So Tell Me: What Ever Happened To The IS-F?

So Tell Me: What Ever Happened To The IS-F?
There has been a lot of press this year over those power crazy uber sedans. It just  seems like every week you see something about the new M3, RS4(5) or C63 AMG super sedans.   These automakers are in a constant battle to one up each other, and produce the finest muscle sedans on the planet.  And to be honest their advertising dollars show it.

Face it, press sells cars, and these guys know how to keep their products in public view.  Whether it is a head to head comparison, or a silly challenge against a bullet train, we are constantly spoon feed a carefully crafted meal of  statistics and spectacular photos.

Almost every month the Germans are in the press, but what about the others? What is missing in this equation?

Not so long ago we saw a similar barrage from Lexus with the then new IS-F.  Lexus had finally figured out  that performance could be the ticket to a demographic. Powerful, yet refined, this muscle car actually showed promise.  Lexus had obviously taken a hard look at the market and had learned a few lessons. 

When compared head to head with the finest German sedans on the road the IS-F was right in the middle of group.  It was a very credible first shot.  To the fans the IS-F, only lacked the most modest tweaks and they could actually beat the Germans at their own game. All in all, it was a marvel the IS-F could be on par this quickly.

All these die hard fans had to do was to wait, until the tweaks would be worked up through the skunk works.

And they waited...and waited.. and waited.  And over the next few years rarely a peep was heard about any substantial improvements to the IS-F.  Only the introduction of a new limited slip rear end broke the silence. But this was something that should have been included from the beginning.

So what happened? With a rock solid reputation on their side, it seemed Lexus was staged to give a final blow to the Germans by beating them on all fronts, and they did what?  N-O-T-H-I-N-G.

So with all of that being said, is the competition still within reach? Can Lexus go back to the drawing board and finally make the IS-F what it should have been? Or was this just another misstep from a company that is starting to lose the "touch"?

Did the IS-F come so far just to be ignored?



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LexSucksLexSucks - 12/28/2010 2:32:18 PM
+1 Boost
"What Ever Happened To The IS-F?"

Costs too much. Pretends to be an M3 killer when it isn't. Lexus should stick to Luxury cars. Every time they venture out to sports-sedan land, they end up falling short when compared to the established players. Why is that?


Agent009Agent009 - 12/28/2010 3:24:42 PM
-3 Boost
Actually it is so close in so many areas that the driver makes more of a difference than the car does.

I was so worried when the released it, that they would just sit on it and ride with no improvements until the next major update. Now it makes me worry more about the LF-A.


SSP350SSP350 - 12/28/2010 3:35:56 PM
+2 Boost
I think Lexus isn't just going to stop there. Why pour all that money into a vehicle just to stop short of going the next step. What I think is they're doing more research and developing new ideas. There's been a lot of rumors that the technology of the LF-A will ripple down the Lexus line. I think they have something up their sleeves. Especially with the new President, Akio Toyoda, he's very poise on performance. In addition, I think they're doing a lot more R&D. Everything has been laid down, they just need to improve on their products.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 12/28/2010 5:28:31 PM
-7 Boost
but hey did stop there. there haven't been any technical or engine updates. and there's nothing on the horizon. this should not be a surprise as lexus standard operating procedure is to do a late, superficial refresh and then nothing for a few more years till an all new model comes out. it's too expensive for them to get so niche with their models. would kill volume--which is their primary objective.


Agent009Agent009 - 12/29/2010 8:35:32 AM
-2 Boost
So I guess the question is. Why go into a market if your are not going to do what it takes to keep up?

It seems like a waste of resources.

But this is how Lexus works. Release a model and give very inexpensive refreshes each year until the next major model change. Great for profits, but the problem is that the competition is getting better each year. So if you aren't releasing a quantum leap beyond the competitors then you simply fall further behind each year.

I pity the LF-A with this type of philosophy. You can see just how well this type of philosophy worked with the NSX.


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 12/28/2010 4:35:59 PM
+2 Boost
Just wait till you guys see the new GS. It's much more agressive than the previous and will be a major player against the E and the 5. Lexus will redo all their sedans to be more driver oriented...


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 12/28/2010 5:39:20 PM
+4 Boost
and alienate 99% of their core buyers in the process. "Sport" certainly doesn't seem to be their "future focus", their most recent additions have been the HS and CT. We'll see, though. Personally I wouldn't mind Lexus making cars that were fun to drive. Just haven't ever been in one yet.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 12/29/2010 9:46:11 AM
-6 Boost
well, we've been waiting for an exciting GS for nearly 20 years. would be nice if they actually made one this time. god knows the current model is tired and mushy.


MorePowerMorePower - 12/29/2010 6:52:56 PM
+2 Boost
@ knowitall1985

And by driver oriented do you mean oriented for driver comfort or performance/sport?




MonopolyMonopoly - 12/28/2010 5:19:34 PM
+8 Boost
Well said LexSucks! I also feel that Lexus has lost their way somewhat. While I don't have a problem with Lexus coming up with a high performance division or a few derivative sports models, I am really sick of the trend Lexus has taken lately with some of their offerings such as the HS Hybrid and CT200h subcompact. Quit trying to be like BMW and Audi with all these weird, overreaching models. Besides, these cars are what your sub-divisions such as Toyota and Scion do best anyhow. Where is the new Lexus coupe/convertible at to replace the long in the tooth styled SC430? How about keeping up with the competition and improving on your bread and butter products with a all new ES,GS and LS? Maybe adding a unique model similar to the MB CLS or Porsche Panamera? Time for Lexus to step it up a bit and quit resting on it's past laurels and reputation.


BondMI6BondMI6 - 12/28/2010 6:55:47 PM
+1 Boost
You know what was the best IS-F mod I ever saw?

Wheel spacers.

They made it look much more aggressive even with stock rims w/o going overboard.


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 12/28/2010 6:57:54 PM
+6 Boost
Smaller models are for CAFE std's. Gas Mileage....If you knew cars you would know that.......


sizquiksizquik - 12/28/2010 8:07:42 PM
+7 Boost
Did you even spend 2 minutes researching the changes made to the 2011? The main issue to anyone that has actually driven the car was the suspension set up (or lack thereof) for the street. Lexus has addressed this.


dl767captaindl767captain - 12/28/2010 8:27:44 PM
+6 Boost
Lexus doesn't update their cars every five minutes like BMw and MB. This is just the becoming for the F badge. There have already been rumors that the next IS will be built specifically with an F variant in mind. Along with the GS F (and a weird rumor of an RX F). This is Lexus first attempt at this type of car and it seems they are playing it slow and not trying to go overboard on their first design. Many who drove the ISF (the more recently updated versions) have said it's a good competitor to the M3 and better than the over powered C63 that clarkson drove. Wait for the 2012 or 2013 model to really make a decision about a car that has to be refined from it's beta stage into a true M3 competitor.


answeranswer - 12/28/2010 10:07:08 PM
+10 Boost
I figured I'd leave autospies alone for a year or so, and see if the silly anti-Lexus stuff would cease.

Guess not.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 12/29/2010 9:47:58 AM
-6 Boost
that does not address the question. why no updates to the IS or IS-F since the line launched in 2006? bmw has introduced 3 new and even better engines in the 3-series in that time. not to mention a substantial refresh and plenty of other performance and technical updates.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/2/2011 1:08:54 PM
+1 Boost
awww, it's not fair! lol


LexusLexus - 12/29/2010 2:14:00 AM
+10 Boost
I know how much agent001 hate Toyota and Lexus so I will make this post short. This Lexus attempt at making a true sport sedan to compete with the big boys. And I think they did a good really good job for their first attempt.

BMW, MB and Audi have been making sport sedan for a very long time compare to Lexus F-Sport Division.


Agent009Agent009 - 12/29/2010 8:37:41 AM
-4 Boost
Lexus didn't do a good job with the IS-F. They did an outstanding job.

It was very close on the first attempt. The problem is you can't just sit on a design for almost 3 years with no improvements. The competition is too fierce.


LexusLexus - 12/29/2010 2:14:46 AM
0 Boost
Correction,

this is Lexus first attempt at making etc...!


LexSucksLexSucks - 12/29/2010 12:14:46 PM
-2 Boost
"Great first attempt"?

- Blah!!! Before the IS-F was released people here were saying that it would be an M3 killer. They were wrong. They said the same thing about the LF-A being a Ferrari killer. They were wrong again. Now those same folks are saying that "it was a great first attempt". Give me a break! What happened to the IS-F becoming the new benchmark?

And this isn’t the first attempt for lexus to try to create a sport sedan, the original IS300 was supposed to be the car that was supposed to lure BMW buyers over to the brand. We all know how that turned out.

I have a bigger problem with Lexus fans than I do their cars. I've never seen a bigger bunch of disillusioned folks in my life. For some reason they hang on to the dream that Lexus will build the best sports sedans, even though Lexus hasn’t been able to do that in over 21 years.

Lexus builds nice, comfortable, reliable cars. That are also lifeless, bland, and boring. Sports Sedan maker they are not.



LexSucksLexSucks - 12/30/2010 10:54:13 AM
0 Boost
Hard numbers please? The LF-A doesn't even outperform a ZR1 vette. Don't make me show you the proof.


JUGNUJUGNU - 12/29/2010 4:36:00 AM
+9 Boost
IS line up(IS-F included) have received two revisions so far. In the first face lift the LED turn signals were added to the rear view mirrors, revised grille, new tail lamps and small interior changes.
Then in the second facelift new bumpers, revised headlamps with LED DRLs were added and more changes were made to the IS-F including suspension updates.

I think that is enough considering all new IS is not far away and it will be designed from the beginning with IS-F requirements in mind. Current IS-F is already a very competitive car no matter what anyone says. So new IS-F will only get better.

The best magazine for Performance cars EVO UK did a comparison test of original IS-F and M3 and they concluded it is a tie with both cars receiving 5 out of 5 stars. That is a big achievement. EVO UK is unlike any other magazine and ONLY test Performance cars. And Stars/points are only for pure performance. I mean not like some other magazines cutting or giving points because of better boot space or economical engine or better interior...etc.

JUGNU


KeyserSozeKeyserSoze - 12/29/2010 7:26:57 AM
+8 Boost
@ Jugnu, did you see the comparo on topcar mag where the IS-F beat the AUDI RS 5 hands down!


WhelanWhelan - 12/29/2010 7:58:44 AM
+8 Boost
The only reason you hear so much about the other brands is:

1) The other manufacturers come out with 15 different editions. Lexus, one.

2) Autospies only focuses on BMW's for the most part, especially the M's.

3) Autospies makes full articles out of pictures of fender panels and wheel options for BMW and MB's.

4) This is not a Lexus fansite so you won't hear as much about Japanese luxury sport over German.

5) Lexus came out with a solid product that follows the Lexus/Toyota lineage of create a product, wait for a freshen up, redesign. Very low key once intro's are done. The next big thing will most likely be a manual version.

6) Lexus is focusing on hybrid tech and smaller luxury e.g. CT.




PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 12/29/2010 8:39:38 AM
+7 Boost
Lexus = Luxury. Only time and money (huge amounts of both) will change that. In addition I believe performance offerings from Lexus will be
favored by rice rocket buyers and the DUB crowd offending others
looking for a different image to support their purchase. Would be smarter to start a whole new division (like Lexus itself) to crack the
performance market and back it up with a racing program featuring the cars themselves (autocrossing, GT racing, rallying, etc). Earn your stripes and get the cars out in front of enthusiats who spread the word.


quizzquizz - 12/29/2010 9:04:32 AM
-3 Boost
I'm not impressed by the ISF; the numbers are fine, but the appearance lacks the POP of the M/RS line.


outsideroutsider - 12/29/2010 9:44:03 AM
+1 Boost
Probably:
3.5 petrol hybrid similar with GS 450h OR
2.5 V6 & register-twin-turbo; 8 speed A/T;

Generally: rear Torsen diff.; cheramic brakes; carbon bonnet boot lid and doors.
Something like this:
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/toyota/2010-toyota-mark-x-g-sports-concept-ar83822.html


MorePowerMorePower - 12/29/2010 6:47:43 PM
+3 Boost
The IS-F was not ignored, it was simply a car that Toyota built that no one wanted!

The luxury-performance/performance-luxury small sedan & coupe segment is already pretty small. So to introduce a car that simply meets the performance of the "established" benchmark in the segment just does not cut it. The IS-F had to solidly beat the M3 at its own game and it did not.






iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 12/30/2010 12:07:42 AM
+1 Boost
i had an e46 m3 (2005 ) a 2008 is-f and now a 2011 m3..
the is-f is my 3rd favorite one. its really weird cause with the m3's while it gets attention, i got more compliments on my is-f. people LOVE the car when they see it on the street, forget the pics in magazines. it really does have a great street presence.
why did i switch and go back to m3? because although the is-f i think was nearly as good, the bmw, really does have better handling.
i wont bash the is-f, i think its just an amazing car, for the clowns judging the car and havent driven it, and i dont mean for 5 mins, i mean for a long period, you dont know what you are talking about. the is-f is an awesome car. the m3 is just different.
the is-f needs to offer a coupe, and offer manual as well as dct transmission.


AtoBAtoB - 12/30/2010 3:53:50 PM
+1 Boost
What a stupid topic! Whatever happened to intelligent subject matter. Anybody who is in the market for a car of this nature is going to come across the fact that the IS F is an option to consider if nothing else. Most of us don't need a pompous marketing campaign or a know-it-all to tell us what's good for us. This seems like another attempt to rag on Lexus. Whether it be an RS4, C63, M3, IS F, buy what you like. Can you really go wrong with any of these? Who is anyone else to tell you that you are? After all you're the one paying for it. Personally I prefer the M3, even if the sound system doesn't stack up to the Levinson, even if it has more torque, whatever...I'm not going to die of shame if an IS F pulled up beside me. BFD! Moronic article.


RectifierRectifier - 1/1/2011 8:00:17 PM
+1 Boost
Well, actually there was quite a significant update to the 2010 IS-F suspension setup, including a Torsen LSD.
C&D tested it on the Virginia International Raceway it run for 3:05.4. Identical time with M3 E92.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q4/lightning_lap_2011-feature/sortable_times_3a_complete_lightning_lap_times_2006_to_2011_page_8


EpikEpik - 1/2/2011 1:46:48 AM
+2 Boost
Lexus has done very well with the ISF and LFA. It's easy to appreciate them if you just give them a chance. They are both quite remarkable vehicles, especially the LFA.

The ISF has matched the M3 in C&D's lightning lap but it's always been more refined, luxurious, understated, and reliable. It has lots going for it but it attracts a different sort of buyer. The sort of buyer who has better things to do than foam at the mouth, flaming other keyboard warriors on the web. BMW specializes in that crowd.
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