A closer look at the 2008 Lexus IS 500
08-18-06, 05:16 AM
#1
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
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A closer look at the 2008 Lexus IS 500
Club Leuxs member Chu found this one. I'm just posting it here for more exposure.
Despite the suspicious looking camouflage, the front of this IS 500 prototype doesn't appear to hide any significant changes.
Quad tailpipes contradict the standard IS 350 badging on this prototype.
If anything indicates the performance potential of this prototype it's the 19-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tires and cross drilled brake rotors.
By Ed Hellwig Email | Blog
Date posted: 08-17-2006
Lexus won't comment on it, but our latest spy footage from Death Valley reveals what looks to be an even higher performance version of the Lexus IS 350 sedan.
Caught earlier this year making hot laps on the Nürburgring, the 2008 Lexus IS 500 is aimed squarely at the likes of the 2007 Audi RS4, the upcoming 2008 BMW M3 and the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. With a 420-horsepower V8 in the RS4 and a similar powerplant expected in the M3 and C63, Lexus will need a serious boost in horsepower over the standard IS 350's V6 to keep pace.
Where that power is going to come from is the big question and there are two possible scenarios. The most likely source is a retuned version of the 5.0-liter V8 set to debut next year in the Lexus LS 600h, a hybrid version of the company's flagship sedan. With the help of its electric motors, it rated at more than 430 hp. Our sources in Japan tell us that Yamaha, a corporate partner of Lexus parent Toyota, will retune the V8 for use in the IS 500. Combined with a paddle-shifted version of Lexus' new eight speed automatic transmission, the 400+ horsepower IS 500 is expected to have a zero-to-60 time under five seconds along with a top speed of 155mph.
Although the use of a V8 in the IS 500 seems likely given its competition, other reports suggest this may not be the preferred route. A recent article in Automotive News has Lexus executives dismissing the idea of a V8 saying, "it would kill the car's handling." With that mind, Lexus could take a different route — hybrid power. By retuning the current 3.5-liter V6 and adding electric motors, the IS 500 could achieve the necessary horsepower targets without putting all the extra weight up front. It would also give the IS 500 the traction of all-wheel drive like its Audi rival. Lexus has already shown the performance capability of hybrid power in its GS 450h sedan, a car which outruns its V8-powered stablemate by combining a V6 with electric motors.
Rest assured that whichever route Lexus takes, the IS 500 will stand as its most aggressive move yet toward unseating the Germans in the performance sport sedan segment. Look for an official debut by the end of the year with sales beginning in 2007.
Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=116539#2
Despite the suspicious looking camouflage, the front of this IS 500 prototype doesn't appear to hide any significant changes.
Quad tailpipes contradict the standard IS 350 badging on this prototype.
If anything indicates the performance potential of this prototype it's the 19-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tires and cross drilled brake rotors.
By Ed Hellwig Email | Blog
Date posted: 08-17-2006
Lexus won't comment on it, but our latest spy footage from Death Valley reveals what looks to be an even higher performance version of the Lexus IS 350 sedan.
Caught earlier this year making hot laps on the Nürburgring, the 2008 Lexus IS 500 is aimed squarely at the likes of the 2007 Audi RS4, the upcoming 2008 BMW M3 and the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. With a 420-horsepower V8 in the RS4 and a similar powerplant expected in the M3 and C63, Lexus will need a serious boost in horsepower over the standard IS 350's V6 to keep pace.
Where that power is going to come from is the big question and there are two possible scenarios. The most likely source is a retuned version of the 5.0-liter V8 set to debut next year in the Lexus LS 600h, a hybrid version of the company's flagship sedan. With the help of its electric motors, it rated at more than 430 hp. Our sources in Japan tell us that Yamaha, a corporate partner of Lexus parent Toyota, will retune the V8 for use in the IS 500. Combined with a paddle-shifted version of Lexus' new eight speed automatic transmission, the 400+ horsepower IS 500 is expected to have a zero-to-60 time under five seconds along with a top speed of 155mph.
Although the use of a V8 in the IS 500 seems likely given its competition, other reports suggest this may not be the preferred route. A recent article in Automotive News has Lexus executives dismissing the idea of a V8 saying, "it would kill the car's handling." With that mind, Lexus could take a different route — hybrid power. By retuning the current 3.5-liter V6 and adding electric motors, the IS 500 could achieve the necessary horsepower targets without putting all the extra weight up front. It would also give the IS 500 the traction of all-wheel drive like its Audi rival. Lexus has already shown the performance capability of hybrid power in its GS 450h sedan, a car which outruns its V8-powered stablemate by combining a V6 with electric motors.
Rest assured that whichever route Lexus takes, the IS 500 will stand as its most aggressive move yet toward unseating the Germans in the performance sport sedan segment. Look for an official debut by the end of the year with sales beginning in 2007.
Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=116539#2
could be v8, or could be hybrid
08-18-06, 09:55 AM
#4
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A street tuned version of the race motor from the GT2 car would be nice
I much prefer a 5.0 V8 over a hybrid IS
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08-18-06, 02:26 PM
#11
I just hope that Lexus does something more agressive look in the front end to distinguish the IS500 from the IS250/350. Also, get rid of the ugly gold rims!
Chu...
That's dope and it has BBS wheels too!
08-18-06, 03:31 PM
#14
That low rumble from the Edmunds.com spy video sounds like a V8. I'm not sure if the 3.5 litre V6 can make that kind of sound. A hybrid would make for a better weight ratio (lighter engine, battery pack in the rear over rear wheels) but I don't know if the true enthusiasts are ready for a hybrid. We know it can be tuned to increase performance but I think they'd still like to row their own gears. Also, with the HSD system, you won't be able to do powerslides/drifts or spin the wheels since TRAC (or VDIM) will cut power to the wheels to save the electric motors.
08-19-06, 12:51 AM
#15
That low rumble from the Edmunds.com spy video sounds like a V8. I'm not sure if the 3.5 litre V6 can make that kind of sound. A hybrid would make for a better weight ratio (lighter engine, battery pack in the rear over rear wheels) but I don't know if the true enthusiasts are ready for a hybrid. We know it can be tuned to increase performance but I think they'd still like to row their own gears. Also, with the HSD system, you won't be able to do powerslides/drifts or spin the wheels since TRAC (or VDIM) will cut power to the wheels to save the electric motors.