TOP STORY-AUTO SPIES WORLD EXCLUSIVE-First real life pics of the first TRUE 3-series challenger-Part 1

The BMW 3-series sure has been lonely at the top (as the top premium small sports sedan) for what seems to have been at least forever and a day... wouldn't you agree?

*****URGENT MESSAGE FROM 001*****

The next Auto Spies newsletter won't be until 8/18/2005 as 001 heads Northwest for a well deserved summer break in the Infiniti QX56 (Look for our review plus whatever mischief he can scare up on the road, on Thursday, 8/18!)

Now, back to this week's TOP STORY...

SPIES GET THE JUMP ON SUPER SECRET REAL LIFE LEXUS IS-SERIES PICS FROM LONG LEAD PRESS EVENT...

For the first time, it looks like the BMW 3-series has a TRUE challenger in the new IS-Series.

Will it have enough to knock BMW out of the top spot.

We'll tell you when we review it in the next few weeks...

Until then enjoy the BEST photo in our 'Special Issue' coverage of the new Lexus IS-series, courtesy of your bud's at AutoSpies.com!

Click here to view part two

Spoonie_G - 8/15/2005 4:36:52 PM

+1 Boost

I'm looking at the lexus. I like my current BMW (2001 330i), but the current "new 3" does nothing for me. The new 3-series has a boring plain-jane interior with downgraded plastics, doesn't outperform the old 3, and its looks aren't that special. I'm still holding out for the rumored "turbo" 3-series or the next-gen C-Class. When is comes time to get another car. I'll consider the cars mentioned (above) along with the new IS.

Even though the new IS is nice. It will not handle like a BMW, And I doubt I'll be able to drift the IS like I do my 330i. The IS looks nicer than the 3 but the design doesn't have me doing backflips. I like the interior of the IS over the 3 but what the heck is the deal with that cheap $1.99 looking digital clock in the center console? That digital clock looks really cheap and out of place.