Business Week: 2008 Lexus IS-F

r15mohd submitted on 01/24/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:58 AM
from: www.businessweek.com

Tags: lexus is-f f is

lexus is-f f is

Business Week: 2008 Lexus IS-F

Stereotypes, they say, have their basis in fact. Well, at least in the automobile world, there's some truth to that. Take Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota , which has a reputation for building beautifully appointed, bulletproof products that seem predestined for the sort of aging, affluent buyers who don't really enjoy driving all that much.

So what to make of the new Lexus IS-F? Yep, it's well executed, from nose-to-tail, with near-flawless attention to detail and the absolutely precise fit-and-finish you'd expect from the Japanese marque. But boring and bland? Not on your life.

The original IS, launched in 2000, was intended to serve as a hip, sporty and affordable alternative to more mainstream models, like the Lexus LS. But in a segment where everyone benchmarks the BMW 3-Series, the IS fell short, even with the second-generation update, introduced two years ago.

Rather than trying to gain ground, and credibility, by slowly honing in on the base BMW 328, the new Lexus IS-F takes aim at the toughest challenge of them all, the German maker's vaunted M3. What Lexus has delivered is a growling, 416-horsepower muscle car that would likely shock the brand's traditional owners into apoplexy.

"The IS-F is likely to represent everything you didn't think we were -- thank goodness," declared Jim Farley, who until recently headed the Lexus division, (and who put in his last public appearance at the IS-F launch before unexpectedly taking the top marketing job at Ford Motor Co.).

In today's alphanumeric soup, every automaker seems to glom onto some letter to represent the high point of their engineering prowess: M for BMW, V Cadillac, R for Jaguar. Considering our less than stellar school days, the letter, F, still carries some painful overtones, but for Lexus, it seems, F stands for "fast," "furious," and "fun."

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pushrod27 - 1/24/2008 4:17:45 PM

-9 Boost

True indeed. Regardless of its performance, there is just no excuse for the IS-F's looks.

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dlin - 1/24/2008 4:21:57 PM

+9 Boost

In the recent Best Motoring issue, Drift King Tsuchiya did have high praise of IS-F and think that it can compete w/ M3. We'll see how it comes out when they do a group test.

If the sales of IS-F goes well, I bet NISSAN will come up w/ similar concept - tt G37? I wonder what alphabet will be used - G37-R? :)

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1995e34 - 1/24/2008 2:18:15 PM

-2 Boost

i miss the old IS

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M35MT - 1/24/2008 6:50:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

+1

me too...the Altezza was a cool car, loved the gauges, interior, wheels...it was very unique, especially for the time it was first released.

Htay7500 - 1/24/2008 8:55:30 PM

0 Boost

same here, nice I6 though.

1995e34 - 1/24/2008 9:43:45 PM

+2 Boost

it reminded me of a rwd civic. that's all i want, a rwd civic.

bagwell - 1/25/2008 8:38:12 AM

0 Boost

why? it was under powered with terrible MPG

1995e34 - 1/25/2008 10:44:15 AM

+1 Boost

i don't need much more than 200hp for a car this size.

Anthony - 1/24/2008 2:31:29 PM

-1 Boost

This is an old review from TheCarConnection that BusinessWeek just decided to publish for themselves. I guess any opportunity for you losers here to talk trash about a Lexus is one you never fail to jump on.

Everyone keeps trying to peg this car against the M3 and C AMG, and RS4. All four of these cars represent different approaches to extreme compact sedan/coupe performance. Lexus did not copy Audi, Mercedes, and not even BMW and came up with their own interpretation of a sports sedan. I commend them for that alone. Yes, I personally think it is not that good-looking from certain angles, but I also feel the same way about the C AMG. Also, nobody will ever mistake an IS-F for a regular IS350, which is not the case for the other three.

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r15mohd - 1/24/2008 2:42:01 PM

+8 Boost

maybe they should hire you...lol!!!

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tattedtwice - 1/24/2008 3:16:47 PM

-5 Boost

So every review concludes the same way, basically; nice, but not great; check back in a few generations. Meanwhile, that just gives the real sports sedans (M's and RS's) more generations to move that much further beyond this rice-mobile.

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VISO - 1/24/2008 4:32:13 PM

-6 Boost

The problem for Lexus is that only Americans will buy into the IS-F due to their delusional thinking that Lexus is actually a real premium brand, yet alone a performance one. It will be a tough sell to get Europeans to consider the IS-F anywhere equal to the European makes in this segment. Yes, Europeans are bias in this regard, but they want serious driving machines with a history of motor sports.

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MichaelTaylor - 1/24/2008 3:40:57 PM

+5 Boost

In a few years when people are asked to think of sports sedans, the IS-F will come to mind before the M3. It's just that good.

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pushrod27 - 1/24/2008 4:18:15 PM

-3 Boost

if the 'people' in question are retards, then you could be right.

STJ88 - 1/24/2008 3:59:59 PM

+4 Boost

I would take a IS-F over a M3 and RS4 without even thinking. Only the C63amg is an intresting alternative.

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pushrod27 - 1/24/2008 4:18:41 PM

-6 Boost

you must like ugly.

answer - 1/24/2008 4:33:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Even if the thing sells extremely well with each and every buyer thrilled with it, the (f)ing morons such as yourself will still find a need to bitch about it.

Why do you people spend so much time and energy discussing/crapping on a car you don't like and aren't going to buy?

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RealitySmack - 1/26/2008 9:20:03 AM

+3 Boost

"First of all, you must be totally devoid of any intellect! You're getting too far ahead of yourself, by discussing hypothetical situations, which seem highly improbable. This car will not sell very well."

AND...so, you're saying this because you've been to the future to find out what the stats are on this car will be? I would re-think your definition of *intellect*. Your comment is just as hypothetical/hypocritical as the other person's. Nice try though...

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RealitySmack - 1/26/2008 12:24:46 PM

+2 Boost

Yes, I did give myself a pat on the back. Thanks for reminding me!

The 2nd gen IS were different than the IS-F. You do know that? The IS-F is a different category from it's predecessors (lower variants, not necessarily a predecessor). And no, there is nothing logical about making conclusions based on the previous models which are not even part of the "performance" line-up of Lexus. The only reason I object to your and the other user's statement is that making conclusive thoughts and being confident about it, doesn't have any weight. Specially, because there are SO MANY variables involved in predicting sales and the outcome of the product. And that may rely on observing data from previous models BUT, the IS-F is in a different category, unlike the 2nd gen IS. So, let's just wait and see...

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RealitySmack - 1/27/2008 9:26:07 AM

+1 Boost

"Obviously, Toyota intentionally wanted to have this association, and in my opinion, that's a BIG mistake. Don't you agree?"

No, I don't agree that it was a mistake. Do you think that since M, RS, AMG are higher variants of their lower counterparts that they are a mistake too? I bet you don't! And similar, if not the same, logic applies here.

Yes, the IS-F shares the same body as the IS. But, that doesn't have a major effect on how it's going to handle/perform/feel. Trust me, I've had the opportunity to do analysis on structures and have even worked in the BodyWeld and in other divisions at a Toyota plant. And I can say that just because 1 car shares similar body structure (shape or form) as another, it doesn't make it the same. Same can be said about the M/RS/AMG. So, is that a mistake? No, it's not a mistake because ALL F/M/RS/AMG are MADE under the *Performance* category. That's exactly why companies are spending millions to get that message thru. The old IS were *sport* but, they were not meant to be *performance* driven. This will be an advantage for the IS-F/M3/RS4/AMG compared to their lower variants.

Lastly, I assume you already know that when you compare sales of the *lower* variants and try to compare it with sales of the *higher* variants, that one also needs to look at the price difference. So ideally, the companies would opt for low production and a smaller number of sales.

Again, let's wait and see... I'm not confidently claiming that they will not sell or that they WILL sell. But since, I don't know the *other* details of Lexus marketing, I'm not going to make a definite statement until the car has been out for few months.

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RealitySmack - 1/28/2008 8:39:23 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, we will have to agree to disagree. And no I'm not misunderstood because I think I know what you were saying.

You're arguing based on the point that the letter "F" should've been placed in the front of the IS or some other name? Well... I hope you know that by changing names around doesn't make much difference. The name is important but, more importantly, it's how you approach to build a car, how it looks, what it was meant to be, etc, etc. And you can goto Lexus's website to read up on the IS-F and it SHOULD be clear. Additionally, I think the way they named it makes sense because it's going to be the same with GS-F, ES-F, etc (don't argue with me about when the ES-F is coming...just an example). So, in that perspective it DOES make sense of the *presence* of the letter "F". The letter behind it just says: "Oh look, it's one of those "F" cars from Lexus". Soon as you see it, you know it's not your typical lower variant. Same is true with BMW and the "M" and Audi's "R". Again, where the letter goes is not that important. And, I'm sure that if Lexus did something like Audi's or BMW's than people would start complaining and say they copied it again. So, where's the end?

And if you're saying that Audi's A4, S4, RS4 don't look like each other then I disagree with that. Because every time I look at them from 100ft away, I can't tell which is which. M3 is more noticeable but, not the others. Which is the same with 2nd gen the ISs. But, the IS-F is more distinctive from the lower counterparts. I still don't see any light behind your point of changing the name to something else.

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Star - 1/24/2008 5:13:24 PM

-8 Boost

I wonder why Toyota is wasting money on projects that are condemned to failure from birth. Why do they embarrass themselves by building cars like IS-F?

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RealitySmack - 1/24/2008 6:17:24 PM

+2 Boost

"Pssshhh.... Alexander and what other army could topple our army?" - That's probably what Darius the king said.

The rest is history. Enough said!

Could you tell me which stocks I should invest in?

S4cabriofoxone - 1/24/2008 5:27:48 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I'd like to test drive the IS-F.

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xj13 - 1/24/2008 6:06:05 PM

-3 Boost

I'm bored of this car, let's move on.

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/24/2008 9:38:50 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

The Jaguar XJ may just be more reliable than the Lexus LS460. It was right up there with the LS430.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/26/2008 11:23:08 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

CONSUMER REPORTS.

If you actually read my post, you would see that it's in there.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/26/2008 11:23:38 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Oh and, it's JD Power that rates Jaguar very highly.

Htay7500 - 1/24/2008 6:16:07 PM

-1 Boost

the pic here doesn't look half bad.

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Htay7500 - 1/25/2008 7:07:12 PM

+4 Boost

neither of our comments are good looking.

M35MT - 1/24/2008 6:54:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

They both have their strong points. But since I dont go to the track, and live in Boston, the IS would be a more enjoyable car, due to the nicer interior and ride. Not to mention LONG term reliability. Who know's what the 335 turbo will be like in 10 years. I dont.

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/24/2008 9:40:24 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The 3 Series interior, while less attractive in design, uses higher-quality plastics and real aluminum trim, as compared to the IS interior. It also has a much better ride/handling balance than the IS... and NO, it's not something you only notice at the track. Why do you think BMW sells more than twice as many 3 Series models as Lexus sells of the IS?

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1995e34 - 1/24/2008 9:46:53 PM

0 Boost

m35mt, boston has more 3 series than we know what to do with. i walked from fenway to the copley area, and saw about 50 of them. it was like a cult.

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Porschinator - 1/24/2008 7:24:29 PM

+3 Boost

My personal opinion is that the BMW 3 Series is still the Bench Mark car of the segment. The BMW and IS are similar in refinement, reliability, and solid chassis. The 3-Series wins me over because of its synergy. It is a better car over all.

It is funny how people cannot be subjective and resort to flame wars. Def funny stuff with no informational value at all. Would be nice if people just gave their opionion and not intentially call some car a POS...lol.

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/26/2008 11:28:06 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"NOT taking into consideration that the lexus ES is also competing in the SAME entry lux segment."

Why would we? The ES is a FWD model that DOES NOT compete with the 3 Series. You may as well say it competes with the IS also, but it doesn't! Its closest competitor was the Infiniti I, which was discontinued, so now it's the Acura TL!

Also... Lexus sold roughly 13,700 entry-lux cars in December 2007. Link:

http://www.clublexus.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=504&Itemid=155

BMW sold exactly 12,941 3 Series cars in the same time period. Link:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/01/03/074301.html

LOL! Not exactly "running away," after all, huh? Imagine what BMW's sales would be like if THEY had two small sedan lineups.

stash84 - 1/25/2008 8:37:16 PM

+2 Boost

what science? hydraulic steering? lmao

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farabira1 - 1/24/2008 9:14:00 PM

0 Boost

ISF is great, but the M3 sedan costs less.

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StickShiftCamry - 1/24/2008 11:04:11 PM

+2 Boost

U get what u pay for in any IS trim, it has a wide presence (wide body). 328i looks too plain w/ single outlet in the rear.

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/26/2008 11:33:19 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I saw a 328xi the other day with the Sport package... in fact, it was in maroon, which would look terrible on any other car, but for some reason it looked sensational on the 328. The five-spoke rims were perfect and should be available on the 335i also. Oddly, they aren't.

Why am I posting this? Because the 328 doesn't need a dual-outlet to look good. It looks like a proper premium sedan with a twin-outlet exhaust and the right rims. The same is true of the IS, which unfortunately has terrible wheels on the base 250.

ripper350 - 1/25/2008 12:50:10 AM

-1 Boost

i have owned a g35, my brother in law owns a 06 330i. i now have a is350 and i like it soooo much better than those other cars. i really do like bmw, i even like the looks of them! BUT it the 3/is/g35/etc class i will take the IS thank you very much.

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stash84 - 1/25/2008 8:27:32 PM

+2 Boost

"i really do like bmw, i even like the looks of them"

even the looks ????? wow

i chose the 350 over all others in its class <50k too...i almost chose the g35 sedan...the salesman was very persistent

S4cabriofoxone - 1/26/2008 11:31:07 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"here's an OBJECTIVE definitive opinion, for a change!"

Really? Are you being serious? Check out how "educated" that post sounds.

So since he favors Lexus, HE is objective AND definitive, but nobody else is? Ah, I get your logic now.

1BadMan - 1/25/2008 7:19:24 PM

-1 Boost

This is stupid. LEXUS DOES NOT BUILD CARS! This is a very tacky version of an actually decent looking Asian car. It is supposed to be Toyota (Lexus) version of a Sport Sedan. It does that very well indeed. It does not in other catagories!

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autopro - 1/26/2008 5:07:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

It doesn't matter what anybody says ,Lexus will sell every copy(5300 approx)and showcase their ability to compete with anybody,with world class products.Is the M3 a better car,maybe,but it should be they have many more years of a head start.They priced their car so low,I promise BMW will loose money on each one.Their shaking in their shoes.

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FABlexusB0i - 1/27/2008 2:23:43 PM

+3 Boost

OMG the LExus is so hot its going to beat all those POS's from sauerkraut land.

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