we already know IS350 is coming out or is already out that offers same power as our cars. Now they are taking another page from Nissan. Autoweek just informed that new Supra is coming out as early as spring 2006, it will debute at the tokyo auto show in Oct. Furthermore it will sport a 4.0L V6 probably a storked/bored version of their 3.5L V6. And it will cut cost by sharing platform with the IS/GS, just like how the Z is sharing platform with G/M. I think a 4.0L DOHC will probably make 330-350hp when it comes out. I hope Nissan has something down the pipes. G40 and 400Z maybe?

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102996

 

Honestly, I think the IS350 is aiming at the BMW 330. Yeah, the G35 already kicks its ***, but to the public the 330 is still the benchmark.

http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,c...-12001,00.html

Just go there and look at the flash animation that Infiniti has up. Everyone is busy trying to shoot down BMW when for the most part it has already been done, just not recognized. (G35 M35/M45)

 

It COULD launch as soon as spring 2006. I'll believe it when I see it. When the 350Z first came out, Toyota said it might re-release the Supra...aint seen anything yet.

 

man! the supra is my all time favorite

 

Since both our cars and the IS350 are trying to go up vs bmw 3 series. I think the G and IS also end up competiting vs each other. Its kind of inevitable.

and yeah, if they can keep the cost low and put it in the 350Z price range, thats like starting around 26-27k.... With a much more powerful engine, I see trouble ahead for the Z. That is if it does come out soon. well see in October I like competition, it makes everyone work harder and consumers are the winners.

 

IS350 starts at $35,000+ and it weights 3500+lbs. Sounds like it'll be competing with the Mercedes C350 rather than the BMW 330i or G35.

 

I don't think the IS350 nor its coupe is going to have what it takes to satisfy
my driving needs. Toyota cars run too 'perfectly' (sort of) and easy
to control... their 'relentless pursuite of perfection' is too much for me.
it ends up being more like my mom's car.

I need a car that has some rough edges and attitude....and out of the
J-cars, Honda/Nissan does a good job making such driver's car. mazda
tries to imitate but they still suck. (dang, i keep putting down those
pos RX-8's. i have to stop).

 

I think IS350, TL and G will all be cross shopped
and I agree with the assessment, Nissan/infiniti is like bmw, going after the pure driving experience, while toyota/lexus is like Benz, sofisticated and luxurious for old heads.

 

IS competing with the G? come on guys, the G smokes the IS anyday

 

I agree with you but Lexus is attempting to change a little bit. Having owned a GS300 I can tell you that it is not a driver's car. Dead quiet but no personality. I received a mailing the other day from Lexus to expereince a taste of Lexus at a number of tracks around the country. It was by invitation but anyone could go to the site and request a drive. Here's the linky if you wish to go: http://www.tasteoflexus.com/

I have read a few places that they are trying to change to be more of a driver's car. The more, the better.

 

I've alway maintained that if The Supra comes back...The G will be gone. Don't get me wrong if Japan get into another one of those Horepower wars it's going to be good and bad. First price will start to rise as so the HP. Love my G...wouldn't trade it for anything BUT a Supra.

 

I drove one of the first turbo Supra's when they came out and wow it was quick. But it was $46K. That's why it fell on its' collective butt.

 

I dont think they are doing a good job of making a drivers car at all. The new GS has one of the most intrusive electronic nannies ive ever read about...its nuts. It even applies brakes by itself if it thinks you are on the edge...wtf and they call it a SPORT sedan.

 

Even if the Supra does come out.....All infiniti and nissan are going to do is bring the GT-R over here. read in the first post under nissan and infinti....i bet if the supra returns you will see the GT-R over here....

 

The "Supra" is coming out, most likely under the Lexus nameplate from what my friend at Toyota tells me. I've heard rumors of 500hp. I think its going to be a Viper/Z06 competitor . . . I don't think it will be a high-production model like a G or Z. That just doesn't fit in with Toyota's current strategy - I guess a 500hp monster would fit in like a Viper or NSX.

An IS Coupe/Hardtop convertible are certiainly in the works though - I think the brands will stack up like this (Sportiest first):

Infiniti G - BMW 3 - Lexus IS - Mercedes C