View Poll Results: Which one would you pick?
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Which would you pick? IS 500 F SPORT Performance or IS 500 Launch Edition
03-29-21, 02:55 PM
#31
Just to clear up the terminology confusion, "Launch Edition" has nothing to do with having a Launch Mode available on the vehicle. There have been "launch editions" of cars practically forever--way before there was any form of launch control available. The "launch" refers exclusively to the launch (ie. start) of the new model sales, not the car's acceleration features.
Last edited by gbouton; 03-29-21 at 03:09 PM.
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03-29-21, 02:57 PM
#32
I am planning on getting the "normal" IS 500 when it becomes available. The Launch Edition color scheme and black wheels aren't attractive to me, nor whatever premium Lexus will be asking for that model.
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Shoeboy4 (03-29-21)
03-29-21, 04:31 PM
#33
Lead Lap
I am in the same boat! I just want a white Lexus IS500 with Enkei wheels and ideally a white interior but as a backup, black. There is too much red in the red interiors
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gbouton (03-29-21)
03-30-21, 12:09 AM
#34
Pole Position
I think the determining factor will be what they decide to do with the brakes...specifically the front calipers.
If they're not trying to make an IS F, them it would seem the Brembo brakes aren't going to make it onto the IS500.
Having said that, if they are adding 160 hp to the car (350 V6 vs 500 V8), then I can't see them using the current brakes...this would mean the 350 has brakes that are complete overall right now...which they aren't.
If they put a 6 piston caliper on the front, and it's not the Brembos, then what is it going to be?
I think dimensionally the 350 wheels will fit the wheel well and 19 inch will be enough to clear even the Brembo brakes, but will there be enough offset so the spokes clear the caliper...whatever the caliper ends up being.
If they do end up putting the Brembo's on...lets say in just a raw finish, no fancy colors, then the only aesthetic missing is the front fender vents to make this an "F" looking car...following the GSF/RCF/ISF.
In which case the aftermarket is going to be all over that, like white on rice, to make front fenders/rockers that now have the vent.
If they're not trying to make an IS F, them it would seem the Brembo brakes aren't going to make it onto the IS500.
Having said that, if they are adding 160 hp to the car (350 V6 vs 500 V8), then I can't see them using the current brakes...this would mean the 350 has brakes that are complete overall right now...which they aren't.
If they put a 6 piston caliper on the front, and it's not the Brembos, then what is it going to be?
I think dimensionally the 350 wheels will fit the wheel well and 19 inch will be enough to clear even the Brembo brakes, but will there be enough offset so the spokes clear the caliper...whatever the caliper ends up being.
If they do end up putting the Brembo's on...lets say in just a raw finish, no fancy colors, then the only aesthetic missing is the front fender vents to make this an "F" looking car...following the GSF/RCF/ISF.
In which case the aftermarket is going to be all over that, like white on rice, to make front fenders/rockers that now have the vent.
03-30-21, 05:17 AM
#35
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If I'm not wrong, the IS500 will come with 14.1 inch 2 piece front rotors (i.e. lighter than the stock IS350 rotors and also larger) and larger 4 piston front calipers. This brake combination is lifted off the RWD GS350 F-Sport. The main benefit is reduced unsprung weight compared to the stock IS350 front brakes and better fade resistance.
I'm assuming the 2021-22 IS350 has the same brake calipers as the 2014-2020 model.
Last edited by Sasnuke; 03-30-21 at 06:11 AM.
03-30-21, 06:00 AM
#36
Racer
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If I'm not wrong, the IS500 will come with 14.1 inch 2 piece front rotors (i.e. lighter than the stock IS350 rotors and also larger) and larger 4 piston front calipers. This brake combination is lifted off the RWD GS350 F-Sport. The main benefit is reduced unsprung weight compared to the stock IS350 front brakes and better fade resistance.
I did hear mention of the 2-piece front rotors...however the last Gen (2013-2020) GS350 had the same front calipers as the 2014-2020 IS350...and the GS350 never came with 2-piece rotors...at least not here in North America.
I'm assuming the 2021-22 IS350 has the same brake calipers as the 2014-2020 model.
I'm assuming the 2021-22 IS350 has the same brake calipers as the 2014-2020 model.
IS500 getting the brakes from 4th gen GS350 Fsport models
03-30-21, 06:22 AM
#37
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If I'm not wrong, the IS500 will come with 14.1 inch 2 piece front rotors (i.e. lighter than the stock IS350 rotors and also larger) and larger 4 piston front calipers. This brake combination is lifted off the RWD GS350 F-Sport. The main benefit is reduced unsprung weight compared to the stock IS350 front brakes and better fade resistance.
I'm not sure if we got the GS F Sport RWD in Canada...I'm going to check and see. I know some folks were able to get IS RWD for 2014, but after that everything was AWD...maybe it's similar for GS.
In case anyone is wondering, the brakes natnut referred to is:
Front caliper:
-Right 47730-30560 or 47730-30600
-Left 47750-30560 or 47750-30600
Rotor:
-Right 43512-30371
-Left 43516-30061
03-30-21, 07:23 AM
#38
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Thanks @specONE ...I stand corrected. @natnut you are correct.
I'm not sure if we got the GS F Sport RWD in Canada...I'm going to check and see. I know some folks were able to get IS RWD for 2014, but after that everything was AWD...maybe it's similar for GS.
In case anyone is wondering, the brakes natnut referred to is:
Front caliper:
-Right 47730-30560 or 47730-30600
-Left 47750-30560 or 47750-30600
Rotor:
-Right 43512-30371
-Left 43516-30061
I'm not sure if we got the GS F Sport RWD in Canada...I'm going to check and see. I know some folks were able to get IS RWD for 2014, but after that everything was AWD...maybe it's similar for GS.
In case anyone is wondering, the brakes natnut referred to is:
Front caliper:
-Right 47730-30560 or 47730-30600
-Left 47750-30560 or 47750-30600
Rotor:
-Right 43512-30371
-Left 43516-30061
Good chance I've never seen one in person, even though I live next to a Lexus dealer lol!
03-30-21, 07:36 AM
#39
Pole Position
If you had the GS450h F-Sport, it's essentially similar to the GS350 RWD F-Sport, since both are RWD and have the same brake and suspension set up. Only difference was the hybrid powertrain.
03-30-21, 07:41 AM
#40
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...we get the short end of the stick with model options.
03-30-21, 08:34 AM
#41
Lead Lap
^^ Thanks for the clarifications everyone - It will be interesting to see the specs when these IS500 come out - I am really looking forward to see what they will feature and what (if any) packages will be available. In the end, I have made peace with the fact that my decision to proceed with the 500 will be based on how they are stock rather than fiddling around with buying parts after the fact. I did that with my RC350 with the lower springs and I ain't going that route again. I'll either take it as is, or get the IS350 which would be fine as it still does plenty for what I use my vehicles for. I am just curious to see if people owning the 2021 IS will report the same front tire wear associated with the soft bushings as before, or has Lexus finally solved that issue! There is no need for people to get IS F stiffer bushings to address such a simple problem that Lexus could address themselves
03-30-21, 10:38 AM
#42
Lexus Connoisseur
Thread Starter
^^ Thanks for the clarifications everyone - It will be interesting to see the specs when these IS500 come out - I am really looking forward to see what they will feature and what (if any) packages will be available. In the end, I have made peace with the fact that my decision to proceed with the 500 will be based on how they are stock rather than fiddling around with buying parts after the fact.
So to get back to what we were talking about...IS 500 F SPORT Performance or IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition. What is your preference and why?
03-30-21, 12:21 PM
#43
Lead Lap
IS 500 performance because I dont like the wheels on the launch edition, dislike the black wheels and would rather have the suede on my robe than on my seats 
03-30-21, 01:02 PM
#44
Knowing how Lexus Canada preferences their vehicles, it's usually fully spec'd out compared to what we get here in the USA.
So to get back to what we were talking about...IS 500 F SPORT Performance or IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition. What is your preference and why?
So to get back to what we were talking about...IS 500 F SPORT Performance or IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition. What is your preference and why?
As far as Lexus Canada, I am hoping that they include the Mark Levinson audio system and the 360 camera system on the IS500, as it is not available for some inane reason on a IS350 F-Sport AWD in Canada.
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03-31-21, 09:23 AM
#45
Lexus Champion
I would probably buy the Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance model. The problem is, I could never justify it. Most of my money goes into my house or portfolio. That and I would never hear the end of it from the wife...