macmaster

Sorry guys, I just have to ask: Let's assume Lexus releases a new IS F in 2-3 years. Let's assume it has the newly patented twin turbo V8 and produces over 600hp. Finally let's assume they improve the vehicle over the current IS500 in almost every way - new transmission, heavier steering, better handling, new chassis, heads up display, new infotainment, wireless phone charging, trackpad gone, CD player gone, ax the gloss black plastic, a place to put your sunglasses! etc etc. Let's say price is somewhere between $75k-90k.

Would you wait for all that, or stick with the tried and true NA 5L V8 of the IS500?

Coconut

If the IS-F is coming for sure I’d wait for it, if it’s not certain I’d get the IS500 now/

sw2oboi

iTrader: (12)

The IS500 is perfect for me. I want the upgraded drivetrain but don’t need excessive brakes, stiff chassis, and etc.

I want to share my perspective from my m340i ownership POV. Before I got the car I didn’t really have a full understanding of a psuedo m and a full fledge m car. I daily it 60 miles with an exhaust and tune. Nothing excessive. Once in a while I’ll take my coworkers m4 for a spin. It’s not as quick because I have a tune but the chassis brakes and feeling of the car is raw. Makes my car feel like a Camry in comparison making me feel regretful about my purchase. But as I drove home I recalled why the m340 was perfect compared to the stiffness on my Isf. (Unfortunately bmw is not reliable). I thought to myself if only Lexus would drop that v8 with 8speed direct shift. It would be my perfect is. I feel the v6 had enough power for my commute but the trans was a turn off. IS500 was the answer to my prayers.

while the ISF is a beast, that car isn’t for me as a daily.

wthrman2

I am in the camp that the IS500 is a good balance for me. I don't a track car, at my age, i want a vehicle that will combine a great engine with a balanced approach to comfort and luxury. I dont need sporty seats, I dont need a jarring suspension and I dont want a turbo.

If they do make an IS F, I doubt it would be on this generation. Why do all that investment and development on a gen that has about 2 to 3 more years into it. I could see the next gen launching an IS F but too many what if's so the 500 will cure my itch. I am 99 percent sold but I still need to see it in the flesh when it arrives but so far, the 500 is my preferred option...besides, the IS F would push the car even more for things i would not want or need...the 500 is a marketing success

Racer00J

^ Agreed! If an IS F is coming, it will be on a new platform so it could possibly be sold world-wide. I don't see Lexus putting all that effort into squeezing a TT V8 or TT V6 into the current IS, just so it can be sold in the US and Canada only. That's be a huge waste of time, development, and money.

Also, if you keep waiting for the next best thing you'll never buy a car. At this point there's no guarantee an IS F is coming. It's mostly speculation and rumor. If the IS500 currently ticks the boxes for you, and you can afford it, get it! You can always trade it in 3-4 years for an IS F... if they ever come out.

Answer

Exactly my thoughts. The only current downside for the 500 is the RWD only, which for me is a bit of a bummer as we get harsh winters, and I want a year long daily, not just a summer car (had 2 cars for a while and don't have that garage space anymore)

wthrman2

^^ Well, I am in the opposite situation, I don't drive my toys in the winter so for me, the RWD is what I have been hoping and praying for!! I know about the harsh winters here too but to be honest, while it is not perfect, a RWD with good winter drivers will be adequate for 95% of the time. The only time where it will be an issue is during a severe snow event but after the snow is over, roads are plowed rapidly with copious amount of chemicals to melt that crap. Just remember that prior to the mid-80's, most cars were all RWD and we had harsher winters back then, and the world kept on turning

Answer

^^ That's exactly what my heart is currently saying to my brain! Working from home also changes things quite a bit, and worst case, the GF FWD car is also in the garage! lol!

macmaster

I agree with all of you but don't understand this statement above. Why would it have to be limited to North America if on the current platform?

2017FSport

Most people won't buy an F as a daily driver. There will be a few sure, but not many. Hence the IS500. It's less expensive, more road friendly and probably will check most marks for most people. For someone looking for an all out performance car, they won't turn to Lexus anyway. Sure, their V8 makes decent power, but its mated to an automatic trans. Most people looking for a V8 with decent power want a manual. I don't see Lexus/Toyota putting a manual in the F. I just don't.

On the other hand, as I get older I find myself not wanting to bang gears, but I still want power. I love the growl of a V8 engine, and it can't be imitated, thats for sure. But I don't need bigger brakes, stiffer chassis or any of that. I'd say if I were to buy a V8 Lexus, the IS500 would be sufficient. But if I were spending anything over $50K for a "performance" car it would definitely not be a Lexus.

Kandyman1

I think after you read the article below, you'll understand more about platforms and why the IS500, as is, is pretty much the end of the line on this platform and the NA V8, and why anything that may come next will be on a new global platform.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/toyo...19D20F98B74E7C

macmaster

ok thanks, so a global architecture is like socialism for cars, got it. Then my estimate of an IS F in 2-3 years is off. Probably 4+

swaangin

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade but what sense would it make for Lexus to make an IS-F. Sedans are a dying market, IS-F has been rumored for so many years now. According to an announcement, Lexus released the LC-F trademark name as well. I think we're really lucky to even have Lexus fit the v8 motor into the current IS. Not sure why Lexus would also want to dump thousands of dollars into research for a new platform when we already have the IS500. Also, a lot of manufacturers are transitioning to hybrid / electric now

macmaster

I would’ve believed you a year ago but honestly all signs point to another IS F. Lexus clearly left room for a full blown F with the IS500 and T. Bell (Townsend not taco) himself said it’s an exciting time to be a Lexus enthusiast. I think it’s just a matter of when, which is the point of this thread.

kj07xk

Similar thoughts. My IS is my winter / bad weather car. I have my NA V8 RWD summer car, so I’d love to have an IS500, but it needs to be AWD (wife factor). Drove my share of winters with RWD as a youngster, as an old fart I’ve gotten lazy, and don’t feel like digging myself out of ditches anymore.