I really like that V8 engine and the exterior styling, however I'm not sure the whole package is enticing enough to pick it over a BMW M340i or a Genesis G70.

 

I wonder how long it will take RR to offer spherical bearing suspension and a supercharger for this? Add on some coolers and better tires and brake pads and this should be a extremely good track car.

 

The V8 alone would make it my choice.

 

As Savagegeese would say, here are my final thoughts. Others have already said it. This is not an F-Car. It's not a track focused car. It's a compact luxury sports sedan with a V8. Nothing else exists like it. I've driven the 2020 IS350 F-Sport, and if it's anything near that car that's enough for me.

What makes this car so perfect for me are the things people are complaining about. For those that criticize Lexus's design decision, you can always buy something else. But it will never be a Lexus.

I would run, not walk to get my hands on one of these. The problem is I already have a compact sports sedan. It doesn't have a V8 (or adaptive dampers, quad exhaust, yadi yadi yadi), but it serves me well for the moment

 

There you go! After market will fix those deficiencies for the hardcore who like the bone jarring driving experience

 

Today I'm heading out to the Lexus Driving tour in Daly City. Unfortunately they will not have an IS500, I will probably try out the 2021 RC-F. I don't know what the track setup will be, but I'm hoping for some drift action! If it's worth it, I'll post a thread on it. I'll have about 2 hours with the car I pick

 

Not sure why some ppl don’t like this car.

It’s a compact RWD sedan with a damn NA V8 that is NEW today in the year 2021.
Other luxury automakers are going all hybrid or turbo 4cyl, we are lucky this car even exists.

Personally I’m not getting it nor would i trade my M3 for it but I think it will sell well hopefully considering the attractive pricing.

I hope they can do a special run of an IS-F model with sport suspension, TVD, big brakes, CF parts, and F interior / seats.

 

IS500 is better than those cars for at least two reasons:
1) Cylinder #7
2) Cylinder #8

 

Hear, hear!!! Yessiree, this is the most compelling argument yet!!

 

I just read the motortrend review some mentioned.

like car and driver, they say the brake pedal is soft (rt said squishy) and travel is long, and mt says the transmission could be smoother when not driving aggressively, but overall they LOVE it.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...t-test-review/

the c+d review is a joke at about 500 words.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/

here's the road and track review link too.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews...ere-expecting/

 

One reviewer made a very perceptive point, that the IS500 F-Sport is the second coming of the E90 M3 except much more reliable. When I heard it, something clicked inside my brain and I realized that's pretty accurate : NA V8, pure RWD, LSD, not a hardcore track car but sublime on the streets and canyon carving. The similarities are uncanny.

The implications are that the IS500 F-Sport is going to be a future classic and those sincere driving enthusiasts with the budget (and not the internet warriors ) should run, not walk to buy the IS500.

 

I also like how detailed and the refreshing perspective lexusenthusiast had in his review :

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2021/09/...t-performance/

Also :
IS500 and IS350 side by side visual comparison :
​​​​​​​

 

E9x M3 is one of the most reliable performance cars that you can buy so I’m not sure what you are talking about.
While the Lexus V8 is a great engine - it is not as special as the S65 V8 motor in the M3 which can rev up to almost 9k rpm and was paired to a great DCT or 6speed Manual.

 

LOL. Well put.

 

My point is that the Lexus IS500 will be significantly more reliable than the E90 M3. I never said that the E90 M3 was unreliable. Are we truly going to debate that a BMW M3 is as reliable as a Lexus with the tried and true UR V8?
Incidentally how is the long term reliability of the turbo 6 cylinder M3s compared to the E90 M3. I would imagine much less no?