I don't buy this at all since the engine is based on the 2UR-FSE from the LS600h/L anyway. I don't think most people who own an F care that the engine came from a hybrid limo or if it goes in an LC or whatever.

If anything, it shows that an F is (well, was) way more than just dropping a big engine into a car. Much in the same way AMG used to mean more than just an engine tune and some body trim.

The PR on the IS500 just shows the direction Lexus decided to take here. Chock full of bluster.

 

You're thinking from the perspective of an existing F car owner of which there are few and far between. Lexus, with the IS500 F-Sport, has just effectively lowered the price of entry for new and prospective Lexus buyers desiring the famed Lexus V8. To these people, the V8 is brand new and intoxicating with its engine note and 470hp. I actually suspect the IS500 will be a surprise sales hit.

 

Even LS500 with rwd is rated at 4.6 with 414hp in V6tt form.

 

I don’t see Lexus getting too concerned with 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times. The F cars tend to focus more on handling, braking, damping, steering, sound, F aesthetic.

Either this is bc they know they’ll be slower bc of the NA engine and have just accepted that reality, or they’re just doing their own thing. I hope it’s the latter, and I’ve liked the F cars that Lexus has produced including the original ISF.

 

You forget the RCF which already exists at this price point.

 

IS500 will be cheaper than RCF, it doesnt have most of the F components that RCF has and its using parts bin components. If they make this starting 55k its going to completely shat over the M340 which is the same price. If Lexus was smart they would make the tons of option packages for upgraded interior, brakes, TVD etc. I honestly would be fine with just the V8 and mark levinson audio

 

Lets see...

 

The IS500 won't have the custom bodywork, F interior, CF parts, TVD, BBS wheels and 6 pot Brembos of the RCF. There's no way the IS500 isn't significantly cheaper than an RCF.

 

really? why so negative. this announcement should be considered a good thing!

hope you're right but i do know you're right that many would like the is500 without add-ons for lower cost. i found in my LC search that there's few with the performance (now called dynamic handling) package, and they don't even offer it on the convertible.

no care about special body work, f interior. cf parts are nice but could easily be an option. the tvd is nice too but if it at least has limited slip that's great. it has the lighter enkei wheels which are great, and i'm glad they're 19s and not 20s. i'm sure the brakes on the is500 will be plenty good enough.

i don't know what other buyers are like, but the performance/handling of my lc FAR exceeds any driving i'm going to be doing in it. a car like a mclaren would be utterly wasted on me. for me, the lc represents a driving experience, between the beautiful interior and exterior, the sounds, the raw mechanical nature of it, the quality of everything, and the amazing all wheel steering and handling.

i know the is500 isn't an lc500, but it will still be a GREAT experience to drive. anyone who doesn't enjoy it just isn't into cars. it could always be 'more' but then there would be more $$ too.

 

Putting the same engine into an IS doesnt make it an LC. There are so many special things about the LC that won't be present here, every facet of the LC is an experience. The styling, the beauty, the interior, the feel behind the wheel...AND the engine. If you drive an RC F and then drive an LC, the RC F is nowhere near as special.

I don't mean to sound negative, but I don't think we're wrong by not being over the moon by being thrown this bone by Lexus.

 

A V8 is a good thing...however, GM has a 470hp ttV6 for CT5 V sport and a 660hp V8 for their full V. Lexus took the cheap way out by using a 15 year old motor...

 

I’m really excited about this! I’d love to have one.

 

I think if they offered a V6TT and it performed better than the 4.5s to 60, Lexus enthusiasts would be disappointed that they didn't have the V8. I think Lexus enthusiasts are different than the BMW enthusiasts where the BMW folks would be more excited about the performance spec and the ability to tune. I'd want that IS500 over the M340 even if its slightly more expensive though...at least its very competitive and the looks and sounds are fantastic.

 

That is not accurate. The CT5 comes in these flavors

CT5 2.0 237hp
CT5 3.0 335hp
CT5-V 3.0 360hp
CT5-V Blackwing 668hp

 

Thanks for the fact check. Not sure where I saw the 3.6tt at 470hp. Anyways, that Cadillac V6 had more torque than that Lexus V8. And the Cadillac V black wing can hit 200mph....I do think it’s admirable that Lexus put a V8 in there...but there is no denying their engines are ancient