C&D, Edmunds, MT Test: Lexus IS-F (RS4 vs. IS-F Comparo)
10-24-07, 04:38 AM
#16
ehm... seems like an win.
Back in L.A., senior editor Kiino grabbed the keys and came back from a sprint through his favorite canyons all but frothing at the mouth: "This may be the best Japanese car I've ever driven! Under normal driving, the 5.0 feels like a typical Lexus V-8--super smooth and quiet--yet stomp on it and all of a sudden it's like there's a honkin' Hemi on-board--one that got its Ph.D. at the University of NVH. Shift speed is remarkable--feels like a DSG. And you can flog the suspension and it never gets upset. This car is a riot."
10-24-07, 06:12 AM
#19
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Posts: n/a
Vehicle Tested:
2008 Lexus IS-F 4dr Sedan
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $62,540
What Works:
Silken fury of the 5.0-liter V8; rule-bending automanual transmission; Michelin PS2 tires make any car better.
What Needs Work:
Short-travel suspension rides like aftermarket job; zippy exterior designed by a little kid; electric power steering still doesn't communicate feeling.
Bottom Line:
As the first in a series of enthusiast-driven F cars, the IS-F shows Lexus can perform, though there's still room to improve.
They say the Lexus is great for the track but not for the street. Its a PERFORMANCE sedan.
Overall though, very happy with this review. Indeed, its the first and they will improve in the future how M/AMG has evolved.
10-24-07, 07:25 AM
#21
So far I have enjoyed all of the articles except the one from Automobile. They start the article by saying how much they love the car, how fun it is to drive on a track, and how involving and spirited it is...
...then turn around and say that because it doesn't have the history of an M car or Audi RS it is "one sided"? Really this is such a moot point that I am rather surprised to hear it coming from Automobile. Because there haven't 3-4 IS-F's in the past, and because the engine isn't built alongside Toyota's F1 vehicles, it's worthless? Because I am pretty sure you opened the article saying how much of a track monster it was and how it put a huge grin on your face and you didn't want to get out, and THAT is the point of these vehicles.
...then turn around and say that because it doesn't have the history of an M car or Audi RS it is "one sided"? Really this is such a moot point that I am rather surprised to hear it coming from Automobile. Because there haven't 3-4 IS-F's in the past, and because the engine isn't built alongside Toyota's F1 vehicles, it's worthless? Because I am pretty sure you opened the article saying how much of a track monster it was and how it put a huge grin on your face and you didn't want to get out, and THAT is the point of these vehicles.
10-24-07, 07:37 AM
#22
Lexus Test Driver
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how can everyone be so pleased with the reviews or at least the numbers. 0-60 is 4.2 only from C&D and all others got 4.6-4.8 which is barely faster than a e46 M3 or a 335i and a little faster than the IS350. 1/4 in over 13 sec?!? Some IS 350 owners got 13.3-13.4 with their cars, so I'm not impressed with the speed, unless C&D numbers are more accurate.
10-24-07, 07:47 AM
#23
how can everyone be so pleased with the reviews or at least the numbers. 0-60 is 4.2 only from C&D and all others got 4.6-4.8 which is barely faster than a e46 M3 or a 335i and a little faster than the IS350. 1/4 in over 13 sec?!? Some IS 350 owners got 13.3-13.4 with their cars, so I'm not impressed with the speed, unless C&D numbers are more accurate.
I do expect something more competitive. I mean, this car is not just another IS option, but rather the first gauntlet that Lexus is throwing down at other automakers.
The car by itself is great. I would prefer something greater to match/exceed its competition...
10-24-07, 08:05 AM
#25
Also notable is that all of these press cars had like 30 miles on them if you looked at the pictures.
I would imagine that past break-in, around 10,000 miles or so, the car will be a tad quicker.
That said, I do not think that 0-60 in 4.6 or 4.7 is bad for this car at all. 1/4 mile has already shown in these tests to be very high 12s or very low 13s. Again, let's not lose sight of the fact that this car weighs almost 3800lbs...
I would imagine that past break-in, around 10,000 miles or so, the car will be a tad quicker.
That said, I do not think that 0-60 in 4.6 or 4.7 is bad for this car at all. 1/4 mile has already shown in these tests to be very high 12s or very low 13s. Again, let's not lose sight of the fact that this car weighs almost 3800lbs...
10-24-07, 08:15 AM
#28
Lexus Champion
Interesting - sounds like a cool car, but I think I'd have a hard time shelling out that much money... I just wouldn't feel like I was getting a good value for my money, and if I really did want to shell out 62k for a compact performance luxury performance vehicle, I think I'd go with the M3 unless I planned on keeping the vehicle past the warranty period.
Really, I think that's what would determine my plan of action between the M3 and IS-F... whether I wanted to keep it past the warranty/extended warranty.
Really, I think that's what would determine my plan of action between the M3 and IS-F... whether I wanted to keep it past the warranty/extended warranty.
10-24-07, 08:28 AM
#29
10-24-07, 08:28 AM
#30
Can't wait for the Top Gear comparo tests with this car against the German brutes and the upcoming Caddy CTS-V. Not a bad first effort by Lexus in this arena. That 60k price though may have some shopping elsewhere for high performance sport saloons. I would not pay that money for that kind of performance when there are cars less expensive right now that can match or exceed those numbers.... Bring out the GS-F with the V10 please