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Been waiting for this guy to review the is500 for a while, as he knows his stuff.
While I don't think he fully understands the purpose of this car, or what it is/ is not. I still think he gives it an objective review - and all criticisms aside, he LOVES the 2UR-GSE.
But if I put my pride aside, I still think there are some really interesting observations he makes that make it worth the watch for any IS500 owner.
Also, I don't know if this is well known, but nice little hack at 16:45. Remove the vacuum hose on the intake in 1 second and get a way better exhaust note at lower RPMs.
I can't with him. I might have to watch this one just because it's IS 500 content.
Man, that thumbnail is way too busy.
OK I couldn't do it. In the first five minutes he already lied. He shows himself moving the steering wheel and how "hardly anything" is happening. The camera is literally moving around in reaction to the car's movements. This, people, is a man with an agenda, not an honest car reviewer.
Interesting video. I think he's actually right about the steering, compared to a BMW steering of the M340i. I like how he went in depth of the engine, as well as, pointing out the quirks of the car; which makes it even more special to me.
One thing I strongly disagree with him about is that the IS500 is not as good and less interesting than the IS F. That's just fodder for the riff raff who own fifth-hand IS F's. If he complains about the IS500 interior, then he can't logically argue a ISF is better which has a 2008 interior.
One thing I strongly disagree with him about is that the IS500 is not as good and less interesting than the IS F. That's just fodder for the riff raff who own fifth-hand IS F's. If he complains about the IS500 interior, then he can't logically argue a ISF is better which has a 2008 interior.
You have a good point there, but he did mention that the IS-F looked much more different and had higher performance parts befitting of the "Halo" car compared to its lesser sibling. The IS500 looks just like a 350FSport with a couple subtle changes, mainly engine and exhaust.
You have a good point there, but he did mention that the IS-F looked much more different and had higher performance parts befitting of the "Halo" car compared to its lesser sibling. The IS500 looks just like a 350FSport with a couple subtle changes, mainly engine and exhaust.
That's why it costs a notable amount less than an RC F and isn't badged as an F.
True, then that begs the question...why didn't they make another IS-F? Was there a business case for a 2-door coupe F vs a 4-door sedan F?
It's pretty simple. An IS F was never planned, but Lexus USA product planners were begging for a V-8 powered IS of some description. Because the full-F treatment would have been very involved, they couldn't go that far, but they could do somewhat of an engine swap. At least, that's my understanding of the lore.
In some ways, this DOES make it the true successor to the IS F, maybe not functionally, but spiritually. The IS F was also a sort of skunkworks passion project by a smaller group. So, while not an identical situation, neither car had long-term planning behind it and was more of an emotional thing.
It's pretty simple. An IS F was never planned, but Lexus USA product planners were begging for a V-8 powered IS of some description. Because the full-F treatment would have been very involved, they couldn't go that far, but they could do somewhat of an engine swap. At least, that's my understanding of the lore.
In some ways, this DOES make it the true successor to the IS F, maybe not functionally, but spiritually. The IS F was also a sort of skunkworks passion project by a smaller group. So, while not an identical situation, neither car had long-term planning behind it and was more of an emotional thing.
I see... but why would there be a business case for an RC-F when the market for a 2-Door high performance coupe is also limited?
I see... but why would there be a business case for an RC-F when the market for a 2-Door high performance coupe is also limited?
I don't really know. At the time the RC F was introduced, we also had the Audi RS 5 coupe, the Mercedes C 63 AMG coupe, the BMW M4, and the Cadillac ATS-V coupe. Hopefully I am not leaving anything out. Point being, all these manufacturers saw reason to go after the high performance premium two-door category.
It does strike me as a bit odd that there was no IS F planned from the beginning of the third-generation car. If there was one planned, the IS 500 would not exist, in all likelihood. It has always seemed like Lexus has wanted the IS to play second fiddle to the slightly more premium, more expensive RC.
An actual brand new 2008 Lexus ISF was msrp $68,875.00. Factor in Inflation in today's money that is over $90k. Even if Lexus decided to make a actual ISF in lieu of the IS500 no one including myself would buy it since that range $$$ plenty of better options. Also in today's money a brand new 2023 IS500 with the BBS is a bargain because in 2008 money its like spending $47k.
I feel dumber for having watched his video on the not an IS F. So many facts wrong for a supposed Toyota expert. I expect Tony will not be able to finish it as it's that bad.
07-05-23 | 09:50 AM
"Car Care Nut" Reviews IS500
