http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...57/cara_submit

 

http://www.automobilemag.com/future_...008_lexus_isf/

 

Saw this article today. What do you guys think? Will it give the M's & AMG's a run for their money?
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/...o-rival-amg-m/

 

the M's and AMG's will probably have a run for their money.
but my notions are that lexus drivers (especially the LS) are an older group who really doesn't care about performance.
although that could now change....

 

IS-F coupe? hmmm...

 

I doubt that older generation who don't care about peformance will all of the sudden change their minds. I think its more about giving those who are considering an M or AMG another option. I'm not so sure that people will buy into the F division at first. I think its going to take a while to catch on. People who want a luxurious yet highly performance oriented car have always turned to M or AMG...much like its taking Infiniti awhile to really build a loyal clientel.

 

I am not exactly sure what to make of it. A 500hp IS sounds great. But, Lexus isn't exactly known for sporty cars. And, if it looks as bland as the regular IS, I don't know if it will be as hot a car as it could/should be.

I think it will boil down to brand loyalty. BMW and MB Audi have very loyal followers and the M, AMG and R monikers give their respective buyers a product with a higher price tag to show off to their golfing buddies with a healthy dose of performance to go with it. I don't know if Lexus has the same image yet. But, if they don't wimp out and build fast but mushy luxury cruisers, I think it could be a nice alternative to the German cars. I just don't have too much faith in Lexus building a car I can lust after (like an M3/M5/M6).

 

Ditto!

 

I agree. The current IS is extremely bland IMO, and if it continues with it's bland looks, I don't think it will do well against the M or AMG. Both the M and AMG and extremely nice looking vehicles while the IS is so so at best. Just my .02 cents, but I don't think the M or AMG has anything to worry about.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is not mine (too lazy to take pics) but I think it looks great for a sedan.

 

Looks good on paper, competition is never bad. I still would never consider any Lexus over an AMG or an M, but thats just me.

 

The problem with the looks of the IS is not that it's not a nice looking car, but rather that it does not stand out in any way. It's missing a presence that is self-evident in its competitors. It's too Toyota for its own good.

 

Ah. I see your point. I may disagree with you to an extent but I do see your point.

It seems as though many of the competitors in this segment are losing their 'edge.' I think the new 3 is a step backwards and look somewhat plain. Something with the performance of the 335 should show some of what it's capable of. Ditto the new a4. They seem to blend in and I don't notice them as much as I used to just driving around.

I did see the new '07 g sedan in person and I do think that it's the exception to the above (IMHO of course) rule. Very nice looking and it does catch the eye immediately. At least it did mine, being a former owner of 2 g's.

 

I say give Lexus a chance, afterall Toyota/Lexus did built a nice Supra

 

I hope Lexus does create a performance division and that its cars sell well. I have been telling people at my dealership that Infiniti needs a peformance department or division for those who want more performance. Infiniti is sharp enough to see which way the wind is blowing.

I envision an R program for the G35, M45 and FX45. Sell them with much higher peforming engines, better suspensions, upgrades in the brakes and bodywork to set them apart from generic models.

When I said that to an Infiniti salesman 3 years ago, he said, "well, wait for the Skyline GT-R". I told him that that particular model was just too expensive. I said that there should be a performance variant for each model much like BMW or Mercedes do. He looked at me like I was off my rocker.

I would have loved to see Infiniti stuff the Q45 motor into a G Coupe or Sedan, not the heavier M version. That would be a quick and dirty way to counter the Lexus IS 500 or BMW M3. Hopefully, Infiniti will take notice.