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A Lexus That Can Keep Up With Fast Company?

Agent009 submitted on 02/22/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:28 PM
from: www.latimes.com

[202] user comments | category: Misc News

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A Lexus That Can Keep Up With Fast Company?

In the style of BMW's M3, the new Lexus IS-F is the brand's toe in the water of the factory-tuner segment -- though it's less like a toe than a fiery cloven hoof. This car started life as a Lexus IS350, a roundly capable and syrupy smooth sport sedan of no great note or interest. Boring, actually. Then it got rabies.

Now the car is very interesting: a rudely bulging front end, a 416-hp mountain motor bolted to a (count-'em) eight-speed transmission, gargantuan Brembo brakes and a suspension stiffer than Dita Von Teese's corset stays.

Pointless? Deeply so. Was there ever an answer to a question so unasked as a hyper-performance Lexus? Still, here we are, and we shouldn't be surprised. The hole in Lexus' bucket has always been high-performance variants to rival the Mercedes-Benz AMG cars, BMW's M-series and Audi's S and RS cars. These cars matter little to a luxury brand's bottom line but mean everything when it comes to landing magazine covers. And, God knows, Lexus -- the haute couture outlet of Toyota -- has the money.

Lexus aspires to sell between 3,000 and 4,000 IS-Fs in the U.S. in the first year, which would make it a very rare car, the automotive equivalent of Zoroastrianism.

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Agent009 - 2/22/2008 1:52:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+16 Boost

I have asked this of a lot of my Lexus buddies.

It all boils down to perception of the buyer. Some people stereotype both brands and make a decision from there regardless of the real facts.

The IS-F is real competition to the M3 in most ways that matter. Some people just have a hard time with this.

reply to this comment

LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/22/2008 2:01:55 PM

-1 Boost

nobody goes to a racetrack to say "my car revs higher then your car". well maybe M3 owners as clarkson would put it.

but the point is, look at the numbers that really count before we compare such minute details

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1970toyotamarc - 2/22/2008 2:07:08 PM

+5 Boost

Why dont we just scrap all other makes of cars, and make a BMW for every segment. The world would be a better place, no?

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enthusiastx11 - 2/22/2008 2:16:06 PM

+1 Boost

lexus:

"nobody goes to a racetrack to say "my car revs higher then your car". well maybe M3 owners as clarkson would put it."

spoken like a man who doesn't understand driving or appreciate the ferocious sound of great engine wound up to incredible RPMs. european performance cars are lost on you.

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LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/22/2008 2:30:17 PM

+1 Boost

enthusiast, thats what the secondary intake is for. no need to rev high to hear the sound of the engine

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answer - 2/22/2008 2:39:12 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

Once again "enthusiast" proves he lives in some sort of alternate universe where the morning commute is like something from an old Speed Racer cartoon.

Most cars will never set their tires upon a racetrack.

Your arrogance only fuels the negative Euro stereotypes.

reply to this comment

JoshGerman4Ever - 2/22/2008 2:41:58 PM

-8 Boost

JoshLexus4ever,

Stop being a troll in trying to make Lexus fans look stupid. You're only making German car fanatics look idiotic.

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 2/22/2008 3:01:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

xdrive- I am curious who will buy the IS-F as well. Everyone I personally know that has an IS250/350, does not like the IS-F. Styling is the key turn off.

So that makes me wonder, other than a collector, who is this car targeted to? Now I have to admit all these same owners also like the BMW 3 series and M3, but avoid them due to "potential" repair costs. So there is a market for those that willing to take a little less performance on the promise of a gain of minimal repairs. But on the other hand most of these owner do not yet have the financial resources for an IS-F.

Given the past history, Lexus has probably found a niche buyer that will line up for this baby.

reply to this comment

1970toyotamarc - 2/22/2008 3:03:16 PM

+2 Boost

Xdrive, what do you say to all the drivers of EVOs, WRXs, previous owners of Supras, 3000GTs, RX7s, maybe current owners of 350Zs who need room for a kid or two and maybe a spouse? Should they give up their love of Japanese sports cars when they find the need for a high performance coupe or sedan, one with a little more coddling and luxury that they have earned? Why move all of a sudden to a German car after a lifetime of allegiance to cars from the land of the Rising Sun? Believe it or not, but owners of Japanese cars, esp performance cars, love them. It's a new world, embrace diversity.

And as for transmissions, the lack of a manual is just not an issue anymore. The VAST majority of buyers, even enthusiasts, do not want a manual anymore, not when manumatics (whatever the curent word is) are so damn good nowadays. BMW initially offered no manual in the M5, and they only offered one when American row-your-own snobs cried for one. THe result was junk, and the original 7 speed autohas been accepted by all as the superior transmission. If 5-10% of buyers dont choose a car because of a lack of manual, that is just a price that more and more mfrs are willing to pay.

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JoshGerman4Ever - 2/22/2008 3:03:41 PM

Show Comment -18 Boost

BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 3:28:06 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

1970 ... the 3000gt isnt a really good example of a sports car. I had one. I even had the 3000gtVR4.

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JoshGerman4Ever - 2/22/2008 3:41:42 PM

Show Comment -19 Boost

1970toyotamarc - 2/22/2008 4:40:39 PM

0 Boost

Xdrive, you know I was starting to appreciate your comments, I have no problem with people having different opinions, but then you had to go and make an ignorant comment.

First off, to continue the civilized discussion, I do think it is relevant that someone who may have been an enthusiast 10 years ago with their Supra or RX7 may be in the market for a Japanese luxury performance sedan. It seems like a perfect fit. (never been in a 3000GT, so if it was lousy, fine, that doesnt really change my point.) What do you think they are all driving right now? I dont think that someone who grew up on Japanese performance cars, whether 10 years ago Supras or current WRXs, necessarily wants to jump to German cars. Time will tell.

Now for your ignorant comment. A Prius driver can still be an enthusiast. I cant believe I have to defend that. Right now the Prius is an almost perfect vehicle. No it doesnt handle like a BMW or accelerate like a Porsche, but what it does, it does better than anything else. Thats why owners of Priuses are enthusiasts. Now a couple years from now when it's time to trade in, I'll see what else is out there. Maybe the Toyota hybrid sports car that has been making the rounds, maybe the rumored new Lexus dedicated hybrid, or maybe the next Prius will set even new standards. Dont make assumptions about me based on your prejudices and biases.

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1970toyotamarc - 2/22/2008 4:41:54 PM

0 Boost

and every car I have owned until this one has been a stick

just thought i had to add that.

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LexSucks - 2/22/2008 4:46:51 PM

+6 Boost

Competition = Yes
Contender = No

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theoptimisticpessimist - 2/22/2008 4:54:03 PM

0 Boost

1970toyotamarc - BMW has only put one automatic in a M car the E36 M3, no other M car since has had a automatic . The SMG is a Manual transmission with a electronic clutch. I as automotive enthusiast I would only on this type of car with Manual(more engaging).

As far as your comment "lack of a manual is just not an issue anymore. The VAST majority of buyers, even enthusiasts, do not want a manual anymore" PURE FICTION unless you have some fact to back it up.

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Designer1 - 2/23/2008 1:26:23 AM

-1 Boost

On the question of who's going to buy the IS-F. First I don't call an enthusiast someone who's prejudice about a certain type of cars, but is the one who admires and respects a car from all angles. And if a car is known to have better driving dynamics does not make it better than the rest at all.

So answer this question I think the real car enthusiasts that REALLY know what cars are all about will buy the IS-F. This said, doesn't mean that I'm concluding that the IS-F is better than the M3 or the rest, only time and people's experience with the different cars will tell. So if its to me I would compare both the IS-F and M3 from all aspects and which ever wins will be the one I buy.

Don't hate the new guy on the block; get to know him and who knows he might be cool and even better than the other guys. :-)

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stash84 - 2/23/2008 9:18:44 AM

+1 Boost

im very glad to see that not many people will be buying the isf. i definitely like the exterior design of my is350 more than the isf but i ordered one blk/blk anyways. i would never consider the m3..its just not my type of car. the interior and electronics get a zero in my opinion, and the exterior does nothing for me. sure, if your going to rice on a bumpy road, a manual m3 is the car 4 you, but if you live where there is daily, stop and go traffic, a manual is not fun. i do care about speed/acceleration and i believe that the isf will be slightly faster in a straight line. maybe not with two professional drivers behind the wheel around a track, but when driving a manual, a normal driver has alot more chances of missing a gear. to be honest, ive raced against 350s, g35s, a g37, mustang gts, evos, stis and the ONLY car that has ever beat me was a mustang cobra (oh..and a 335i on the highway). my 350 is not the fastest car, but i NEVER miss a gear. i mostly like to have a fast ride in order to maneuver in traffic and get into lanes that other drivers may try to stop me from getting into (i hate that). i havent had any problems yet with my 350. i know the m3 is a great car and its very fast and handles like no other but i dont race. if i wanted a sports car in that price range, id get a porsche or a gtr. what i really want is a stock 96 rx7 tt (that hasnt been boosted). for the record, my first 3 cars were rx7s, then some civics, a 91 integra, and now an is350, just in case anyone is wondering what type of people are interested in the isf.

also..what is the big deal about the low redline? who cares? its not a sports car !! and if the "fake exhaust" bothers you because its not functionable, how about those fake chrome tips at the end of practically EVERY vehicle? what do those do except make the exhaust look thicker? its funny how nobody mentions those but when its about the isf, theyre "fakes".

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/23/2008 10:47:04 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

"but the point is, look at the numbers that really count before we compare such minute details"

You're right. The M3 has...

More horsepower
Quicker acceleration
Better handling
A better suspension
Better grip
More interior space
For less money

And, to top it all off, it can rev higher. Brilliant.

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LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/23/2008 2:55:06 PM

-2 Boost

where are you getting that the bmw has more horsepower...?

i believe the IS-F wins by a robust 3hp

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/23/2008 4:36:09 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Lexus IS-F has 416hp.

BMW M3 has 420hp. In the US, it's 414, so you can average those out and get 417.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/24/2008 2:44:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"And if a car is known to have better driving dynamics does not make it better than the rest at all."

Excuse me for stating the obvious, but this is the PERFORMANCE sedan class. PERFORMANCE cars are measured in driving appeal. Driving appeal comes from excellent dynamics! It's a painfully obvious deduction! Not only does the M3 match the IS-F for power and better it with the upcoming M-DKG transmission, but it has better dynamics!

"So answer this question I think the real car enthusiasts that REALLY know what cars are all about will buy the IS-F."

To me, this sounds more like an excuse than anything else. "Less people will buy it, so that means less people know about it, which means the people who buy it are smarter!"

Not so. The M3 has garnered its reputation, and sells so well, for a REASON. Because it is the best in class, and now that I realize it, it always will be. It is an icon, and represents everything BMW knows about having fun. I know about the IS-F as well as the M3, and I would still get the M3 over it, for reasons already stated. If the IS-F was a better performance sedan, I'd get that over the M3. But it is not.

"So if its to me I would compare both the IS-F and M3 from all aspects and which ever wins will be the one I buy."

That's a smart plan, but I think I know what you'll buy, and I think you know what I'll buy.

Just listen to this exhaust note (skip to 3:00) and tell me you don't want the car...

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114846

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MartyMoose - 2/24/2008 5:56:09 PM

-3 Boost

Drive an IS-F before you make a comment like " I don't see why anyone would want one over an M3"

Its about choices .. .

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autopro - 2/26/2008 6:49:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Because BMW's break down all the time.

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kpaxx - 2/22/2008 1:57:51 PM

+3 Boost

This car fails to inspire in this niche. In this segment of the auto world there is no reward for those who don't stand out. The is-f does not take the lead in any aspect of the uber performance sedan niche. As such I do see the logic in wasting your money on an is-f.

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Agent009 - 2/22/2008 3:02:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Lexus may differ with you on that.

mini22 - 2/22/2008 2:03:52 PM

+4 Boost

Well if you're a "Lexus Person" and crave more performance you'll love this car. It serves a need for people that hate Euro cars.From a personal point of view I'd take the M3 or 135TI.

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vman1013 - 2/22/2008 2:21:17 PM

+5 Boost

I'd love to see where the IS-F gets better fuel economy than the M3. I hadn't realized that information on either was available.

And to be honest, I live in NY and only drive on weekends (when its not snowing). So I'm hardly concerned about fuel economy as I barely drive 5000 miles per year.

VISO - 2/22/2008 2:45:58 PM

+6 Boost

I do see "young" people driving the IS. I do not know why they aspire to it, but there seems to many that think Lexus is something to aspire to...I guess only in America. Because no else does.

BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 3:03:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Lexus ... wow. that is all your arguement is based on. What about the cost of maintenance for the IS-f? Last time I checked the Lexus is slower, doesnt handle as well, smaller is space for passengers, and is only offered in one gearbox.

BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 3:40:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Lexus ... go to a lexus dealer .. position the front seats to where you feel comfortable & then go sit in the back seats. Then do that with the BMW 3-series & you will see it is alot smaller in cabin space than the 3-series ...

Dimensions - Lexus IS-F
Front Head room ... 37.2"
Rear Head room ... 36.7"
front shoulder room ... 54.4"
rear shoulder room ... 52.7"

Dimensions BMW M3
Front head room ... 38.5"
rear head room ... 37.5"
front shoulder room ... 57.4"
rear shoulder room ... 55.2"

That looks like a lot to me in regards to size ...

ThierryHenry14 - 2/22/2008 2:16:00 PM

+3 Boost

I would personally take an M3 over this, because the IS-F strikes me as lacking "emotion" and "soul" of what makes a car a car. It seems to be made just to market rather than being made to define a company (or division in Lexus' case). But if it works for Lexus, then thats good.

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1970toyotamarc - 2/22/2008 3:06:17 PM

-3 Boost

No, please, not soul, what about magic feel????? Are we there again, it's been so long.

enthusiastx11 - 2/22/2008 3:40:00 PM

+2 Boost

1970:

there's nothing 'magic' about actually feeling the road and being connected to the car in such a way that it reacts to your every input. it's just plain old feeling. something toylex fails miserably with in nearly every car they make.

TheSailor - 2/22/2008 4:03:27 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Ohh this again... It all boils down to passion... Some are passionate about their cars, some just want great stats and lots of silly gadgets. No matter how the car makes them feel! Guess who is who...

ThierryHenry14 - 2/22/2008 4:58:06 PM

0 Boost

I'm not talking about handling. I'm talking about getting a vibe from the car. Its just built with a different purpose than the IS-F.

Yes, the IS-F is more than capable, but to me, its more of a marketing tool than a car built in order to further advance a model line.

My stance...

stash84 - 2/23/2008 9:27:39 AM

0 Boost

its not failure when they dont try to accomplish it

autopro - 2/26/2008 6:51:43 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I'm going to pass your soul in my ISF,the tell me how your soul feels.

vman1013 - 2/22/2008 2:16:15 PM

+2 Boost

I saw a silver IS-F in Manhattan last week. It looked good. I wonder what a fully optioned IS-F would cost. I priced out a fully optioned M3 sedan and it was $64,500. I added all the packages - technology, premium and cold weather and other bells and whistles like iDrive and real time traffic, iPod/USB connection, full red leather, carbon leather interior trim, park assist and a moonroof).

The Lexus has to offer up all those bells and whistles and cost less to get real traction. Outside of the Lexus enthusiasts I can't imagine anyone who wants a performance sedan of the M3/IS-F caliber to opt for the IS-F if the prices are the same.

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stash84 - 2/23/2008 9:33:07 AM

+4 Boost

lfa is not a sedan..

enthusiastx11 - 2/22/2008 2:19:08 PM

+1 Boost

"Pointless? Deeply so. Was there ever an answer to a question so unasked as a hyper-performance Lexus?"

pretty much sums it up. the 60 year olds who drive lexus and prioritize a tiny bit more reliability at the expense of any and all driving fun aren't going to buy this car. maybe it'll be the boys trading up from their WRXs. certainly not buyers of european brands.

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answer - 2/22/2008 2:44:53 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Arrogance mixed with stupidity is something you all too frequently provide us with.

Do you think that Ferrari or Porsche owner would be less passionate about cars if they were to purchase an ISF as well?

BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 3:07:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Josh -- using facts of performance & cost & options tell me how the IS-F is better?

enthusiastx11 - 2/22/2008 3:41:56 PM

+2 Boost

answer:

delusion combined with an inability to accept anything that can't be boiled down to a number is a syndrome you and the lexus fanatics suffer.

have a great day. and try not to fall asleep at the wheel.

answer - 2/22/2008 4:28:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Wouldn't someone who is a true lover of cars not be concerned with the country its made in?

That's like not dating girls that were born in a certain state.

And nobody would cross-shop a Ferrari with the ISF, but my point was that someone wouldn't be a fool if they chose to own both.

vman1013 - 2/23/2008 12:49:07 AM

+3 Boost

let's get one thing straight, sub 20mpg is no good for the environment no matter how you slice it. and the only time a bentley owner will cross shop an IS-F or M3 for that matter is to spoil the kids. and i'm not talking the baby bentley owners.

EL34 - 2/22/2008 2:20:58 PM

-3 Boost

THe BMW M3 crushes the IS-F like a bug.

splatt :-)

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_43LE - 2/22/2008 2:45:28 PM

+7 Boost

Just like the GT-R vs 911 turbo

EL34 - 2/22/2008 3:26:18 PM

-5 Boost

The 911 won the contest ;-)

_43LE - 2/22/2008 3:45:05 PM

+4 Boost

Oh...really?

http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/02/20/
video-nissan-gt-r-vs-porsche-911-turbo-part-2/

;-)

TURACO - 2/22/2008 2:42:18 PM

+7 Boost

You are an idiot, just like my boss.

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JoshGerman4Ever - 2/22/2008 3:09:06 PM

-10 Boost

JoshLexus4ever,

If you don't know what torque is, then for sure you are a German car fan and a troll trying to make Lexus fans look stupid.

reply to this comment

TURACO - 2/22/2008 3:20:37 PM

0 Boost

You're a bigger idiot for admiring Lexus.

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TURACO - 2/22/2008 3:34:28 PM

+5 Boost

Yeah, but you have to drive a Lexus, or is it a Toyota? Either way....

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TURACO - 2/22/2008 3:45:41 PM

+5 Boost

Keep laughing, idiot!

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jimmyjump - 2/22/2008 4:04:05 PM

+6 Boost

009...I move that if you are not old enough to drive you are not old enough to post. There should also be a basic questionaire to prove you are >16 and your IQ is > 50 before you can post. This might be better for the board and nature.

reply to this comment

stash84 - 2/23/2008 9:39:00 AM

+1 Boost

wow..so if your boss is an idiot and HE IS YOUR boss and makes more than you, that makes you.........lol

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Heyhuub - 2/23/2008 11:13:03 AM

+2 Boost

If you want torque, buy the C63 AMG.

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montyz81 - 2/22/2008 3:10:24 PM

0 Boost

I feel bad for the real Lexus owners and lovers out there. JoshLexus4Ever is bringing down your overall credibility rating! I bet even Suzuki has a better credibility rating

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stash84 - 2/23/2008 9:44:09 AM

-2 Boost

josh is actually a german fanboy trying to make lexus look bad..cmon..havent you noticed?

BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 3:10:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

lmao ... Let see the IS-F has more torque than the BMW, yet it is alot slower. What is the benefit for all the torque if you cant get it to the wheels properly?

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Ironman273 - 2/22/2008 3:19:56 PM

0 Boost

From Car&Driver: For its first F (there’ll be more, rest assured) Lexus presents a V-8 sledgehammer that hurls to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds—fleeter by 0.1 second than an ’08 M3 coupe [December 2007]

I don't know where the "a lot slower" is coming from. This whole Lexus vs. BMW thing has gotten so ridiculous with the mud slinging.

BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 3:32:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Ironman ... Problem is the IS-F hasnt even been close to those times in anyother article. I posted the results before to someone who argued the same point. If you look online at other articles you will see the Lexus is been performing in the 4.4 to 4.8 range. There are at least 7 articles online that back this up. 1/2 second is a pretty good gap in acceleration. Then put into the equation that the BMW M-DKG is supposed to shave .1 to .2 of a second off the 4.1 time.

Why would you pay for a slower, smaller ( you would know this if you go try and sit in the back seats ), more costly ( BMW paying for maint for 4 years / 50k miles ) lexus IS-f? I could see for curiousity, but not for performance of the car.

BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 4:02:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

the boss .. when you actually drive the car, then you can tell us all about how girly you feel like.

stash84 - 2/23/2008 9:47:34 AM

0 Boost

speaking of girls, last night i saw 4 dudes in a CONVERTIBLE m3 with the top down leaving south beach...lmao...even my gf was laughing at them

S4cabriofoxone - 2/23/2008 11:12:51 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"From Car&Driver: For its first F (there’ll be more, rest assured) Lexus presents a V-8 sledgehammer that hurls to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds—fleeter by 0.1 second than an ’08 M3 coupe [December 2007"

Putting aside the fact that the M3 has achieved a 4.1 sec time, it will soon be available with a seven-speed M-DKG transmission, which is more fair to compare to the IS-F. It will easily beat the Lexus, seeing times between 3.7-3.9 sec.

MartyMoose - 2/24/2008 6:08:14 PM

0 Boost

A LOT SLOWER? They have same 0-60 4.6, and Top speed is probably the same if you took the limiter off the BMW . .170 ish.

Comments like that make you look . . . .

MartyMoose - 2/24/2008 6:19:02 PM

0 Boost

I can't even comment to these idiotic responses, Pretty soon the M3 will go to 60 miles an hour in the time it takes to push the starter button . 1.5678893 seconds but if you are realy fast with your finger it will do it in 1.5678891.....
I know its
Non sensical just like all comments . . .

My car is better than yours , should be a new reality series, every one can stand next to their cars and throw disses back and forth and the judges will decide whos the baddest at dissin a manufacturer

Argh!!!!!!! WHEN WILL IT END?

spiritfilled - 2/22/2008 3:41:10 PM

+1 Boost

I'd rather be pulled by a girl than a power lifter. Just my opinion as a guy.

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JoshGerman4Ever - 2/22/2008 3:41:19 PM

-4 Boost

Screw you JoshLexus4Ever. I am not a Japanese car fanboy. I love German cars, they are the best and will always be. Give me a break I am only 14.

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enthusiastx11 - 2/22/2008 3:43:50 PM

+3 Boost

then think of it this way....there are NO VARIABLE COSTS in owning a BMW. just make the payment. who wouldn't prefer fixed costs?

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BMW4me4ever - 2/22/2008 4:07:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The Lexus is the same price as the BMW. So why would I want to but a lexus that costs more to maintain, smaller in passenger space, isnt quite as quick. What is the point? Lexus lovers wait til their performance car has to come in for routine services. Much more out of pocket than a normal car.

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bulldogz - 2/23/2008 8:16:56 AM

0 Boost

you're wrong BMW4me, you price out both cars with the same options, and the BMW is considerably more. Not to mention that the base priced IS offers more than the base M.

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BMW4me4ever - 2/23/2008 10:16:25 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Bulldogz ... price it out again ... BMW is $1800 or about more than the IS-F. Is-f is smaller, slower, doesnt handle as well & will cost more to maintain. BMW pays for brakes, oil services, inspections or tune-ups, wiper blades & bulb replacements for 4 years / 50k miles .... On a performance car that will be about $3k to $4k of maint. during a 4 year stretch if the driver uses about 12k miles per year ...

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adamsaf723 - 2/22/2008 3:48:33 PM

+2 Boost

I'd rather take an M3 Coupe, but as far as Sedans, the IS-F has much better styling. Realistically, there are pretty close as far as performance. After actually DRIVING an IS-F, I will say though, that I was quite impressed with the new paddle shift technology. It is MUCHHHH quicker than I thought... the IS350 isn't even close to the same car.

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bulldogz - 2/23/2008 8:23:51 AM

0 Boost

but I think another article here showed how you could get the same performance and handling for much less by modding an IS350, and keep it in warranty.

spiritfilled - 2/22/2008 3:50:43 PM

0 Boost

For the boss, the buyer already paid for it, and so what, BMW still fall within the same price range or cheaper as its competitors, which makes it more of an attractive option, a C Class might be more slightly expensive than the 3 series, but then you throw the "4 year free maintenance" and all the car has to offer, excellent driving dynamics, good looks (IMO), exceptional comfort, and prestige, not in the sense of showing off, but in the sense that you worked your butt off and can now afford something that was crafted with finesse and excellence designed to make what might seem as an ordinary everyday chore (driving) a pleasure and adventure. So BMW to me seems more bang for the buck, Lexus might make great reliable cars, but so does Toyota, load up an Avalon and you got you a nice comfy reliable ride, mash the throttle it would go fast, but don't take any turns with it though.

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MattB - 2/22/2008 3:59:55 PM

+1 Boost

I am not a die-hard Lexus or BMW fan (I drive an Infiniti). I can see benefits to both the IS-F and the M3. However, if it came down to a choice between the two I would purchase the M3 sedan with the dual-clutch gearbox. In my opinion the M3's styling will still look good in 10 years, but I'm not so sure about the IS-F (the stacked exhaust and side vents are questionable at