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Did Lexus Miss the Mark On The IS-F?

Agent009 submitted on 04/04/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 4:01 PM
from: www.clublexus.com

[130] user comments | category: Spy Shots

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Did Lexus Miss the Mark On The IS-F?

While performance numbers are not yet in, the jury is already decidedly out on the styling of the upcoming IS-F.

While many an AutoSpies reader heralds the styling of the IS-F as on the mark. There are an increasing number of sites claiming it a clear miss.

A case in point, is a short survey that appears on the Club Lexus website giving readers a choice of several body kits compared to the factory effort.

The results currently show almost 9 out of 10 of Club Lexus members are in favor of something other than the factory look of the IS-F. A quick glance at comments on the MyIS website another site dedicated to the Lexus aficionado, also shows a similar margin opposing the new look.

Has Lexus missed the mark among actual Lexus fans?

Special thanks to Troy an actual IS350 owner and advocate for the tip.

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alfistiDK - 4/4/2007 4:08:35 PM

+3 Boost

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

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mitchatlexusofmarin - 4/5/2007 12:12:36 PM

-2 Boost

It is what it is. It will do just fine and be completely sold out. The ones who like it will buy it.

atomicbri - 4/4/2007 4:17:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

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.

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MercBasher - 4/4/2007 5:43:51 PM

+2 Boost

Totally agree !

1995e34 - 4/4/2007 7:58:50 PM

+2 Boost

i've gotta wonder how this v8 will affect handling. the is350 has been noted as nose-heavy, and a larger engine doesn't relieve that.

i think it's good to see more competition in this segment. it's a shame mazda, acura, alfa, peugot...etc don't even have a platform to compete in this segment let alone a tuned variant.

in reality, only being offered with automatic tranny is of minimal penalty to most buyers, as only bmw and audi offer it.

style-wise, i think the muscular bulges may be the focus rather than some of the quirks.

though this model would not likely be my choice, i can't say it's missed it's mark.

i don't think anyone at lexus expects to wipe the m3 off the planet, they do want to give an alternative. and they've clearly succeeded at that.

good job, but i would've put resources towards bringing the coupe to market sooner.

TruenoAE86 - 4/5/2007 1:37:36 AM

+1 Boost

I can't agree with you more.

donman - 4/4/2007 4:35:42 PM

-2 Boost

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

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PropellerHead - 4/4/2007 4:44:15 PM

+3 Boost

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.

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thetanman - 4/4/2007 4:44:17 PM

+4 Boost

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...

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answer - 4/4/2007 4:46:18 PMView My AgentSpace

-7 Boost

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.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/4/2007 5:44:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

M3? Quirky? Some were saying it's not aggressive enough, some saying it's overdone. The picture of the red coupe, to me, looks "juuuust right!"

Tyronn - 4/4/2007 8:12:46 PM

-1 Boost

And comes in manual.

chi ching !!

enthusiastx11 - 4/4/2007 9:47:42 PM

+3 Boost

"it's not that bad" isn't good enough for a car that will cost $20k more than its IS250 brethren. it should be freakin' hot for that kind of premium.

answer - 4/5/2007 1:30:14 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

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

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no1listensanyway - 4/4/2007 4:46:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

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.

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kart1 - 4/4/2007 4:57:24 PM

+4 Boost

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

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JUGNU - 4/4/2007 5:06:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

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

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/4/2007 5:45:22 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

No. This is the production version.

jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 6:37:44 PM

-1 Boost

jungu-well you believed wrong, this is the ugly one that will be sold

Tyronn - 4/4/2007 8:13:36 PM

-4 Boost

the m3 concept is identical to the photos they just released big boy.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/4/2007 8:39:58 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The hood bulge is smaller on the production version [of the M3], actually.

enthusiastx11 - 4/4/2007 9:48:25 PM

0 Boost

this is it baby...the real deal.

chewy - 4/4/2007 5:17:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

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.

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EL34 - 4/4/2007 6:17:40 PM

-6 Boost

I agree chewy the IS-F is a fluke!

MBKing - 4/4/2007 5:18:39 PM

-3 Boost

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.

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answer - 4/5/2007 1:34:49 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

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

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

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answer - 4/9/2007 5:01:49 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

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

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Agent63 - 4/4/2007 5:20:07 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

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?

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webguy - 4/4/2007 5:29:43 PM

+8 Boost

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.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/4/2007 5:46:41 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Your posts are some of the best I've seen, if not THE best.

jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 6:46:55 PM

-2 Boost

i enjoyed ready that, awesome comment. couldn't agree more.

valentino - 4/4/2007 5:34:29 PM

+6 Boost

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

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BVC500 - 4/4/2007 5:36:20 PM

0 Boost

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.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/4/2007 5:48:18 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

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.

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trd1 - 4/4/2007 5:51:21 PM

+6 Boost

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

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CarCrazedinCali - 4/4/2007 6:02:00 PM

-3 Boost

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

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8000rpm - 4/4/2007 6:26:40 PM

+1 Boost

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!!!

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jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 6:52:02 PM

-7 Boost

WOW, calm down buddy, did we hurt your feelings?

answer - 4/5/2007 1:37:05 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

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

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IS3andME - 4/4/2007 6:32:37 PM

-2 Boost

Lexus needs to keep the stacked exhausts and used that as a distiguishing hallmark (a calling card). Other than that, get rid of the air scoop, or at least do it like the Ferrari F40 and Enzo, and have the flared wheel arches and but have the scoop vertical...it would look off the meter like that.

The front could be intakes shaped differently, reminds me too much of a Scoby WRX front end.

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jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 6:55:53 PM

+1 Boost

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 - 4/4/2007 6:43:19 PM

-2 Boost

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

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chuck717 - 4/4/2007 6:53:37 PM

-2 Boost

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.

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Alec - 4/4/2007 6:58:09 PM

0 Boost

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 -.

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Will_ - 4/4/2007 7:01:26 PM

+4 Boost

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...

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jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 7:39:48 PM

-6 Boost

No ones missing the point, the car is way to over the top for being a Lexus. Its not even close to being "dressed the part perfectly of a stunning performance vehicle." This is not what lexus owners want, and you know how I know, they have never bought a car as extremely aggressive like this, because there has never been a Lexus like this. The RS4 looks 100x better then this, and the M3 looks better also.

Its a shame because the IS350 looks great, they should of used that to start and made it alittle more aggressive, this is just overkill

Will_ - 4/4/2007 7:51:50 PM

+4 Boost

How in the Hell do you know what Lexus customers want? The IS-F buyer certainly is NOT the typical Lexus customer.

And what's truly a shame is seeing so many say that they like the IS350's design NOW only after the IS-F comes out...

jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 8:05:54 PM

-3 Boost

well if they buy lexus, then this is not what they want, this is not even close to any lexus ever made styling wise, as far as how over the top aggressive it is, thats how I know. This is not a car that a typical Lexus owner buys if they own a lexus.

You said exactly what I was getting at- "The IS-F buyer certainly is NOT the typical Lexus customer."
The IS-F buyer would probaly also be an M,RS, or AMG buyer, and I dont see how this car will compete, at least style wise with its competition.

And i have liked the IS350 since i saw it at the NY auto show 2 or 3 years ago before it came out.

Will_ - 4/4/2007 8:11:23 PM

-1 Boost

You don't know. Lexus is not looking to win over their already-established fanbase with the IS-F ...duh... The IS-F is a new venture for the brand ...duh... This explains why it doesn't look like the typical Lexus ...duh... and why it has more aggressive styling elements...

...duh...

jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 8:21:37 PM

-5 Boost

I know is has to have more aggressive styling elements...just like M/RS/AMG has to its regular models, all I am saying is that they went over board

Honestly I really dont care, no ones ever gonna win an Argument with you lexus guys, Lexus this,Lexus that, reliability,lexus is the BEST, BLAH,BLAH your all a joke and so is Lexus thinking this car will compete against the germans.

Will_ - 4/4/2007 8:34:20 PM

+1 Boost

The fact that you two are responding the way you are responding is what indicates that you do not "understand." any yes, I do think I am "superior" (you say superior, I say more rational) to the majority here who blindly attack any and everything not from Europe or by Lexus.

There is no argument to even "win." You think Lexus went overboard, I don't agree. Leave it at that.

jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 8:44:38 PM

-4 Boost

will- fine i will leave it at that, thats what i was trying to say anyway

S4cabriofoxone - 4/4/2007 8:49:01 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

1. I've always liked the IS350. Very classy, yet aggressive. My favorite Lexus sedan by quite a margin.

2. Your superior air is not justified. There is nothing to "understand." I just see you making excuses, even when, at the end, you admit you don't like the vehicle.

3. If the IS-F's bodykit was less dramatic and had a more balanced approach (more subtle, but not too subtle), I can assure you it would get a much better reception... at least from me. I hope you see me as one of the more honest German car fans, because I can say with certainty that I would love the idea of the IS-F if Lexus had executed it better. It looks very rushed.

If you don't see me as an honest car fan, that's fine with me. I myself have noticed my posts becoming less ridiculous and more rational; yours seem to have stagnated. You still see me as one of "them," even when (on numerous occassions) I have defended Lexus.

Will_ - 4/4/2007 8:55:51 PM

+2 Boost

...and then S4cab has to chime in behind another poster to make me out to have a "superior air..."

"I find myself becoming more rational...you have not..."

The characters on this site are comical!

Really, how does anyone detract that I feel "superior" from my initial comment? This is yet another example of a serious problem here on this site. All Lexus fans are made out to have some serious issue about them when in actuality, the accusers are the ones who need to take a look in the mirror. I like Lexus, you can't find any other negative attribute to associate with me, therefore I must feel "superior."

Yeah...

Anthony - 4/4/2007 9:25:45 PM

+5 Boost

Lexus-bashing has gotten totally ridiculous around here. What is even more laughable is Lexus-fan-bashing.

Will, I understand. The posters here trying to force their shallow-minded opinions of their ideas of "tasteless," "unoriginal," etc. on anyone who even remotely shows a positive interest in any Lexus automobile are the ones who do not "understand."

As an unbiased consumer not blinded by the badges on the M3, C63 and RS4, when I look at the IS-F I see a performance car that looks the part. How many people can spot an M3 over a regular 3-Series on the road? Lexus recognized this issue and solved it head-on. Who cares if a bunch of German lapdogs find it less than appealing styling-wise? Did we really expect anything else?

jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 11:00:21 PM

-1 Boost

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.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/5/2007 1:08:38 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

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.

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Will_ - 4/5/2007 12:28:59 PM

+1 Boost

S4 I don't care about you or what you think! Nobody was even talking about you! You were the one yet again sticking your nose into somebody else's conversation to wave your finger. You're nobody's parent! I don't care what Lexus models you particularly decide to like at any given point on any random day! I could not care any less!

Will_ - 4/5/2007 12:32:34 PM

-1 Boost

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.

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answer - 4/5/2007 1:32:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

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.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/5/2007 4:59:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

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

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/5/2007 5:01:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

That's for Will.

Will_ - 4/6/2007 2:01:36 AM

-2 Boost

Don't you mean "worse?"

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Will_ - 4/6/2007 2:03:05 AM

-2 Boost

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*

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twistedneck - 4/6/2007 9:19:15 AM

0 Boost

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

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Will_ - 4/6/2007 10:33:43 AM

0 Boost

Or...

-an education
-common sense
-rationality

S4cabriofoxone - 4/6/2007 12:35:40 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

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

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Will_ - 4/6/2007 8:26:10 PM

-1 Boost

You don't seem to understand that I don't concern myself with such "superior" ideas. I'm not trying to sway anybody else's opinions, just here to share my own.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/8/2007 1:59:21 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

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.

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IS3andME - 4/4/2007 7:03:15 PM

+4 Boost

^^Alec in three days? I seriously would think that the stacked exhausts would look better on a IS-F coupe, because the wheelbase would be shorter, and it would give the backend wide stance, sorta chunky.

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MookGmbH - 4/4/2007 7:17:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+10 Boost

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.

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SupraNeverBack - 4/4/2007 8:31:28 PM

+4 Boost

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.

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jmrA480 - 4/4/2007 11:03:22 PM

-1 Boost

The stacked pipes make the car look worse then it would, but your a ricer so you would like it.

Only a rice lover like you would think the RS4 looks bland, sorry Audi has class and didnt rice it out enough for you.

tom333 - 4/4/2007 9:19:20 PM

+1 Boost

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

RIGHT ON!

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enthusiastx11 - 4/4/2007 9:44:05 PM

0 Boost

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.

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rumnyc - 4/4/2007 10:41:39 PM

+1 Boost

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.

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enthusiastx11 - 4/5/2007 2:37:09 AM

+1 Boost

you hit the nail on the head.

they didn't design the car to be an IS-F when they first designed the IS. that's why it looks aftermarket...it is.

gsh23 - 4/5/2007 12:13:12 AM

+5 Boost

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.

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