Lexus IS500 F SPORT Performance
09-10-21, 12:50 PM
#856
Lexus Test Driver
The IS 500's price, which starts at $57,575 (including a $1,075 destination charge). If you select the Premium trim, which adds navigation, a Mark Levinson audio system, upgraded LED headlights, and a surround-view camera with front and rear parking sensors, the price jumps to $62,075.
maybe about $500 more for certain colors. A few hundred for floor mats and also $1100 more if you need a sunroof.
I don't know if memory package is included in Premium trim.
maybe about $500 more for certain colors. A few hundred for floor mats and also $1100 more if you need a sunroof.
I don't know if memory package is included in Premium trim.
The IS-F had to be special-ordered to get anything not fully-loaded. This resulted in long delays not to mention many reports that some dealers wouldn't even do it. I didn't want a sunroof but that wasn't worth the long wait or losing the discount just buying one off the lot.
Ahhh, yes, I see what you're saying. I drove the 500 back-to-back with a Mustang Mach 1 rocking 305 front and 315 rear Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. And compared to that, the 500 certainly seems less stuck to the pavement. Still, although I haven't driven the IS 500 on track or in autocross, I suspect the stock setup will be good for most buyers. And with lowering springs and wider, stickier rubber, I think it'll be relatively easy to dial in. I have 255s (front) and 285s (rear) PS4S on my Boss 302 and -- as long as I'm not actually hot-lapping -- it's nearly impossible to lose lateral grip. The IS 500 is very close, IMHO.
Also, the brakes are really good (although I didn't track test them).
Also, the brakes are really good (although I didn't track test them).
This is what's being spun by Lexus corporate and that's the reason for my above commentary. I still think the IS500 is a huge gamble. For sure if it doesn't sell, F is dead.
09-10-21, 12:54 PM
#857
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
The most surprising aspect of the IS-F to me were the brakes.
Conversely, my biggest gripe about the IS-F (MY 2008 and 2011 at least - can't speak to continued suspension revisions on later MYs) and 2IS in general was the (relative) unpredictability of rear wheel grip. Based on limited track time in a 3IS350 F-Sport, I felt this was greatly improved on 3IS.
So it's very disappointing that reviewers have complained about both of these in reviews.
Conversely, my biggest gripe about the IS-F (MY 2008 and 2011 at least - can't speak to continued suspension revisions on later MYs) and 2IS in general was the (relative) unpredictability of rear wheel grip. Based on limited track time in a 3IS350 F-Sport, I felt this was greatly improved on 3IS.
So it's very disappointing that reviewers have complained about both of these in reviews.
09-10-21, 12:58 PM
#858
Lexus Test Driver
Again, I'm talking about predictability (i.e., linearity in feel at the limit while approaching the limit). Was definitely evident both on street and track in my MY 2008 and 2011 IS-F (IMO the worst part about the IS-F) as well as 2IS350 (non-F-Sport, actually not sure I ever drove the 2IS F-Sport).
09-10-21, 12:59 PM
#859
09-10-21, 01:00 PM
#860
TBH, i was driving next to a LC500 today. I know it isn't the same as the IS, but it was a great looking car. Not gonna trade in my SC400 anytime soon, but still nice looking.
09-10-21, 01:01 PM
#861
Lexus Champion
Well after watching the Savagegeese review, I really, really want one. As I stated in the comments section on their channel, I can either 1) Cancel my Ford F-150 Lightning reservation, 2) sell about 500 shares of my current Apple portfolio I've not touched for 10 years, but that means convincing my dear wife that we really "need" one.
As far as him mentioning dated technology and how cars like Audi, Acura and BMW are more modern, heck that's a selling point to me. I'll take this car 10 years old over any of the other cars he mentioned
As far as him mentioning dated technology and how cars like Audi, Acura and BMW are more modern, heck that's a selling point to me. I'll take this car 10 years old over any of the other cars he mentioned
09-10-21, 01:08 PM
#862
Lexus Champion
Ahhh, yes, I see what you're saying. I drove the 500 back-to-back with a Mustang Mach 1 rocking 305 front and 315 rear Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. And compared to that, the 500 certainly seems less stuck to the pavement. Still, although I haven't driven the IS 500 on track or in autocross, I suspect the stock setup will be good for most buyers. And with lowering springs and wider, stickier rubber, I think it'll be relatively easy to dial in. I have 255s (front) and 285s (rear) PS4S on my Boss 302 and -- as long as I'm not actually hot-lapping -- it's nearly impossible to lose lateral grip. The IS 500 is very close, IMHO.
Also, the brakes are really good (although I didn't track test them).
Yesterday, I rode in a prototype F150 Lightning that's as quick to 60 as most modern Mustangs and the IS 500. I too will cherish my current V8 and morn its demise, but I don't think F is going away, it'll just be different. And heavier.
Also, the brakes are really good (although I didn't track test them).
Yesterday, I rode in a prototype F150 Lightning that's as quick to 60 as most modern Mustangs and the IS 500. I too will cherish my current V8 and morn its demise, but I don't think F is going away, it'll just be different. And heavier.
09-10-21, 01:15 PM
#863
Lexus Champion
It will outlast the competition, which makes it better. My 2010 IS350 is just hitting its prime. I would buy an IS500 10 years old without hesitating
09-10-21, 01:16 PM
#864
Lexus Champion
09-10-21, 01:22 PM
#865
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
The most surprising aspect of the IS-F to me were the brakes.
Conversely, my biggest gripe about the IS-F (MY 2008 and 2011 at least - can't speak to continued suspension revisions on later MYs) and 2IS in general was the (relative) unpredictability of rear wheel grip. Based on limited track time in a 3IS350 F-Sport, I felt this was greatly improved on 3IS.
So it's very disappointing that reviewers have complained about both of these in reviews.
Conversely, my biggest gripe about the IS-F (MY 2008 and 2011 at least - can't speak to continued suspension revisions on later MYs) and 2IS in general was the (relative) unpredictability of rear wheel grip. Based on limited track time in a 3IS350 F-Sport, I felt this was greatly improved on 3IS.
So it's very disappointing that reviewers have complained about both of these in reviews.
this new is500 is NOT a track car just like my LC500 isn't either. the is500 (and lc500) are not for everyone.
and as i said, the car and driver article on this is500 is so brief as to be pretty worthless and certainly of less value than these long videos, including Michael Palmer's one!
09-10-21, 02:11 PM
#866
Lexus Fanatic
Very cool this car exists. I think Lexus made a mistake using their F car styling cues on something thats not an F car, but thats neither here nor there.
09-10-21, 02:12 PM
#867
credit to lexus for pricing this vehicle right. even loaded at 63 or 67k i think the price is right for a v8. this is especially true with the insane inflation and vehicle demand past year.
whether this can save the F brand or not is to be seen, but at least they are making this car attractive.
if sales go well, i hope they are able to keep up with the demand
whether this can save the F brand or not is to be seen, but at least they are making this car attractive.
if sales go well, i hope they are able to keep up with the demand
09-10-21, 02:24 PM
#868
I have a suspicion that the majority of realistic IS500 buyers are on the chat board today. I wonder just how many buyers exist beyond this group. It seems even some of us talking today are more interested in the performance bragging rights of 0-60, etc so the handful of real buyers may be smaller than it appears. I hope not, but will people put the actual money where their mouth is.
I'm also thinking Lexus corporate knows if you have the funds to by a base car, a few thousand more won't be in the way of someone to go for the premium. There will probably be just a handful of base cars made for the principal of making the theoretical a reality.
I'm also thinking Lexus corporate knows if you have the funds to by a base car, a few thousand more won't be in the way of someone to go for the premium. There will probably be just a handful of base cars made for the principal of making the theoretical a reality.
09-10-21, 02:27 PM
#869
Lexus Fanatic
Its a niche vehicle, even if all the buyers are here thats all the buyers they need.
I also am impressed with the pricing...
I also am impressed with the pricing...
09-10-21, 02:46 PM
#870
Lexus Champion
I have a suspicion that the majority of realistic IS500 buyers are on the chat board today. I wonder just how many buyers exist beyond this group. It seems even some of us talking today are more interested in the performance bragging rights of 0-60, etc so the handful of real buyers may be smaller than it appears. I hope not, but will people put the actual money where their mouth is.
I'm also thinking Lexus corporate knows if you have the funds to by a base car, a few thousand more won't be in the way of someone to go for the premium. There will probably be just a handful of base cars made for the principal of making the theoretical a reality.
I'm also thinking Lexus corporate knows if you have the funds to by a base car, a few thousand more won't be in the way of someone to go for the premium. There will probably be just a handful of base cars made for the principal of making the theoretical a reality.