Did Lexus Miss the Mark On The IS-F?

It looks ok, but nothing fancy about the design....Lets hope it drives very well then :)

— alfistiDK (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:08:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I love the Lexus IS styling, The IS-F however is hideous to behold when looking at it from the front. What is up with that hood?? I mean if the motor wouldn't fit, put another one in.

— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:17:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

The real problem is no manual transmission. What are they thinking?

— donman (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:35:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Looks a little too "Fast and the Furious" to me which has been going out of style. Too bad, because I think the regular IS350 is an attractive design. Still, no manual, no sale.

— PropellerHead (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:44:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

They are WAY freaking off. Chances are it's stats won't beat the coming M3, so it needs to look better... and it looks like an F-ing Subaru. The tail pipes look like some dumbass tried to photoshop 'em. I thought the first spy pics were supposed to be funny - the fact they went into production makes me nervous for Lexus' performance brand. How could they nail the LS so well and then approve this thing?! There may still be hope in the LF-A...

— thetanman (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:44:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

It's not that bad. The quirks of the new M3 somewhat soften the boldness of the ISF.

There is still time to do some exterior tweeking, and that's all the ISF exterior elements are, tweeks nothing major.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:46:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

Well if you compare the new M3 to its predecesor, yeah the design has quirks.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 1:30:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Wow, im so glad that REAL Lexus fans realize that the design is not all there. Im sure the car is a monster, but it looks like a lowered 96' civic put together in someones garage. The stacked mufflers are cool though.

— no1listensanyway (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:46:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I am not a fan, more could have been done.

— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 4:57:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Isn’t the IS-F, which we have seen is a Concept model? The production model will be slightly different I believe.
Like M3 concept.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:06:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

No way, what is it that I am reading? Yes, the IS-F body kit only makes the IS look worse. The regular IS is a very gook looking vehicle.

— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:17:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

everyone is trying to think of the IS-F as a german looking car...but it's japanese it's in the same boat as the Supra's and Skyline's of the past it's always going to look ricey.

— MBKing (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:18:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Check out the new Aston designs for more "kink" theivery.

Wait a second. Angles have been public domain since the dawn of time. Nevermind.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 1:34:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I don't know everything about design, just more than you it seems.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/9/2007 5:01:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

If majority of the IS fans don't like the exterior of the IS-F then how on earth will it outsell it's counterparts?

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:20:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

The problem is motivation. The IS-F is like your parents trying to be "hip." It’s forced. What Lexus really wants is to address the "boring" brand image they’ve painted for themselves, and more importantly, gain market share of the "fun" car market, which is dominated by German brands. The problem, however, is Lexus engineers clearly desire trouble-free, comfortable cars. There’s nothing wrong with that, and they’ve done a phenomenal job applying that philosophy to their line-up; but while German engineers lay awake at night trying to skim another 10lbs off the curb weight of their latest project, Lexus engineers are trying to crack the German formula; there lies the difference, and it’s reflected in the final product.

The exterior of the IS-F is a mockery of performance styling; which is flattering, sure, but still tasteless. The stock look should have been an optional kit, available for the spoiled 1 out of 10 who actually revel in flamboyance... and then there’s that transmission. I need not get started on that; but it’s apparent that Lexus does not yet understand that true sports cars are not measured with numbers on paper. It’s very possible, likely even, that they’ll try again and return with a formidable entry; but yes, they missed the mark this time.

— webguy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:29:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

They shouldn't tune a lexus like they tune a honda,nissan,...
It's a luxury vehicle and it shouldn't look so busy

— valentino (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:34:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

If you want to steal M3 and C class AMG customers, you've got to design a car that is understated, yet powerful looking. The major problem I see is the front fenders. They look like they came from a cheap kit. In terms of styling, yes, Lexus missed the mark and they won't be stealing away M3, C Class AMG or Audi R buyers.

— BVC500 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:36:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I agree with the majority here, that this looks like an aftermarket product. Compare it to the M models, S/RS, and AMG, and it just looks ridiculous. As chewy said, the IS is quite a good-looking car... but as webguy said, this looks like a very forced formula to "improve" upon it. The IS350 is what the IS is and what it should be; the IS-F is trying to be something it's not.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:48:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

i like it, i like even more in this picture.

— trd1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 5:51:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

pretty bland if you ask me, though almost all lexus cars to me look pretty bland...

— CarCrazedinCali (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 6:02:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

THAT THREAD ON CLUB LEXUS IS **NOT** COMPARING WITH THE IS-F!!!!

It is comparing the factory body kit with aftermarket body kits... the "Factory body kit" is NOT the IS-F design!!

This is the Factory body kit the survey was referring to. It is a very subtle lip kit...
http://tinypic.com/jzzbx4.jpg <-- THAT is NOT an IS-F!!!

— 8000rpm (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 6:26:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I think the constant "Lexus sucks" bandwagen hurts people's intelligence more so than their feelings.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 1:37:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I see what your saying about using the stacked exhausts as a distiguishing mark, but they look horrible, they make the back end look so long. I am not a fan of them.

— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 6:55:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Some of the other body lits on the site look 100x better. I am not a lexus fan, but I do like the IS, ever since i saw it at the NY auto show a couple years ago. They really missed the mark on the IS-F, at least style wise they did. The TOMS and CARLSSON body kits on looks great. Not to crazy but still very aggressive

— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 6:43:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

At first glance i thought i was looking at the new WRX? Anytime you have to look twice and ask yourself what make the car is and then try to find a emblem of that brand car then it should be back to the drawing board.

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 6:53:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

The problem with this is the lack of finesse. BMW started their M division pretty much as a subtle car until the current 5 and 6 series. I like the IS350 styling over the IS-Fs mainly cause it doesnt look bulky. Only 3 more days until i actually see the IS-F and give it the + or -.

— Alec (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 6:58:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I think many are missing the point of the styling. The whole idea is that this is an extremely aggressive performance vehicle over its humdrum counterpart. As a result, the IS-F has the extremely aggressive design elements. How much criticism would Lexus have gotten if the the IS-F looked more similarly to an IS350? Another point that I keep trying to get across is the idea that when you look at an IS-F, an M3, and an RS4 side-by-side parked on the road somewhere, which one will people associate with an extreme level of performance? The IS-F is dressed the part perfectly of a stunning performance vehicle.

All that said, I personally do not like it either, but I understand it, which is the difference here...

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 7:01:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

What did they solve? was it how to take a good looking car(IS350) and totally rice it out and make it ugly, is that it? If it is then they did solve it.

— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 11:00:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Here it is again!

Will, both you and Anthony are trying to make yourselves out to be the "perfect" ones! That only German car fans are ridiculous! That you're completely sane, and nobody else is!

I never said that I was completely normal... I know I'm not [ (-; ]... but that's my parents' faults.

But there's no need for you to go around here, thinking you're not causing any trouble.

If you had bothered to read my post and not find the quickest escape route to bashing me, you would've realized that I can be a perfectly rational person. I don't hate this car because it's a Lexus. I like four Lexus models a lot- IS350, GS450h, LS and LX470. But I dislike the IS-F for reasons that I explain. You can't seem to accept that.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 1:08:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Mr. Omar,

Why should I start "watching my mouth" just for you? It was you to took it upon yourself to respond to MY comment. You can't make anyone do anything, let alone stubborn me! I could not care any less what you think! Of course you're not going to like what I say, I drive a Lexus! Call it whatever you want, I am entitled to an opinion just as you are entitled to your asshole opinions.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 12:32:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I'm sure you are already aware of this, but you are a major jackass.

I'll never understand how saying a negative thing about a BMW is equal to blasphemy, but the line for making idiotic comments regarding Lexus is always full here at autospies.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 1:32:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Oh, what an @ss. I take back everything good I said about you.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 4:59:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Don't you mean "worse?"

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/6/2007 2:01:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

AWWwwww S4. I'm sooooo upset. I held your opinions of me dear to my heart. What YOU think of ME is MOST important!

*sarcasm heavily implied*

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/6/2007 2:03:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

mromar1, people who rip on spelling and grammar. At most you rip on them for not using a spell check tool, while you, the ripper, usually have one or more of the following

A small 'device'
Displaced Anger over women
Taddle tale problems
A nerd complex

— twistedneck (View Profile)

Posted on 4/6/2007 9:19:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

You don't seem to understand that, on this site, I have as much power to sway opinion as you.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/6/2007 12:35:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Anthony, do you honestly think I'm biased?

If it's within reach of my wallet, and it's the type of car I'm interested in, I would give any car a fair chance. The new LS600hL is fabulous, and I would buy one for my wife, if only it wasn't $104,000. The Neiman Marcus Edition that we got e-mails for is even more expensive (about $121K, I think).

If Lexus made a sporty, good-looking convertible, I would drive it, without a doubt.

If we still had more than one kid at home and wanted a three-row SUV, the LX470 would have been on my short list.

I also love the IS350, for noone in particular.

But then I also admire many cars from Audi, Infiniti, Honda, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce/Bentley/Maybach, Aston Martin, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mazda, Ford, Saturn, Bugatti (!), Lotus, VW, Toyota, Nissan and even GMC. In no particular order.

So there.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/8/2007 1:59:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Let me give my two cents on the matter...

There has been a segment of cars that has been the crosshairs of many manufacturers for years. I believe that the chase has been to ante up what the BMW 3er has to offer. This can be traced back to the inception of the first gen IS from Lexus. Do you all remember the craze in the aftermarket scene of the "Altezza" headlights (yes I am aware of the JDM model was the Altezza). That started the buzz that Lexus had actually brought something to the table to challenge this heralded segment. The 1st. gen IS was not a bad car. It had a very capable platform that responded well to tuning. This of course being that it shared the 2JZ-GE motor with many other Toyotas. Supra swap? We all know that route. Also Rod Millen built a stunning one-off model with the 3UZ-FE engine and produced a very capable car.

The debut of the second gen IS was very impressive to my first reaction. The styling was such a radical departure from the first gen. I do believe that there needed to be a push; to throw out the old rule book. My only gripe about the new models is the offering of only a manu-matic or whatever variation they are these days, on the 350 model.

Lexus has seen tremendous success in the segments that they seek to take market share from. You know this is evident when you have the top German marks wiping their brows and revisting the drawing board. Lexus is achieving what was the original goal of the company was: to create an upmarket brand that could rival the German heavy hitters. I think the same was sought with Infinity and Acura.

Good intentions do not always lead to good results. I am a big believer in offering the base model on steroids and sound engineering. This of course needs to coupled with great and attractive styling to differ itself from the regular series. Hence we have AMG, M GmbH, S and RS models from Audi. GM has entered the fray with the V-Series for the Caddies. SRT from the may to be defunk DCX. Anyway I digress, the point being, Lexus has all the right intentions to enter the market of performance oriented models. I am excited to see the F line take shape and really cause a stir in the marketplace. Change is not a bad thing, but misrepresentation my have caused the IS-F to not hit the target audience that it was intended for. It IS-F a stunning looking car with engineering to boot. I do have questions of the 8-speed semi-auto box though, but whatever. We shall see when it is actually DRIVEN. Until then we can only speculate, gripe, praise and opinionate on what could be the result.

Thank you for your time to those that have took the time to read my thoughts; for that is all I ask.

— MookGmbH (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 7:17:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10   

Why keep bashing the hot looking IS-F? There are ugly M3 and bland RS4 to complain.

For example, the stacked quad pipes make those horizontal ones look dated.

— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 8:31:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

yes


yes


yes



yes



yes


RIGHT ON!

— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 9:19:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

if the "mark" was the M3 and the RS4....definitely missed it. on looks alone. without even driving it.

if the "mark" was lexus owners/fans who want more performance....then they may have hit it dead on given the enthusiasm we see here.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 9:44:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I think the big problem lexus has is that bmw (and audi/mb) designs there care to be M cars, and then tone down the style for non M versions. Which is why, the final M car looks very integrated. I think the regular IS is beautiful, but but IS-F looks like an bolted on after-market kit. Too gimmicky and I have trouble believing the Lexus designer desginers could have designed the IS with the IS-F in mind in the orginal plan.

— rumnyc (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2007 10:41:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

i have the new March 2007 Top Gear mag in front of me and it has the IS-F in the Metal section. i admit, when i first saw the pics of the debut i seriously did not understand the design.

but now, with full pictures and closeups of the design elements, i will say this: its quite imposing. i never noticed the "blade" cuts on each spoke on the rims, or just how wide the exhaust pipes actually are! now i understand why the RS4 has single outlets on each side, they are really wide! stacking them is funky, but its unique.

the mag has a full page side profile of the car and from this you can see smooth flowing lines. that hood buldge flows right over the front of the car, no jutting or sharp curves. it looks like a bullet train. the side fenders have a vent that reaches down to the bottom. this instantly reminds one of the vent found on the 06+ corvettes, but that one doesnt goto the bottom (it looks more awkward this way).

fantastic, no one will mistake this for a regular IS. if im going to spend this much money i want to stand out. i want it to be different. call me crazy but i would rather have a lambo that a ferrari, even if it was a bit slower.

— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 12:13:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

I don't think numbers will make any difference at all. A Lexus is still a Lexus. You could give this car 600hp and go 0-60 in 4.0 secs. A Lexus will never drive like a BMW. IF you want reliable luxury, this is for you. IF you want a true sports-car with original, aggressive (not bland like the IS) styling, get an M3.

I'm still waiting for that 3-series killer (How long have we be waiting, really?). Honestly, for every 1 new Lexus IS I see on the road, I see 5 or 6 new 3-series. BMW and Audi have nothing worry about. Lexus is not in the same league. Sport is not Lexus's "game". The IS-F might be good competition for Acura and Infiniti though.

— Auto_expert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 12:42:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

With BMW bringing a 4 door M3 to the table, the RS4, and the soon to come C63. Not to mention the 450 hp CTS-V Lexus had better go back to the drawing board.
Its lowered ricer look will never pass in a realm of grown up sports cars disguised as sedans. Can you imagine a buisness man getting out of one of these or taking a client to lunch?

— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 3:02:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

There may not be that much Lexus ISs on the roads, but there is ISs on the roads. In regards to IS-F mechanical engineering, I have a strange notion that it is a beast. The only thing that Lexus has to go back on the drawing board is the looks, and the remodeling shouldn't be much.

— 305vice (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 9:16:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I think they made a Lexus M car. I think they did a good job of being unique in a tough segment. I think that there target market will love this car, and those who like the other brands will continue to like the other brands. If they consider that a failure then maybe it is. I don't, I appreciate the focus, and the precise way this car fits there market.

I think the styling is no huge thing, it fits there design theme shown in concepts from a year ago. Some elements I am not convinced the cars proportions are all that great, but I have only seen pictures, and thats far from wise to judge a car on.

Josh

— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 10:30:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The IS is ugly anyway, a strange blend of sharp front-end styling and soft, melting side surfaces.

The IS-F merely accentuates this, making the car look incredibly tall from the side, not helped by the poorly-executed side blade.

And Will, not everyone wants to drive a great big sedan.

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 8:12:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

I wouldn't quite agree that it is ugly at least not in the Rodius or Pontiac Aztek sort of way..Its way better than the two aformentioned cars..Its just uninspiring..It looks like an IS with 1980s cheap bolt-on aftermarket parts.. Just doesn't exude any class.. However, while looks are important, in this class its the performance package that counts. We don't know how well it will perform, but knowing that Lexus struggles to build cars that handle and behave like sports cars, I can bet that the power will be in the ball-park, but overall it will not even come close to the Audi RS4 or BMW M3. However, more telling are the excuses from Bob Carter, Lexus' group VP and General Manager in the US: "The intent of creating the IS-F was not to be a competitor to other performance-sport sedans..rather the goal was to create a true performance sedan in uniquely Lexus way.." Cutting through the corporate-speak..and translating for the average joe.. We tried hard, but still don't expect the IS to come close to the competition (RS4 and M3). However, we'll give you our definition of sports: more power, new body kit, soft bouncy luxury ride and bad brakes!! Take a look at the Lexus IS-F article in Top Gear magazine (March issue) page 19.

— TheGenius (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2007 8:47:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Let's leave the be all end all alone. If any of the M cars is surpassed, it is not the end of anything. Lexus has never been about all-out performance. This is Toyota giving a segment of the population more options to like their highline product. Most people who buy Ultra-high perfomance coupes and/or sedans don't push them out on the edge anyway. Just the Automotive magazines drive in this manner (for a living). Many folks in the market for a vehicle will look to the professionals for their opinion. Sometimes for a simple 'how is the visibility looking out the rear of the car' to 'what is the lateral g's this car will hold on the test circle. Let's give Lexus a chance to put the car in the professionals hands and...the chance for all us wannabe professionals to have our turn.

— onetimer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/6/2007 8:19:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

This car will be hot. I definitely welcome an M3 alternative. People talked a whole lot of trash before the RS4 came out, and look at how respected it is now. Don't talk about the styling. I guess in all this time everyone has forgotten that Lexus is a Japanese company. All those "tacky" design elements are uniquely Japanese and cool in my opinion.

— AudiLexus (View Profile)

Posted on 4/6/2007 9:13:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

i really hate the way this car looks, they could of did better, but those aftermarket parts bring the IS out, im not sure if yall notice but Lexus is marketing this car for the younger crowd, thats why it looks like that because they like that type of s!@#, i like those exhaust 2, they make it look different from other IS's and comp. as far as making its mark, Lexus rarly miss, to have a car in its lineup for performance is a good thing, good luck to them

— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 4/8/2007 2:05:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

speaking of peanuts...

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/8/2007 3:06:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1