TopGear tests the Lexus IS-F

Sounds like an IS-F ad. Nothing notable!

— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 9:44:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -11   

Here's your EVO article:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/211992/lexus_isf.html

— Ingenieur (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 1:08:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

^^LOL. He got OWNED... LMAO.

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 1:11:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

You DO realize that nobody in their right mind is going to say it beats the M3 or the M3 beats the IS-F.

First of all, define what a "Better" car is for ANY single person looking to buy these cars. I bet that you won't be able to satisfy all the people. Secondly, someone would like the IS-F over the M3 because it fits their needs/expectations better so, they'll think the IS-F is better than M3. Same is true the other way around.

Remember, numbers don't mean much when they're this close to each other. So, anybody that is a true enthusiasts wouldn't give crap for a 0.2 sec difference in 0-60mph test. <-- One example of many!

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 1:45:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

at first I doubted the car but I'm convinced that this does actually compete with the Germans even if it does not match them in all respects. good job Lexus. I'm guessing this would come in a few grand cheaper than the m3 when m3 is properly equipped cause the isf does come with more standard features. but at the price of these cars a few grand here and there does not really matter so many would opt for the bmw because it has been proven time and time again. there is still some hope for Lexus there are many loyal toyota customers that would never buy anything other than a toyota/lex and others who might find this car a perfect balance between performance and luxury. this turned out to be a great car for there first effort!

— zairnaim (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 10:15:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

The only fly in the oinment is the lack of a true shift yourself manual.

— andy82471 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 10:23:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I smell flame war.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 10:29:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I'd recommend three things:

1. restyled hood
2. stick shift option
3. loose faux quad tailpipes

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 10:43:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Sounds fair. He still raves that the Germans pretty much own the market and that nothing less would be expected of Lexus trying to nudge in. And he exemplifies that by stating that they did not just make a car to sorta almost match what the Germans have. They have made a true competitor from dead scratch.

Germans have had their legacies in this market and for Lexus to even contemplate then build such a car that is a complete 180 from what they normally make is a HUGE undertaking. So whether your a German or Lexus fan, you have to give respect where it's due. It may not have the finesse styling of the other said cars, but that's what puts it apart from the others.

Those who call it a rice-rocket or similar have no leg to stand on. This is not your 93 Civic hatch dropped with no camber correction and some rickety turbo system to give it 300hp. This is a straight up track machine that is up to the task of playing with the big boys.

Can't wait for a full review of the MB, BMW, Audi and this. Should be a kicker.

And of course your going to see more written about the Lexus. The others are pretty much updates with tuning and tweaking here and there. The Lex is the brand new car that has no past in this segment and therefore it will be covered more.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 10:48:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

"Only exceptional really describes accurately what it is, because the rest of the range is as interesting as a blank sheet of paper next to the IS-F. This car is very interesting indeed."

LOL.

A very positive review.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 10:53:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I am sure the vehicle is good. I dont think too many people would complain if they had one, but for me, it is the styling I cant get over.

— 2ndbimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 10:54:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

"It's why their cars don't squeak or creak. It's why nothing ever comes loose or falls off. It's also why they are generally bland to drive. All of the emotion, the stuff that creates character that can't be measured and replicated exactly, is replaced by cold, solidly reliable efficiency. A dishwasher has more soul."

So well said.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 11:24:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

didnt know cars had soul! :)LMAO! my 330ci was fun to drive but so is my g35 coupe and my clk 500 with the pillarless windows!

— jahrha (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 11:46:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

he liked the car and still had this to say:

"Where my keep-it-simple plan falls apart, is when a company like Lexus, which has only ever made brilliantly built but dull cars, produces something like the IS-F."

1500 cars that are NOTHING like all the other lexus doesn't change the fact that they make 300,000 boring cars a year.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 11:47:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Lexus makes great cars, it looks like the IS-F is the first exciting Lexus to drive. Three cheers! Now if it were not so so UGLY.

— lyonboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 12:11:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

He mentions poor gas mileage...I don't think it's that bad when comparing it to my G37 that has a 20 gallon tank and if im doing moderate spirited driving I will be empty at 270 miles.

I give a lot of credit to the inline 6 cylinder BMW engines for fuel efficiency. With a 16 gallon tank, I never used to run out under 300 miles and with normal driving I'd go as far as 400 miles.

— SHOWTIME (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 12:12:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

My buddy has an 04 325ci 5spd. and the thing sucks gas at almost the same rate as a Hummer. He can fill it up and not even break 300 per tank. It's insane.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 12:18:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

"It doesn't just move the car, it sends a death threat to the rear tyres every time you get on the throttle in a hurry. Can't say for sure, but it feels more severe than an RS4, which is saying something."

LOL. I laughed hard at the first sentence. Good review! They've acknowledged the same thing that I've been trying to say for the last 10 threads about the IS-F... It's their 1st time and they've made a very good car! The future models will only be BETTER.

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 1:22:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The IS-F is a really nice car.

— bmwfan1513 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 4:34:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Would be nice to know who exactly gave the review. Obviously the reviewer liked the IS-F and nothing wrong with that.

The review did not say it killed its Uber competitors but that it was a fun car that competes well in the segment. So whats the fuss about?

— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 2/1/2008 5:50:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Rosko2,

"Since we were coming after the M3, there were numerical targets we had to hit.”

Where did it say they took apart the BMW, BTW when the original Lexus LS400 came out, it was definuetly know at the time that BMW took apart the Lexus in order to fidn out how to buiold quality. BTW the, 7 series at the time was shite, thirsty, ugly and bad quality!! all it had was the name..


Explain this, in the last 5 years why have alot of the German cars gone for the Asian style slanty headlights.. ?? They copied the Toyotas and Hondas..

Audi have an image of quality nd good build.. but is it ? where are they in the quality surveys in say the last 15 years?? Answer no where.. only BMW maneges to squeeze into the top 15.. It's about marketing and hype and Audi are certainly good at it.. but they are on the right track with quality since all new cars are getting better and better..

— mpls (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 9:17:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

It's nice that a company has "heritage and experience". However that doesn't make others with up and coming heritage and experience less notable. In fact in a competitive environment a feeling of content is dangerous. This idea applies just about to any other industry, company and even individuals. For example, if you're the new person in your place of work you'll probably start lower in the rank (unless you apply for the CEO/management position, but that's besides the point) than some peer group who's been in the company before you. If you in your company strive to work harder/better and build your reputuation, knowledge, experience, image, etc that will perhaps land you the promotion over your peers who have joined your company before you, will you not believe you can achieve this? Whether or not you believe YOU can be achieve it, it happens all the time for others who believe. Things can change and they do change. In industry, corporations, and individuals every day. Look around yourself for ideas.

— nextGen (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 10:41:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

cptamazing..

So you want them to buy Gerrman ? I've seen all you posts.. you are a German car fan through and through.. so it says alot about your credibilty...

You understand very little about global competition and have not idea that all car companies have designers from a variety of countries from all races..

— mpls (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 12:29:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Things this car needs to move into M3/C63/RS4 catagory:

LF-A Roadster type sport interior, IS-F int is too bland
6/7 Spd Trans (if Auto) or Manual 6 Spd, 8 gears is too much
Body cladding gives it character, but the pipes gotta go

— NorCalBMW (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:15:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

So it's a very good car then, this ISF. Good to hear.

— farabira1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 4:13:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

"When I collected the car the onboard computer said the average mpg was 16 and I just assumed that it had been sitting in traffic for ages. But when I took it back it said 14, which is rubbish. Toyota's going to have to sell a lot of Priuses to compensate for every one of these."

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 4:55:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I love German cars, but the LEXUS IS-F (yes it deserves capitals) is a magnificent looking car. The m3 is boring, and in australia $25000 (22,579 US) more expensive that the IS-F. Plus the IS-F is better made and very reliable as it is made by LEXUS.

— DD0007 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 6:20:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Well just to clarify to F stand for Fugiand more specifically the Fuji Speedway – home to last year's Japanese Grand Prix – and the factory nearby which has just borne the hottest road car Lexus has ever built.

Also its Price 10k cheaper than M3 at $51,000. Also it's better equipped than its rivals. In fact, the only entry on the options list is an £800 sunroof, and it is the only one to offer adaptive cruise control and a pre-crash safety system.

Highlights include touch-screen sat-nav, rear parking monitor, Bluetooth and a 14 speaker Mark Levinson audio system; keyless entry, electric folding door mirrors, full leather trim with electric seats, bright high-intensity discharge headlights and bespoke 19-inch alloys.

Hope this extra in fo helps

— AmA_5K (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2008 5:39:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2