The 2008 Lexus IS-F made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show this month. It is also being displayed in all its glory at the New York Auto show this week.
The new IS-F has a 5.0L V8 with more than 400hp and 350lb. ft. of torque. It is estimated that the car will go 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. Unfortunately only 1,000 will make it to the U.S.
The biggest question is how does it compare to the recently introduced BMW M3?
Related Story: 2009 BMW M3 will Come to the U.S. in Mid-2008
Full Story: The CarTech Mag
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Comments (12)
The car is hot! I'm first in line at the local dealer for one. I suspect it will handle better than the E36 M3, I hope better than the E46. I traded in an E36 for the IS-350,the M3 handles much better. I suspect that the IS-F will be a lot more on the line.
Here are some photos I took:
http://www.taxicabs.com/autoshow/chicago2007/Lexus/IS-F/ and http://www.taxicabs.com/autoshow/chicago2007/Lexus/IS-F/day2
Posted by david | April 8, 2007 4:58 PM
Posted on April 8, 2007 16:58
Lexus needs to start making stick shift. or It will always be play catch ups with BMW.
Posted by Hanz | April 30, 2007 3:35 PM
Posted on April 30, 2007 15:35
Hanz,
Yeah I agree with you. Need manual transmission.
Posted by Tai | July 10, 2007 12:32 AM
Posted on July 10, 2007 00:32
Lexus makes cars the masses (well the rich masses) will buy because its a compromise between performance and luxury. Its this very Toyota-ish approach that makes Lexus the best selling luxury brand.
As auto enthusiasts we love to hear 600HP 400lb.ft V12 with a stick-shift, firm suspension and excellent track performance but thats not what the masses want. I know a few owners of the IS350 and although its a very bland driving experience compared to a top-of-the-line 3 series they love their car because its automatic, comfy enough and fun to drive (not exhilarating).
Expect Lexus to stick to using automatics as it saves consumers that trip to the dealer to get the clutch replaced.
Also don't expect this to handle as well as the M3 as Lexus can never compare to BMW handling. Expect a powerful car that might beat the M3 in straight driving but not on twists and turns
Posted by A.J. Subram | August 9, 2007 12:18 PM
Posted on August 9, 2007 12:18
Quote:
"Also don't expect this to handle as well as the M3 as Lexus can never compare to BMW handling. "
The original IS300 handles "better" than BMW 3 series of it's generation. The current IS models are not but are more comfortable to drive.
Posted by Kasukei | September 20, 2007 11:22 AM
Posted on September 20, 2007 11:22
hey hanz lexus has a stick shift its in the is 250 rwd at least in the USA we do and it kicks ass i work for totyoa down a the port and we drive em and their fun their are not alot of poeple who want to play 30,000 for a stick shift car so their not that populare.
Posted by gotgreen | September 30, 2007 7:14 PM
Posted on September 30, 2007 19:14
that is soooooo nice!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by rob | October 4, 2007 5:49 PM
Posted on October 4, 2007 17:49
A. BMW kicks huge Lexus ass
B. Its a look a like
C. Looks aren't every thing
D. Stick shift=way more fun
E. BMW is way more comfortable for the cost
Posted by b | November 27, 2007 1:41 PM
Posted on November 27, 2007 13:41
The only car that handles better than a BMW is a Porsche...although Lexus is respectable with a very good reliable engine...automatic transmission is like walking around with only 1 leg...furthermore...u cannot beat German engineering...no matter what
Posted by ion | January 25, 2008 6:55 PM
Posted on January 25, 2008 18:55
I'm a die hard stick shift driver, however when you can get a car that can shift between gears at indy car levels of 0.1 seconds and an 8 speed transmission, that means you can get to your powerband quicker.
The M3 is one of the best handling cars ever made. Its an amazing balance of power and handling.
The numbers are pretty even. The head to head match between the IS-F and the M3 will be a true battle.
Posted by Abbas | January 27, 2008 4:29 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 16:29
haha 5.0 v8 with only over 400hp and 0-60 in 4.9 thats good specs but it doesnt even compare to the e46 m3 which had two cylinders less and still managed to pull 0-60 a couple tenths of a second faster. how can you even think about comparing it to the New m3 in a straight line, and in the track forget about it..the new m3 will own this lexus in just about everything.
Posted by bocaj | February 20, 2008 12:38 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 12:38
this car is off the hook, i would die seriously!!!!
Posted by Angele | February 26, 2008 9:42 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 09:42