Lexus IS-F Racer is a rebadged,reworked 2004 Opel Vectra DTM car.

speedmaster submitted on 01/21/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 6:36 PM
from: www.autobild.de

[109] user comments | category: New Cars

Tags: Lexus IS-F Opel Vecrta

Lexus IS-F Opel Vecrta

According to Autobild, the IS-F Racer making the rounds at the Tokyo Auto Salon is not a Lexus. In fact, it is a Opel DTM Vectra (Think Chevy Malibu/Saturn Aura). Even the engine is not a Lexus V-8 but that of an Opel. Now, this is common practice in NASCAR where the racers have no semblance to their production street models. However, one would assume that Lexus would shoe-horn their V-8 into the Opel Chassis. No word or comment from Lexus at the Tokyo Auto Salon
Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

Htay7500 - 1/22/2008 10:43:49 AM

+13 Boost

um, ok.

reply to this comment

kpaxx - 1/22/2008 10:53:36 AM

-9 Boost

Toyota racing is a Joke!

reply to this comment

Hyundai - 1/22/2008 2:58:22 PM

+13 Boost

Rosko, minus juan.

farabira1 - 1/22/2008 11:17:12 AM

-4 Boost

This is total crap. I mean how low can german auto journalists get nowadays. They are always biased toward german brands when it comes to car tests and look at what they are doing now, claiming such an outrageous proposition without any real solid evidence. This is quite stupendously absurd, a total sabotage, a henious and vile act. I thought that Germans were liberal and open minded, the people for globalization (Germany is the main force behind the formation of EU) i never thought that they have such small heart that they are getting so jealous from just the fact that a foreign company is competing in competing in their stupid GP motor racing they they give it back to the intruders by denigrating them; okay my above claim is also an asumption, so don't read too much into it, but seriously how can autobild make such claim without a confirmed evidence.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 1/22/2008 11:20:34 AM

+5 Boost

I feel your pain :-(

Agent009 - 1/22/2008 11:28:22 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

I have to agree the German press is VERY opinionated, but Lexus should have know better and removed the engine, that was inviting bad press.

EL34 - 1/22/2008 11:19:25 AM

+9 Boost

If I remember right, I believe Opel is a German car!!!

:-D lol

reply to this comment

M35MT - 1/23/2008 11:36:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Platform sharing w/ GM...?

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/22/2008 12:25:57 PM

+21 Boost

Ah, racism

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 1/22/2008 11:25:13 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

It seems they would at least have their own engine it the vehicle or at least none at all.

reply to this comment

w209w114 - 1/22/2008 11:58:19 AMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

Lets go to the previous original post and re-paste the comments from our fav Lexus fanboys here. Then we can start laughing.

BTW havent you noticed how quiet it is here? Where did they all go? LOL Suckers, first they stand behind Toyota then they go believeing everything they are told. This is utterly sad and embarrasing for Lexus. I could care less for them given who they are and what they stand behind.

reply to this comment

w209w114 - 1/22/2008 12:10:52 PMView My AgentSpace

-8 Boost

Rosko,

Below is your original comment that U GOT DEBOOSTED 20 TIMES ON!!!!!

"Ahahahahahahah!

ROFLMAO!!!!

Ahahahahahhaaaaaaa!

Jesus it looks so retarded! I'm sorry but the IS-F has not even been compared yet to the benchmarks and now Lexus is already releasing a racing version!? What for? To get their ass kicked? A glutton for punishment!"

A lot of people are going to be swallowing their words and feeling retarded right by now dont u think?

reply to this comment

w209w114 - 1/22/2008 11:52:15 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I knew it!!! Toyota has always liked to ripoff German cars. These news make it official. Remember that Opel is German, not Japanese or anything closely related to Toyota.

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 1/22/2008 11:56:02 AM

+3 Boost

true but, not all toyotas are german knockoffs. alphard, LC, so to speak.

Htay7500 - 1/22/2008 12:08:05 PM

-1 Boost

I agree, some of their products sold in the US are bland, which is why Im not a big fan of US-only cars from foreign automakrs.

Htay7500 - 1/22/2008 12:12:19 PM

+1 Boost

just to let you know:

mark x-GS

crown - LS (?)

w209w114 - 1/22/2008 12:24:42 PMView My AgentSpace

-6 Boost

I wonder how much the Toyota Mark X (Lexus GS) would be worth in American if it didnt have the lexus badge... You could actually determine what profit they are making of the BADGE itself, and not the car. This would be interesting.

w209w114 - 1/22/2008 12:26:47 PMView My AgentSpace

-7 Boost

And then they call me crazy or deboost me because I ask those fundamental questions while most of you choose to ignore reality.

Htay7500 - 1/22/2008 12:30:29 PM

+6 Boost

rosko: its called the MPV, which is discontinued here because of sales from the odyessy and sienna.

w209: same thought here, infact, most toyotas in the JDM have some of their own unique badges. quite interesting.

1995e34 - 1/22/2008 12:03:24 PM

-3 Boost

very amusing. i hope they make their own race car some day. isn't this automotive plagiarism?

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 1/22/2008 12:14:11 PM

-1 Boost

when you consider the chinese knockoffs, this is probably something else.

Htay7500 - 1/22/2008 12:24:45 PM

-1 Boost

*but this is called something else.

w209w114 - 1/22/2008 12:22:48 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Yeah Keep telling yourself that!!! LOL you all live in lala lexus land anyway like Rosko said, -1 FOR U!

reply to this comment

answer - 1/22/2008 1:32:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

You guys know the entire concept of boosting/de-boosting means the whole "+1" crap is not needed right?

reply to this comment

answer - 1/22/2008 12:43:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Another Lexus success!

The entire IS-F race car project was created just so Rosko and w209w114 could have a fun day boosting each other's lame comments.

Enjoy it guys!

reply to this comment

speedmaster - 1/22/2008 1:08:33 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

As the guy who posted this story, I have some follow up.

Sure, it sounds kinda lame of Toyota but there is a plausible explanation.
First of all, the DTM series is pretty strict with their specs and for Toyota to have a DTM racer certified would be crazy expensive.
Secondly, in the article, Toyota mentioned they wanted to be on stand-by; ready to roll and enter races when they are admitted into the series. This would be the quickest
and cheapest way to go about it.
Lastly, this is mostly concept. They still have 2-3 years to actually enter their racer with Toyota technology/product.

However, I still think it is ridiculous they didn't attempt to put a Toyota engine in the racer.

reply to this comment

w209w114 - 1/22/2008 1:08:57 PMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

Any day in which any company is rightfully exposed as the fraud it is makes a fun day for me Answer(to the question nobody asked) I will enjoy it thanks.

reply to this comment

answer - 1/22/2008 1:30:16 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

You're right.

This supposedly fake race-car mock-up totally negates every positive thing Lexus has produced or accomplished.

I'm sure by week's end every single Lexus dealership will have its doors permantely closed.

speedmaster - 1/22/2008 1:17:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

from another site. This reader has good commentary:

Autobild is one of the largest printcar magazines in the world with 600,000magazines sold every week, it is published in 30 languages weekly..

why Toyota/Lexus did it? To show that they possible race 2010 the DTM, buying a used DTM racer adding a carbon siluet of a other car is much cheaper as to develop a complet fully working concept car.. next to that they can check if they fit into the regulations of DTM.

Ask yourself why a japanese concept race car has the driver on the wrong side..
the fuel opening on the wrong side
sits on old German ATS rims from 2004

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/is-f-racing.jpg
at this picture you can id the yellow ATS logo on the rims..

according to www.motorsport-total.com the Lexus IS-F concept race car shown at Tokyo was fitted with "used" DTM standart race brakes were you still could ID the DTM logo which is the same on all DTM race cars.

according to www.speed-magazine.de Toyota has officle bought the 2004 DTM Vectra from Opel... and from there it went to TRD in Japan.

here is a 1/3of a 2004 DTM Vectra race car..pretty easy to model a different look to such parts... without changing a single screw at the chassie..

http://www.dtm.com/fotos/83/2004-04-30-064.jpg

reply to this comment

autopro - 1/22/2008 1:20:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

As long as they win in the lexus name that's all I care about!

reply to this comment

IS3andME - 1/22/2008 1:57:29 PM

+7 Boost

Damn, let the hate spread...Come on, it would be easier to put fender fares and such and make a Lexus race car, than to take apart and Make a Lex/Opel kit car, I mean race car. And common sense would tell you that DTM rules state that the cars have to be production based, and last time I checked, there is no Opel/Lex car, nor can one rebadge another makes car.

And Lexus wouldn't stoop that low, come on, they are producing a high end sports car that will go up against the likes of Aston, Porsche, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Doing something like like rumored above would be suicide.

Again...Don't Down them, Crown them. You know if people are hatin', that means you are doing something right, the more Lexus meaets their goals, the more you guys hate, a direct corollation, wouldn't you say?

reply to this comment

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/22/2008 2:34:38 PM

-5 Boost

Keep drinking that kool-aid

MaindrianPace - 1/23/2008 11:42:53 AM

+1 Boost

I'm not hating, but DTM rules dont state that they have to base the DTM racer off a production car at all.

STJ88 - 1/22/2008 2:52:22 PM

+8 Boost

Rosko+idiot.

Now thats what i want to hear.

reply to this comment

Hyundai - 1/22/2008 3:00:32 PM

+10 Boost

Go back to gheyberry Rosko. I would like a source on STJ88 being Ghey Prince of San Francisco or WORK.

Source or work. Is that so hard to ask?

Minus Juan Million for you.

autopro - 1/22/2008 3:30:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

Don't have a mental fight with ratco he's unarmed.

STJ88 - 1/22/2008 4:00:43 PM

+7 Boost

@Rosko

Sorry i'm from europe never been in San Francisco. And maybe your the hater prince of the place where ever your from.

reply to this comment

Boosteroo - 1/22/2008 5:10:22 PM

+11 Boost

@ rosco (-43) and w209w114 (-39),

because even autospies needs a system of checks & balances.

now deboost on that you loud mouth clowns!

reply to this comment

stash84 - 1/22/2008 6:08:58 PM

0 Boost

its funny that this article is about lexus yet its infested with german bandwagoneers making lame comments about heritage, soul..bs..etc. LEXUS MAKES BETTER LUXURY CARS THAN BMW. They just do. JUST LOOK AT THE INTERIORS AND MATERIALS USED...Nav systems on bmw are a JOKE (worthless). Lexus/Toyota engines last longer. Its a fact. I could care less about what theyre involved in as far as racing. Im an adult. I dont race around town in my used m3 or my boosted 335i (that has 2 years left before the engine goes). Look how happy you fools get when something negative is presented about lexus..its like you found a pot of gold. The most ridiculous part about it all is that YOU ARE HATING A PARTICULAR COMPANY..WHAT IDIOTS !!!! That doesnt even make sense. I hate certain cars because I think theyre ugly but AN ENTIRE BADGE !!??!!

That is what truly makes a fanboy (badgewhore), when you dont base your opinion on what you really think and you follow others.

continue on robots..

reply to this comment

huntr - 1/22/2008 7:16:52 PM

+2 Boost

Hey Stash, I have a question for you. Being that I have been a Toyota and a BMW technician, I would like to ask you what makes you think a Lexus engine will last longer than a BMW? BMW makes a mighty fine smooth engine and BMW has won lots of international engine awards. If you look back a couple of years, BMW won six out of the twelve catagories. I am not saying that Lexus does not make a good engine, but who else puts a counter balance on the crank on every cylinder? You can only do this with certain engine designs such as an inline six. Furtermore as far as interior quality is concerned, have you felt the difference in the Leather upholstery, the Lexus has very soft elegant THIN leather. This leather feels great but it will not last very long i.e.; it will crack and tear quite quickly. BMW's standard leather is not as soft but much thicker and longer lasting. If you want a soft leather in a BMW, they offer Merino leather on some models and this comes from a select herd of cattle that are not near barbed wire or biting insects (how they pull that off I do not know). This leather is super soft and is long lasting. As far as other materials, next time you are in a Lexus, feel the plastics, see how much wear is on the door and window switches, the materials are not quite as good. Then look at the exterior chrome plated plastic, feel how hard and brittle it is and ask yourself if it is truly top notch. Now I am not saying that a Lexus is not a good car they are for sure, just a bit different and I would not even think for a minute that thier engines are as good or even better... not a chance!! Oh and one more thing DRIVE both cars, put them into a corner,accident avoidance maneuver,or heavy braking and you will see and feel a difference!! And yes you do have a good point about the electronics on an asian car, they have very good electronics,they will cram every gizmo and gadget they can into the interior to keep you entertained, the entertainment in a BMW is the DRIVE!! I hope all of you have a great day!!

stash84 - 1/23/2008 10:39:14 AM

-1 Boost

the main idea of my comment is that this particular article is about lexus and these clown come in here bashing lexus as a company. its different to say, "i hate the audi tt because it looks like a deformed egg", or "the es 350 is an overpriced camry", etc, etc..but when they just hate on one particular brand, its obvious that are truly about what badge a car has. as for me, i wouldnt drive a 3 series because i think its hideous, but id take a 5 series anyday, especially if its equipped with a v8 tt (like ive heard may be a possibility in the new m5), i dont particularly like audis but i love their interiors, and of course the r8 and the the rs4.

as for the engines lasting longer, i still believe they do (for the most part)..especially when you compare na to turbocharged cars. obviously, you have more knowledge about the actual build and if you say that bmws have an optional leather that is great, im all for it, but when i sit in ANY bmw, the interior overall just looks cheesy, like it belongs in a "non-luxury" car. if the materials used are better, why does it still look cheap? from experience, i know that a bmw drives better than a lexus if you want to take turns etc. im not ignorant but thats obviously not how lexus designs their cars. i give credit where credit is due, but if you read the comments that rosco and his boyfriends put, youll understand more about why i commented on it. THEY HATE one particular brand??!!??? Im wondering why you didnt comment on that.

LexSucks - 1/23/2008 4:07:55 PM

+1 Boost

Stash84,

I don't understand. Why is it not OK to not like a brand (or company) as a whole? I don’t like Lexus and a brand and there isn’t anything wrong with that. The reason why I don’t like Lexus (as a brand) is because they do not have a single car that I like. So therefore I don’t like Lexus as a whole. Is that OK?

I’m not saying that Lexus cannot build a vehicle that I would like but up until today they have not. I wanted to like the SC400 (back in the early nineties) But that thing looked like a shoe IMO. I drooled at pics of the Toyota Alteeza from japan. But when that car made it to the US as the IS300 it wasn’t anything special. The IS350 was first released without a defeat able traction control (which is a terminal offence IMO). And when they did make the traction control defeat able, the IS350 still lagged behind the top of the class. I’ve given Lexus every opportunity to deliver and IMO, they haven’t.

stash84 - 1/23/2008 5:56:02 PM

+1 Boost

"without a defeat able traction control (which is a terminal offence IMO)"

first of all, im not about smoking my tires..maybe thats what you look for in a car..but not everyone...that does nothing for me

how could the is350 lag in its class if in 2006 it beat the 330 by almost a second 0-60?, also had more torque/acceleration overall..and as far as interior and exterior, the 350 was MUCH better looking than the 330. even today, who has a faster na v6 sedan? cadi-v? i really dont know. im asking..i didnt even see 1 of your comments on this article but im sure you have hated on lexus in the past, your username says it all.
maybe none of their cars appeal to you..but if you read the comments above..u might understand how ridiculous it sounds to try to bash a "potential" racing team just because you wouldnt buy the cars that the company that is backing them produce...even bashing lexus because none of their cars appeal to you is ridiculous..its a corporation..lol
personally, i care a lot about the aesthetics, acceleration, and the electronics/interior in a car, thats why id prefer a lexus over anything else in my price range. if i wanted a sports car that handled great, id get a porsche tt, not a bmw. thats just my honest opinion and i appreciate yours..but just because they are not made for people like you, doesnt mean that they suck. I know very well that bmws dont suck (performance), but i can also tell you that they are not for me, id rather NOT have the handling and have a much nicer looking ride that appeals to me

LexSucks - 1/23/2008 8:03:52 PM

+1 Boost

Please tell me that you don't think that the only reason to turn off the traction control is to spin the tires?

There are times when I'm driving in the snow and the traction control prevents the car from moving an inch. Turning off the traction control gives me the ability to fish-tail out of there. The Lexus without a defeatable traction control would be stuck at that point.

And I disagree with you big time in regards to the IS350's interior. You ever see the cheap looking little digital clock underneath the IS350's radio? It's the the same kind of little key chain clock that you can get in the dollar stores complete with the 2 rubber buttons to set it. It really looks cheap. Then there's the power window buttons, the same exact buttons from the Camry. The IS350's interior is the equivalent to a Camry interior in regards to quality. Lexus masks that by using darker plastics for the radio. The IS350's interior also doesn't have any type of dash trim. The area in front of the passenger compartment (above the glovebox) is the greatest expanse of unused plastics since the 350z. I do like the IS350's door panels and gauges. But that's it, the rest of the interior looks like a Toyota interior to me.

The BMW interiors have taken a step backwards IMO, but they still use plastics that look higher in quality than the IS350's. I'll admit, The IS350 does have looking gauges than the BMW.

LexSucks - 1/23/2008 8:06:38 PM

0 Boost

I meant to say: The IS350 does have cooler looking gauges than the BMW.

stash84 - 1/24/2008 1:06:30 PM

+1 Boost

i dont have much else left to say except :

it doesnt snow in miami, so ive never had to deal with that problem..but my car has a button that says "snow" lol..

speedmaster - 1/22/2008 6:47:04 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The problem is people get over arms about this because Lexus has been very disgenuine about it. This is reflective of their corporate culture.

They've been 'marketing' this as some fantasy. They have marketing material that actually says it was designed by rogue designers working in the auspice of secrecy and yada yada.
Give me a freaking break. It sounds like Steve Jobs and Steve Woz in their Palo Alto basement. No, it was a rogue; underground project. The whole "F" thing was derived from their
previous L-Tune division. L-Tuned flopped so they now call it "F" series for Fast. They sometimes mix up and can't get their story correct so they say it is derived from the code-name project of the original LS400.
Either way, it sounds like a whole lot of crock.

The leade architect then goes out in full "stig" racing regalia and makes some pompous speeches to the press. They were simply asking for trouble.

I am not saying the car is a dud but those fake exhaust stacks and the whole "F" thing is a lot of fluff in my mind.

reply to this comment

Boosteroo - 1/22/2008 6:52:23 PM

+8 Boost

I think he meant that he did your sister's car at the annual prison inmate car wash.

Since it was the one day he was allowed out of the yard, he remebered it.

btw, he left spots!

reply to this comment

huu76 - 1/22/2008 6:54:25 PM

+3 Boost

Did anyone translate the webpage?

It says the rebadged Opel basically means Lexus won't be ready to enter a car until 2010, and that car is to give them the option to enter sooner if they want.

It may matter if you care. From the sounds of it, DTM is Europe's Nascar minus the money (and it sounds like you're only allowed to use cars from 3 manufacturers, Opel being one of them). See this section if you can clarify what it means. "Audi joins DTM in 2004"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsche_Tourenwagen_Masters

reply to this comment

MaindrianPace - 1/23/2008 4:24:44 AM

+3 Boost

You're almost right.

The engines are not clones, they merely have to conform to a certain configuration, much like F1 engines. The chassis design is also largely pre-determined in dimensions and layout. Some parts are Identical across all cars because it's enforced that all teams have to buy the some of the same parts from the same place. The engines are restricted to all produce the same power output, but you can still tune the engines to deliver power in different ways, revvy/torquey etc... the Aero kit is also basically standard and all cars are checked to ensure that the same amount of downforce is produced by each car.

I for one would welcome another manufacturer to DTM, I quite enjoy the sport (Audi hissy-fits aside)and would love to see another marquee challenging for victory - IF ONLY lexus had picked a more competitive base car!!!! Opel got HAMMERED by Audi and Merc in '04!!

stash84 - 1/23/2008 10:44:21 AM

0 Boost

so, in other words, lexus took the easy way into the race for now, and by 2010 they will be actually racing a toyota?

MaindrianPace - 1/23/2008 11:48:27 AM

+1 Boost

Maybe, as far as I know they haven't been announced in DTM officially yet.

Aside from making Lexus look like liars this is no biggy really, I doubt it was Opel that built the race car in the first place, they may have spec'd it and paid for it, but alot of the time these cars are built by seperate companies (Like HWA for Merc AMG (i think)).

Like I say, I'd like it if Lexus entered DTM. I'd LOVE IT if BMW entered!

supermoto - 1/22/2008 7:32:57 PM

-4 Boost

Too funny! Maybe the Lexus IS-Fugly should be a re-badged M3!!!!

reply to this comment

olscuul - 1/22/2008 8:54:39 PM

-1 Boost

blood in the water!
i'm not a lexus hater but this is too good to pass up.
2004 results audi 168 pts, merc 164, opel 58.
i'll bet the guy who bought it told his boss he got a screamin' deal on a state of the art racer.

reply to this comment

olscuul - 1/22/2008 9:08:59 PM

0 Boost

In der DTM sind nur V8-Motoren mit einem Zylinderbankwinkel von 90 Grad, maximal vier Liter Hubraum und maximal vier Ventilen pro Zylinder zugelassen. ... Die Leistung eines DTM-Triebwerks liegt bei rund 470 PS.

translation: v8-4 liters-90 degree angle, 4 valves per cylinder. power 'around' 470 PS.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 1/22/2008 9:56:31 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Who cares?

Why is this such a bad thing? It's been done before.

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 1/23/2008 9:29:13 AM

-6 Boost

+ 1 for you

reply to this comment

stash84 - 1/23/2008 11:54:25 AM

+4 Boost

no, deboosting means that we dont agree, and from what i see, most dont agree with your opinion..

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 1/23/2008 1:17:01 PM

+4 Boost

Most people here are blind Lexus-Loving Lunatics. Say anything derogatory about Lexus and it will get de-boosted.

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 1/23/2008 9:28:18 AM

-7 Boost

Lexus fans seem to be launching an attack. LOL!.

This is funny. Lexus is exposed as a fraud and folks here are still defending them. Talk about blind-fanboy'ism. This is great.

reply to this comment

TheSailor - 1/23/2008 12:33:06 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

As somebody already mentioned, DTM-cars are all very much alike. The only difference is the appearance of the cars...

There is nothing wrong with this. The only problem is that Lexus starts out with a platform which is four years behind the competitors when it comes to development... And the Opel racers wasn't really competitive back in the days, so this can only be an effort to be present in DTM if Lexus decides to race.

reply to this comment

krackerhatesme - 1/23/2008 2:12:11 PM

0 Boost

This is like a middle eastern lexus haters pow wow. All the rabid haters are gathered around a remnant of a burning tire from a freshly bombed out hi-lux. Check it out its still smoldering. An insignificant find if you can even call it that - all of the sudden this will cause the demise of Lexus or even Toyota. Rebadging happens from Opel to Holden to Saturn or Pontiac for GM and don't forget Toyota Matrix is rabadged as a Pontiac Vibe just like Ford makes Mazda pickup or Dodge makes the Raider for Mitsubishi. The Neons used to have Mitsu motors! Geo back when it was still alive was a rebadged corolla. Ford uses toyota technology for some of its hybrid. These companies have shared agreements - they share cost for research. GM made S10 versions for Isuzu while Isuzu researches diesel technologies with Toyota. If Toyota rebadges its line to Lexus then what does that say about Ford and Lincoln or GM and Cadi? If Lexus is such a bad company then it will be the consumers that will decide. Don't get me wrong I would rather have an M3 over an IS-F. If Lexus actually raced this rebadged car then claimed it to be a Lexus then we have a case.

reply to this comment

stash84 - 1/23/2008 3:28:15 PM

0 Boost

do u base that on looks alone or have u driven the isf?

Targa - 1/23/2008 2:47:44 PM

+2 Boost

Personally, I find this to be a big deal. Why stick an engine in from another manufacturer in your car? Not smart. Perception is huge and no matter the reason, this will be perceived badly.

Not a great move.

reply to this comment

Targa - 1/23/2008 2:48:35 PM

-1 Boost

I also meant to add, that if BMW, Merc, or Audi had done something similar the Lexus fans would be jumping all over this

krackerhatesme - 1/23/2008 4:36:18 PM

+3 Boost

I have not driven the IS-F. So I can't make my judgement based on driving it. For now I would be biased towards an M3. I have driven the regular IS and an M3 - not on track just out for a drive like a regular person. Lexus built the ISF to compete with the M series. - So to the Lexus haters - this will not have a ripple on what Lexus/Toyota has built. If you feel threatened by this company that means its doing something great. I like car companies that create great cars. Are there people who hate the Lotus Elise for stuffing a Toyota Celica engine? Wheres the complaint on Lotus?

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/information/press/magazine/magazine2005/engine.jpg

Anthony - 1/23/2008 3:45:04 PM

+4 Boost

Lexus wanted a DTM racer as advertising for the new IS-F. They saved money on the development of their own car by reskinning an already-proven racer, with permission. Seeing it race around a track will get people to see the actual IS-F, which IS the handiwork of Lexus, and put real money down.

Personally, I think this is crap, but Toyota/Lexus is as successful as they are today through some of the smartest and cost-effective business/marketing strategies the world has ever seen.

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 1/24/2008 9:36:38 AM

+2 Boost

"smartest and cost-effective business/marketing strategies the world has ever seen."

- It's called deception.

speedmaster - 1/23/2008 4:36:27 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

First it was crap story; ad homenin attacks on Autobild.
Comments like: "Lexus wouldn't do something that stupid"
They failed to read between the lines and accept it for what it was. Blinde zealotry along with boost and deboost.
They defenders claim that it was a pious attack on the brand and it's core credibility.

Then came the acceptance. I suppose they did some follow-up research and google to see that the story has been corraborated.

Upon the acceptance, came the spin. The spin came in full thrust.

Then came "It doesn't matter" They all do it in DTM. "Everyone rebadges" They wanted to be ready for the races if they needed.

Take a position already. I said from the get-go this is what they do in NASCAR. It was funny to see myself get deboosted to -4 because the Lexus hater didn't like it then when they realize
it was true, I went back to positive territory. For chrissakes, read the entire posts before making an assumption.

There are some fishy aspects to this story but the fact remains. No matter what the spin is now.

reply to this comment

JTRacer - 1/25/2008 5:21:47 PM

+1 Boost

Smart move.. Lexus knows you just cant race a pig of a car like the production IS-F.. HAHAHHAHAHAAHAH

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

	speedmaster Current Rides: 2007 Range Rover Sport 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, restored.
	View My AgentSpace