Toyotafest '07 Was A Hit As The IS-F Arrived in SoCal's Backyard

Hundreds gathered to celebrate the Toyota Owners & Restorers Club (T.O.R.C) 12th Annual Toyotafest at Southern California's picturesque Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach, CA. It was a day for all Toyota family enthusiasts to get together. This is Toyota's 50th Anniversary in America and the first time all three brands were represented with goodies from each corporate division. Many traveled from many parts of the United States and some spectators flew out from as far as the East Coast to experience this annual gala.

As this was a first of it's kind showing from all three Toyota brands, this was Lexus' first official appearance at a large enthusiast gathering. The theme that Lexus introduced to all the guests was Performance & Technology. Each category was represented well with a display of the Lexus GS & IS Pace Cars, the Lexus Hybrid contingent which included the RX400h, GS450h and the all new premium flagship, the LS600hL. In typical Lexus fashion, they wowed the crowd with a special surprise.


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lexusis350 - 5/18/2007 6:16:15 PM

+10 Boost

How many coverings of make up does it take you to look halfway decent in the morning. A thousand perhaps?

lexusis350 - 5/19/2007 1:29:10 AM

+6 Boost

Me or houstoncutie?

Alec - 5/18/2007 4:05:17 PM

+7 Boost

Supposedly in January 2008. I love the color, but I still cant get over the front hood shape and bumper change. Yes its more subtle in person than it is in pictures, for those who think it looks big in person.

enthusiastx11 - 5/18/2007 8:35:49 PM

+6 Boost

it has been going on forever. and still nobody has been allowed to drive it.

alec is correct about full production in jan 2008.

1970toyotamarc - 5/18/2007 11:15:02 PM

+2 Boost

Alec is also right about the hood bulge being smaller in person. It's only noticeable enough to let you know that there is something big going on under the hood. The car was awesome in person, and was parked only a few feet in each direction from the 2 most significant Japanese poduction cars, the 2000GT and the LS600hL. Quite a remarkable day for Toyota enthusiasts. It was my first one, and I plan to go back every year, esp if we can count on nice surprises like this.

jt716 - 5/18/2007 4:20:41 PM

-1 Boost

*yawn*

Need4Speed - 5/18/2007 11:34:36 PM

+1 Boost

I'd rather count sheep!

lexusis350 - 5/18/2007 6:17:07 PM

+4 Boost

YES! It's coming in different colors. While the blue looks good, it isn't my taste.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/19/2007 10:46:09 AM

+3 Boost

Heh. You thought they would only offer it in the purpley-blue launch color? LOL.

lexusis350 - 5/19/2007 1:42:49 PM

+3 Boost

Well, that's the only color they show it in. I thought it would be an exclusive color to the IS-F.

EL34 - 5/18/2007 6:38:03 PM

-5 Boost

Does the Lexus have a carbon fiber roof like the BMW M3?

I didn't think so!

enthusiastx11 - 5/18/2007 8:39:19 PM

0 Boost

no. and its 5.0 liter V8 is heavier than and does't match the power of the M3's 4.0 liter V8.

plus the car is very nose heavy for a performance car. front overhang is two inches more than IS350. hood bulge is two inches higher. then add a heavy v8 forward of the axle. result: weight distribution is better in the IS350.

1970toyotamarc - 5/18/2007 11:21:29 PM

0 Boost

2 whole inches higher???? stop the presses. that's huge. Lexus coulda just put on tacky air vents like the M3. And you dont know what the final power is, so you cant say that the M3 has more. Nor do you likely know the final weight distribution. But I'm probably wrong, I'm sure you have all the specs on both cars, so let's see 'em.

I sense a flame war about to begin with the M3 again, quelle surprise. I dont mind stoking the embers. But I will credit 009 for a great ToyLex post (with accompanying decent headline).

S4cabriofoxone - 5/19/2007 10:48:59 AM

+3 Boost

"Lexus coulda just put on tacky air vents like the M3."

toyotamarc, the IS-F has much tackier airvents than the M3; they're those huge things on the side that completely ruin the look of the car.

enthusiastx11 - 5/18/2007 9:03:53 PM

-2 Boost

WOOHOO. TOYOTATHON TIME!

MunichRob - 5/18/2007 9:41:20 PM

+5 Boost

This car is definitly growing on me, but it still doesn't look as expensive as the competition.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/18/2007 10:43:39 PM

+2 Boost

I suppose that's something to do with the bodykit.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/19/2007 10:47:49 AM

+3 Boost

Yes, I agree with both of you. The initial shock has worn off and I do like it more, but it's the hood and the side vents that don't fit in...

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/19/2007 11:02:35 AM

+2 Boost

To be really honest, it doesn't look like the same brand responsible for the ES.

MunichRob - 5/19/2007 1:35:24 AM

+1 Boost

I suppose you're right...actually more like dead on!

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/19/2007 11:04:00 AM

+4 Boost

You like rice...why not like this car, homey?

Will_ - 5/19/2007 5:52:40 PM

+4 Boost

Everytime I see your username I feel like throwing up...

Will_ - 5/19/2007 9:16:55 PM

+5 Boost

Everytime Gogo makes a comment about someone's sexuality I know he's only deflecting insecurities about his own onto someone else...

gsh23 - 5/20/2007 4:03:59 PM

+2 Boost

i cant smell will's breathe through the internet...is my computer broken?

mocaonsite - 5/21/2007 11:56:28 AM

+2 Boost

Those rims on the LS600hl are real nice...

EliteRanger - 5/21/2007 2:46:52 PM

-1 Boost

Lol, i know when i go into any article there will be Lexus fanboys like Will there...I'm surprised your husband Huu76 isn't around yet, maybe he stayed for overtime ;)

Will_ - 5/21/2007 7:27:18 PM

+1 Boost

How do you know I own a Lexus? Your username hasn't been here long...

EliteRanger - 5/22/2007 9:22:23 AM

+1 Boost

At no point did i say you owned a Lexus (i hope you don't)Secondly i used the site under a different name a long time ago, possibly before even you. And only came back under this one recently (past 2/3 months) but Lexus fanboys like you at Huu76 drove me away from it all. (no pun intended)