Author |
Message |
James Johnson
DieHard Victoria JZZ30
Posts: 534 Reg: 07-2005
| looks to be one sexy lexus!!! 2008 Lexus IS-F By Stuart Fowle The speculation and hearsay is finally over. Lexus, having failed to match the basic BMW 3-series with the IS, is going straight for the big dog M3 with its new IS-F. Under the massively bulged hood you see here is a 5.0-liter beast of a V-8 engine putting out over 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Behind big nineteen-inch BBS front wheels lie six-pot aluminum Brembo calipers--the first ever with "Lexus" written across them--squeezing down on 14.2-inch perforated discs that hope to also clamp down on the lips of Lexus-doubters. The IS-F borrows its far-beyond-necessity eight-speed transmission from the LS, but unlike in the LS, gearbox can be controlled via wheel-mounted paddles. Lexus claims that upshifts are popped off in a tenth of a second, and downshifts are met with automated blips of the throttle to match engine revs. The IS-F rides up to an inch lower than other IS models, and is wider overall thanks to flared wheel surrounds and ridiculous brake vents behind the front wheels. At the rear, the IS-F is distinguished by unique, stacked quad exhaust outlets. Aluminum trim and sport seats--finished in black or white leather--define the interior, along with a special button for a new three-mode version of VDIM, Lexus's stability control system. Like similar systems from BMW and Cadillac, the driver can chose from a full-on stability mode, a sport mode that allows for some hoonery, and a full off mode that opens the flood gate for full drift action. And full-on drifts won't be a problem with all that power. Lexus estimates a 0-60 mph time of less than 4.9 seconds for the IS-F, which is the first Lexus "F" cars. "F" will be the designation for sporty Lexus cars, much like "M" is to BMW, "AMG" to Mercedes, and "S" and "RS" are to Audi. Lexus general manager Bob Carter says that "the intent of creating the IS-F was not to be a competitor to other performance-sport sedans. Rather, the goal was to create a true performance sedan in a uniquely Lexus way-one that is totally authentic with a unique interpretation of raw driving thrill at all speeds and provides a whole new definition of 'usable power.'" We hope that this unique interpretation is something brand new, because the Lexus experience we think of leans toward the numb, soulless side of the scale. With the debut of the IS-F, the task of creating a real performer appears to be complete for Lexus engineers. But now the real test begins. Can the fusing of the words "Lexus" and "performance" capture the hearts of the enthusiasts who matter? We'll find out when the IS-F arrives at dealerships in early 2008 (US). if you want some wallpapers http://www.dieselstation.com/archive/Lexus-IS-F/
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Callum Finch
Goo Roo WA Soarer TT & Corolla
Posts: 2372 Reg: 09-2005
| Looks like a beamer =P |
Leon Wright
TryHard WA V8 UZZ31
Posts: 411 Reg: 08-2006
| I think I just made a mess of myself |
Phil Gibson
DieHard WA '94 black/black UZZ31
Posts: 879 Reg: 07-2005
| sif any BMW lately looks as good as that :p |
Daniel Clarke
Goo Roo NSW TT 2.5L 6 cylinder
Posts: 1155 Reg: 03-2006
| WOW, that is unbeleivably beautiful to look at. If i win lotto, i want one of them! And SCrew BMW and Merc, they Suxxor. Ask he M3 and SLk 500 i seen today. Hahaha |
Mike Beck
DieHard Ellerslie Soarer 4.0GT
Posts: 926 Reg: 11-2005
| Nice, I think if Lexus stays on the right track they will be (already are ) the best luxury car makers in the world - period. The main thing is the fact they are so much more interesting inside & out compared to a Euro Luxury car, generally cheaper, you get more for your dollar and they are much more reliable! Oh and..... WOW! 14.2" 6 Pot brakes! |
Avin Luther
Goo Roo vic Soarer uzz31 Limited
Posts: 1152 Reg: 07-2005
| Looks like someone crashed the old is into a 3 series. i dont like the look of it. if you are going ot compete with Crap, eg the 3 series, dont mimic it! |
James Johnson
DieHard Victoria JZZ30
Posts: 541 Reg: 07-2005
| i would say its more after the M5?? i guess |
Avin Luther
Goo Roo vic Soarer uzz31 Limited
Posts: 1156 Reg: 07-2005
| looks like it would be defectable straight off the showroom floor too. Couldnt fit widre rims at that ride height! |
Don Bagnall
Moderator New Zealand I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Posts: 5519 Reg: 05-2005
| Dosen't do much for me! |
Callum Finch
Goo Roo WA Soarer TT & Corolla
Posts: 2391 Reg: 09-2005
| I'm with Don, its a dated look imo. |
Hugh Jorgan
Tinkerer Vic Soarer TT
Posts: 61 Reg: 10-2006
| I'm definitely a fan of it, but it's just an IS front end on a BMW shell. |
Hesham Hammoudah
TryHard Victoria JZZ30 GT-L factory manual
Posts: 281 Reg: 04-2006
| ive got a shtiffy, love the blue dash |
Katrina Bruns
DieHard SD Cobalt LS 2.2 L
Posts: 810 Reg: 08-2005
| Oh my god!!!! I want one!!!!!!! |
Brett Moloney
TryHard Queensland UZZ31
Posts: 379 Reg: 07-2005
| I want one too!! - just think of how many of the fantastic 91 model soarers I could buy after I trade it in! |
Don Bagnall
Moderator New Zealand I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Posts: 5624 Reg: 05-2005
| I DON'T want one! (Does this mean I'm boring/Old!)
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Luke Barnes
Tinkerer Queensland GT Limited V8 UZZ31
Posts: 44 Reg: 05-2006
| *grabs a hand full of tissues* I'll be back to comment.... *comes back* Thats awesome.... i'm out of tissues..... *looks for gym sock* |
Richard Crockett
TryHard NSW UZZ30 & UZZ31
Posts: 107 Reg: 07-2005
| Don - you don't HONESTLY expect anyone to answer that, do you????????????? But I will---- Ya not boring OR old........YA BOTH!!!! HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY....MATE!!!! |
Lew Radbourn
Trader Queensland jzs147 92 / 95 jzz31 98' / jzz30 ute92' / uzz30 93'/ 2 X uzz31 92' s
Posts: 1749 Reg: 07-2005
| (Does this mean I'm boring/Old!) HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH far from it mate. you are onethat makes mein my books you are in the none boring department the old bit most of as are getting there,hehehe |
Don Bagnall
Moderator New Zealand I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Posts: 5635 Reg: 05-2005
| Thank you all for your kind comments...........
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Kieran McIlwain
TryHard Queensland UZZ31 V8 Limited
Posts: 102 Reg: 08-2006
| Needs more 2-door |
Callum Finch
Goo Roo WA Soarer TT & Corolla
Posts: 2469 Reg: 09-2005
| Well Don, looks like im in the same age bracket as you as i wouldnt like to own that either. Thats not to say i would reject it if it were offered to me for free though! ;) ...or that could mean you are as "cool" and as "hip" as young'uns like me. |
Don Bagnall
Moderator New Zealand I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Posts: 5641 Reg: 05-2005
| Uh huh! |
Adam Peterson
TryHard Western Australia V8
Posts: 496 Reg: 04-2006
| I love it but the gear lever looks like a device that needs batteries |