DSG, does not have a torque converter. Unlike conventional gearboxes, DSG uses 2 clutches - one clutch connects to the odd gears (1st, 3rd and 5th) while another clutch connects to even gears (2nd, 4th and 6th). This enables it to shift far smoother and faster than conventional gearbox. A computer controls the engagement of the clutches to shift into the appropriate gear. If you are on the throttle hard in second gear, you are in the even trio of gears. The computer anticipates the shift into the next gear ratio, which would be third. It takes less than 10ms to complete a gear change. This is called preselection.
Advantage: Gearshifting is ultra-smooth and very fast.
Disadvantage: The contruction is much more complex and may not be able to handle high torque loads. (The Bugatti Veyron is a marvel to employ a 7 speed DSG with over 900 ft-lbs of torque)

The BMW SMG does suck. That is why they replaced the original with the SMG II. Now don't think that just because " ze germans" placed a II at the end of the moniker do I dare think that the transmission is far superior. Basically it uses high-pressure hydraulic actuator to shift gears, but uses a conventional shift lever. Now this technology is race derived. I use the term "race" meaning uncomfortable on the street. Hence, BMW is developing a dual clutch transmission similiar to the DSG to replace the debated SMG.

The IS-F uses a traditional torque converter setup with a highly intelligent controlled computer to do all the "fancy stuff." Yes you are right about one thing. Congratulations!

In conclusion I find myself asking one final question,

Thanks for supporting my points. ^0^

"Do you really need a fancy gearbox to produce seemless shifting? Personally?" The company that BMW employs to produce manual gearboxes for their range is Getrag. Do some research on them and see how they are developed. Also, judging by your name you have a bias towards a certain model made by a certain Japanese make. In tangent you must be a fan of the JapaneseDomesticMarket. A certain video magazine called Best Motoring routinely uses JDM cars to test their limits. One of the best drivers they use goes by the name of Keiichi Tsuchiya. Watch him shift and then tell me you need a "8 speed(trans. that) has (a) torque-converter lock-up control from 2nd to 8th gear and does throttle blips to rev-match RPM during down shifting. It all comes down to performances, smoothness of shifting." Practice and experience is the solution to performance shifting not 8 speeds. I can't wait till Lexus's transmissions rival Semi trucks inclusive with two clutches in-cab as well. "The new 2015 Lexus 10 speed transmission." C'mon. We don't need a cog war now.

Summary. Automatic=torque converter. Remember there are people on this forum that do know what you are saying is wrong. Be careful.

I rest my case. No hard feelings.

LexusKing, in standard idiot form, does not disappoint.

And LexusFanFornever, you're wrong too. This >IS< a direct competition with the C55, the RS4 as well as the M3.

But Lexus has the same problem that Mercedes has with their C class AMG. They're chick cars, with dude horsepower. Ok, chick cars + guys in their 20's like them, but guys in their 20's can't afford this car, and guys in the target 35 and up age range don't want a high output chick car.

lexusfanforever,

I think that you are correct in assuming that the new ISF will be better than the previous lexus models. But to say that it will scare the m3? No. BMW does not view lexus as a competitor (because for all of history it has not been) so why should they start now. Perhaps lexus will make a good car, and then they might be able to begin the long journey to recognition in the eyes of the supreme auto makers in europe.
I think that toyota has a bright future. They have always been great at trying to emulate the euros. It seems now they are starting to get a bit closer. But remember, lexus isnt even an afterthought in europe yet. I hope they will announce the stats for the ISF soon, but i guess they had to make a lot of changes after the M3 was released...

"LexusAdmirer" Road & Track posted a 750i running the slalom at 67.0mph & the IS350 at 66.1mph...BMW's executive saloon is more nimble than Lexus's mid-size sport sedan, harsh facts but that's reality.

The IS isn't even their midsized sports sedan... it's their COMPACT sports sedan!

And I suppose you take your 7er to track days?

It's a pretty capable car.

"LexusAdmirer" I admit to writing down the wrong slalom time (I got it out the back of Road & Tracks road test summary where the #'s are all grouped together), but regardless the 7-series still edges out the IS350 in handling, it's in the back of any recent Road & Track.

So if you said all those terrible thing's about a car that out performs the IS, what would you say about the IS itself?

Do you know ANYTHING about cars?

Why would you compare 7er against IS?

MunichRoab- I bet that you don't even live in munich.

You probably live somewhere where intelligence has been banned.

Numbers don't mean nothing when you're on an actual race track. Munich boy have you ever raced? You sound like thosr trolls who read magazines and think they know everything. Race a car and then speak.

You don;t make any sense.

Oh please. The last generation M3 has been clocked at 4.8 seconds to 60 if I recall correctly. Also, ever thought that the guy behind the wheel of the M3 was a bad driver? Or maybe he didn't bother racing you.

your an idiot, of course the IS is not a competitor to the old M3, but the Old M3 is 7-8 years old.

And you didnt beat the M3, so stop lying, but beating an M3 thats 7-8 years old is nothing to brag about.

ever consider how the driver matters more than the car? there are plenty of numb nuts driving M3s.

Seems like your politics are as dumb and pathetic as your car. The new M3 will destroy whatever Lexus puts in front of it. Save yourself some tears and admit it.

Even you...?

"LexusAdmirer" I admit to writing down the wrong slalom time (I got it out the back of Road & Tracks road test summary where the #'s are all grouped together), but regardless the 7-series still edges out the IS350 in handling, it's in the back of any recent Road & Track, no inaccuracy there.

So if you said all those terrible thing's about a car that out performs the IS, what would you say about the IS itself? Do you're homework then get back to me when you realize the facts.

"BUCKFUSHdotcom" ever consider how dated the M3 is & how new the IS350 is? The E43 M3 is now out of production ready for replacement in September, my advice is stay away from the M3 after that date.

In fact why don't you try racing a 335i & see how that goes? Both it & the M3 have shown stronger numbers with more consistency than the IS350...the only one talking smack here is you bud.

The IS-F is nice. It has Reliability and Quality. The M3, RS4, and C69 are not High Quality Vehicles.

I go off-roading in my GX470 all the time. It is a High Quality Vehicle. The Lexus leather is far better than the leather in the Mercedesbenz S420 CDI. Jeremy Clarkson said so himself.

Those German cars you mentioned are equally high quality cars. Stop the BS please.

How the hell can you compare the leather in a Lexus GX to a Mercedes S420 CDI? The GX is not sold in Europe and the S420 CDI is not sold in North America.

nooooo! the s420 cdi is unreliable POS compared to my three beautiful God children, my GX470s!!!!!!! they have 103,000hp, combined.

Mmm... Lexus...
















side note: catch sarcasm?

I think the IS-F isn't the greatest looking car as it's too rice for the 'luxurious' Lexus image that some have come to love. Lexus is a luxury brand not so much a tuner brand. I think it will be a healthy competition to whoever Lexus thinks should be their direct competition. However, I don't think it can take out the best from Germany. Overall driving experience I will give it to the Germans hands down. If the IS-F numbers are even correct it will be a quick car in straight line. Will it give the driver an experience like the M3 and RS4 that is the question.

lol.
not a good year for lexus.
the LSh and the IS-F are disasters.

Most automanufacturers would kill for "disaters" like that.

In what world do you live in. Any manufacturer would love to have those cars.

The Lexus Gods have brought us these fantasticsexy new cars- the IS-FFFFF and LS600hL (L for supreme luxurycomfortreliability) and they are NOT disasters they are the best cars ever ahahahahahahhahahahaehehehehhehehehehehehahahhahahsdjigajwighjaiehjaeeghj

They are supremely sportyluxuriouscomfortreliabilityLEDs and yay

Mmm... Lexus!

^^^^
This guy needs to take a trip to Deutschland and undergo withdrawl from lala land.

^^^You need a trip to the Mental Asylum for supporting German cars.

All i have to say is CTSv with a supercharged Corvette engine. 550 + hp. This is going to get good.

Ok Ladies/Lexus fans,

If you are claiming that the IS is not aimed squarly at the BMW 3-series (M3 included), then, please do enlighten the other gentlemen in this room what you think the IS *is* competing with?

Do you know that you're extemely confused?

The BMW V10 was designed to work specifically with the SMG that is why the 6-spd manual sucks, they had to go back to the drawing board to retrofit a true manual.

BUCKFUSHdotcom <-- Claims that M3 is POS...
and that BMW followed the footsteps of Lexus by making
335i... It's a shame he drives an IS350..

Did u ever think that Lexus is following the big German boys by making their own F- series?

And to All Lexus Fans,

I DO like the IS-F, because I'm Asian AND in my 20's...

So stop the BS and don't bother saying something that 8-speed auto is better than SMG or DSG..

I respect Lexus for what they are doing rite now.. and Thanks to Lexus, Germans are making even better cars for us.

Shows that the guys at that website are as ignorant and stupid about thier politics as they are their cars...the IS-F will be an upgrade from the IS350, but not much more. The new generation of M3 can't be touched by Lexus. I know that this is a sensetive issue amongst Lexus fans, but am convinced the comparos will prove the M3's might.

um, hwang, dunno where you been buddy but anything is better than the SMG. go drive one for yourself.

IS-F = RICE ROCKET
Its for those people who like suped up civics... with a mugen lip... whatever that is.. or jdm front riced out lights...i always hear those stupid guys that get all hyped up about their new front lips... get over yourself.. IS-F is made for ricers..thats their target.. it can have 1000 HP it will never outperform an RS or an M...i know someone who has a turbocharged civic that keeps up to porsches.. but guess what who cares.. its a civic and its also a RICE ROCKET...

Are you even an adult?

what the hell is a rice rocket? ricer? is your you high or something? btw ricers(whatever that is) drive Ms and Rs too

Leave it Denali. These people are nuts....

Even though im not a fan of Lexus, i have to say that this new car would have done a lot better if it would have come out a year or two ago. i think it will be over whelmed by the new M3 and the RS4.

Not to mention slower than both cars

Lexus ALWAYS understates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1 (Benz specs show 5.4)
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 6.2 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 6.8 0 - 60 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is more than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the Lexus people.....

We should have a Lexus and a Mercedes or BMW race side by side! Japanese cars are getting a little faster.
:)