[wtwo3]

https://www.lexus.com/IS500/

Performance won't be equivalent, but a 5.0L NA V8.... and if lexus gives it the GS-F treatment with chasis tuning and steering feel.... I may just have to jump ship.

[mkoesel]

This is what they should have introduced back in 2016 instead of the GS-F. Fast forward five years and the GS is completely gone, while the IS has been languishing and fading into irrelevancy. At least they realized the mistake and decided to give the V8 one last hurrah.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

This is what they should have introduced back in 2016 instead of the GS-F. Fast forward five years and the GS is completely gone, while the IS has been languishing and fading into irrelevancy. At least they realized the mistake and decided to give the V8 one last hurrah.

Yeah I think the GS-F's biggest downfall was Lexus not marketing it appropriately. And as a result EVERYONE (consumers, auto journalists, etc) was comparing the GS-F to the M5/E63 which it obviously could not compete with on a performance basis.

That being said the GS-F was an absolute joy to drive. I had the opportunity to drive it around a track and it was incredible. Not the fastest car by any stretch but overall driver engagement was shockingly better than the Germans.

If Lexus brings some of that GS-F treatment to this new IS500 and actually does a half decent job of marketing it, it should be a big hit among the enthusiast community (which admittedly is tiny, but that should provide some halo sales to their other cars in the lineup).

[DecemberStorm]

doesn't seem like they are giving it the full "F" treatment. Mechanical changes other than the engine is minimal. Shares the same LSD and suspension bits as IS350 based on the press kit

interior also looks identical too which already is long in the tooth with subpar tech

but should mean the car is gonna be closer in pricing and positioning to a m340 than a m3, and that's a smart move given Toyota does not have anything to compete properly right now

The IS 500 will come standard with the IS RWD F SPORT's Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen® limited slip differential (LSD) that improves handling and performance thanks to enhanced traction when cornering or exiting turns. The LSD helps maintain straight-line stability as well. Engineers have also improved the IS chassis performance with the addition of a Yamaha® rear performance damper. This damper reduces dynamic structural distortion, delivering increased comfort at low speeds, and additional stability and agility at high speeds. Brake cooling enhancements have also been made over the standard IS 350 F SPORT with additional aerodynamic cooling and larger 14.0-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors.

[NYBulldog]

I like this "alternative". Still wouldn't buy it but its great to know its out there.

[Transfer]

RWD? If AWD this would be a B7/8 RS4/5 replacement.

[bm323]

However, the Lexus IS500 will have something the M340i does not — boatloads of character. Those who haven’t used Lexus’ atmospheric V8 simply do not understand just how joyful it is to drive. During my LC500 drive, I couldn’t have cared less about performance figures or if any cars around me were faster. My car made the better noise by far and had an engine that was far more enjoyable to use, so I was having more fun. I can’t even imagine what that engine will be like in a small sedan.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2021/02/22/l...ings-v8-power/

Question is its steering feel and how it handles vs the G80. I'll trade steering feel over 3 s 0 to 60 kmph.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by DecemberStorm

doesn't seem like they are giving it the full "F" treatment. Mechanical changes other than the engine is minimal. Shares the same LSD and suspension bits as IS350 based on the press kit

interior also looks identical too which already is long in the tooth with subpar tech

but should mean the car is gonna be closer in pricing and positioning to a m340 than a m3, and that's a smart move given Toyota does not have anything to compete properly right now

The IS just had a refresh, the interior tech is very good and has Carplay, android auto etc. It has a quirky Japanese feeling to it, I considered one before picking up my G20. If you want a high quality, reliable sedan with a naturally aspirated engine there isn't much competition.

The IS500 looks like a very interesting car, they probably won't sell many of them. It doesn't strike me as going after the same market as the G8x. Its a car people will be lament having disappeared in 5 years and will be sought after for the drivetrain. Kudos to Lexus for still putting out a car like this, meanwhile the next C63 is a 4 popper...

[stefan]

The IS500 is a very interesting car that actually competes directly with the M340i. That's what makes it so compelling. In that sense, I'm going Lexus for V8, overall reliability, better comfort (though not better dynamics) and way better looks over the BMW any day.

But.. the S58 as a whole is a better overall motor, and you can have the M3 in manual. So if I had the extra cash, it would go to the M3--if I could get over the looks. Which I can't. IMO the current IS looks awesome.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by stefan

The IS500 is a very interesting car that actually competes directly with the M340i. That's what makes it so compelling. In that sense, I'm going Lexus for V8, overall reliability, better comfort (though not better dynamics) and way better looks over the BMW any day.

But.. the S58 as a whole is a better overall motor, and you can have the M3 in manual. So if I had the extra cash, it would go to the M3--if I could get over the looks. Which I can't. IMO the current IS looks awesome.

Yeah I realized after I posted about it here that it's actually meant to compete with the likes of the M340i/C43/S4. In that class it becomes a much more compelling option.

[M3AWD]

I don't like Lexus in general but if the IS500 was priced in M340i territory I'd pick it up over the M340i. It'll be reliable, fun & also retain value.

I wouldn't compare it to the G80 though.

[matmanx1]

I vastly prefer the 10 speed auto in the LC over the 8 speed unit they are lifting out of the RC-F for the IS500. Evidently there are platform limitations that keep them from using the 10 speed but it's up there with the best automatics I've ever used and pairs so well with that V8. Blipping the throttle when downshifting or coming to a stop in the LC is always a riot and the 8 speed unit doesn't do it, sadly.

That being said I am still glad Lexus is bringing the IS500 out and I will definitely keep my eye on it. Right now my front runner is still the G80 M3 but I've got plenty of time before I need to make a decision.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by matmanx1

I vastly prefer the 10 speed auto in the LC over the 8 speed unit they are lifting out of the RC-F for the IS500. Evidently there are platform limitations that keep them from using the 10 speed but it's up there with the best automatics I've ever used and pairs so well with that V8. Blipping the throttle when downshifting or coming to a stop in the LC is always a riot and the 8 speed unit doesn't do it, sadly.

That being said I am still glad Lexus is bringing the IS500 out and I will definitely keep my eye on it. Right now my front runner is still the G80 M3 but I've got plenty of time before I need to make a decision.

Yeah... maybe a G80 as a daily and then pick up a used LC as a weekend/summer car? My wife would probably take over our finances if I pulled something like that.... but might be worth it....