doesn't Honda have a huge problem with their 8 speed zf transmission vehicles or is that a 9 speed one?

 

Its their 9 speed FWD version that has issues. The 8 speed for RWD / AWD vehicles are awesome.

 

Id take that ZF over the AISIN just due to the fact the code has been completely cracked on it and the B58 paired to the ZF would mean quick turn around on tuning solutions.

 

The ZF would be a huge improvement over the 8-speed Lexus uses today. So would an engine with good torque down-low. However the need for more than, say, 350 HP I am very skeptical about. That kind of HP, combined with better torque characteristics, makes for a plenty-fast car, for most people.

 

At those power levels you start breaking stuff. Unless you beef it up.. which costs in weight and money.

I don't think Lexus would go 350 hp on a non-F car. Maybe 315HP?

The reviews are in on the new 3 Series though... that car has a lot of really great features. For example you can set your work location and every time you approach your work place, it turns on the cameras at the exact time you pull up to the driveway. you can see 360 degrees around your car including the curb and the entrance to the driveway. For all you guys who like to lower your cars with wheels.. or stockies alike. this is awesome. if the new IS uses a BMW infotainment system as does the Supra, maybe this can be worked in somehow. or maybe Lexus would develop their own... as they'd need to compete with this.

And that's like 1 out of 20 or so cool new features the new 3 has. Fun video check it out. even if you don't like BMW... this is where these cars kind of have to go. BMW is the benchmark. so lexus is definitely paying attention. possibly a hint of things to come for the 4IS. Lexus has a head start with the 3 coming out earlier..

 

That's great. But if one really must have a German car, lease then give it back so you can walk away instead of running, and with your wallet still intact.

Seems we're about 2 years from the 4IS, which will be perfect to set the new standard.

 

 

The problem with the G37 (among some of the other problems) is that it's a big thirsty thrashy motor. I remember being a fan of the VQs when I was growing up. Very fast. powerful. micro-finished camshafts (that was the marketing at the time anyway). I was a huge fan. But that tech never changed all the way up til I was an adult. lol. their N/A engines just kind of faded out. Best sounding V6 exhaust though. That signature sound can never come back now with the TT V6.


And to the other comment. Objectively, I wish all the best for Lexus, but besting the 3 as the "new standard" -- highly doubt that's happening. at least not in our lifetimes. that means you'd have to have the tech, gizmos, and powertrains to match. And you can't have that without affecting reliability.

And not to say the 3 is unreliable. It is reliable.

So much so that Toyota has chosen them to carry on their reputation.. and apparently so has Lexus now. =)

 

...which is why my co-worker sold his from-new loaded 335i for an NX and has never been happier the past 3+ years. Lexus has NOTHING to fear from German cars,and never has.

 

I watched the video, 360 camera in that car is quite amazing. You can even see the same 360 camera and rotate around from BMW app when you're not even in the car. It's not shown in this video though.
I'm even playing with the thought of ordering M340i, 0-60 around 4.2 sec that's even faster than F80 M3.

 

Love the new 3 Series, though the thought of a BMW built in Mexico seems weird to me. I think the M340i is the one to get.

 

According to bimmer forum Mexico plant is not up and running and M340 production starts in March so better get in line early for German build ones.

 

A workaround! I like it!

 

 

They can build it on a V-6 block, which is better for packaging in transverse applications like the RX and ES. If they developed an inline 6, it would be unusable for such cars, and they don't have longitudinally-mounted-engine replacements for those on the way. So, I suspect it was down to reducing engine development costs.