Spy Shots: Lexus IS500
The Lexus brand was built on the idea that no segment is sacred, and for too long the German automakers have owned the high-performance entry-level luxury market. The BMW M3, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG, and the Audi S4/RS4 go at each other like Rottweilers fighting over the last piece of Kibble, and now Lexus is planning to stick its snout in the fray with this IS500 seen track testing at the Nurburgring in Germany. The IS500 will be a more potent version of the IS sedan that currently tops out at 306 horsepower in IS350 trim (that's with a 3.5L V6). The photos reveal flared fenders, an aggressive face and oddly stacked quad-tailpipes. According to The Car Connection, the IS500 will probably receive the 4.6-liter V8 from the new Lexus LS460 (wouldn't that make it an IS460?), which would up the power to around 380 horsepower. That's not enough in some cases to compete nose-to-nose with the Germans, but apparently Lexus says it won't get dragged into a horsepower war. We're sure it will find other ways in which to tussle with its German competition.
[Source: The Car Connection]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jsmiles 8:08AM (7/17/2006)
i like it, but i never really liked the is series
Reply
pavster 9:14AM (7/17/2006)
It better have more than 380hp because otherwise, it's just a GS460 with a cramped back seat and crappy ride :)
Reply
bgdc 9:27AM (7/17/2006)
It willprobably still drive like the IS350 - numb, no roadfeel, understeer, lots of body roll. Lexus still doesn't get it. Odds are they'll stuff a crappy manumatic in the car too; if it's anything like the IS350 it will go fast in a straightline and that's what they'll call performance.
Reply
Manolo 9:49AM (7/17/2006)
Why is it immediately assumed this is a manufacturer's car rather than a tuned up version from any if the German tuners that work on Lexi?
Reply
Akeem 9:58AM (7/17/2006)
What type of comment is that '(wouldn't that make it an IS460?)'??? Just look at Mercedes The old C180 diesel had actually a 2.2L turbodiesel engine in it. And what about BMW? 645i with a 4,4L and 760 with 5,9? (I'm not sure about the last one ;))
And of course Lexus won't make it by far with the Germans if they don't upgrade the chassis and stuff like that as well.
Reply
Stone 10:08AM (7/17/2006)
It's not worth it if they don't offer a decent 6 speed transmission.
Reply
Tool 10:35AM (7/17/2006)
Lexus says it won't get dragged into a horsepower war.
Isn't that why you would purchase an M3, C-class AMG or an IS 500?
The formula of gobbs of horsepower, coupled with nimble small car handling is the formula here. If Lexus can't get at least 400 HP, then don't even try.
Reply
Brian 11:09AM (7/17/2006)
If Lexus isn't getting into a horsepower war, why are they stuffing a larger, heavier, more gas-guzzling engine in a car that already can only go fast in a straight line? I have a feeling that a Mustang GT at half the cost would eat it for lunch at the drag strip, so why bother with the big engine if you don't want to brag in your pretentious and annoying-as-hell TV commercials?
I know, they'll claim they're the first to put a V8 into a car and then show a picture of a board room in Germany where everyone is worried. And all the idiots stuck under a rock will eat it up like they always do.
Reply
Hung2 11:21AM (7/17/2006)
#3- Ditto!
Reply
Luis Longo 11:31AM (7/17/2006)
And tears rolled down my eyes...
This a Dream come true,
Lexus LETS BEAT THE HELL OUT OF THOSE STUCK UP GERMANS.
Reply
Art 11:58AM (7/17/2006)
numb eh? I am still planning on looking at/possibly purchasing a lightly used IS250 in about...9 years when I graduate med school, haha. if handling ias as vague as you say, I'll look elsewhere. I don't know why you people don't think Lexus can play ball in this court. It will need a proper 6 speed, but I don't see why Lexus can't take the BMW formula and Japanize it.
Reply
Rich 12:16PM (7/17/2006)
If you've read previous statements they will build cars that's a Lexus not a Lexus that acts like a BMW or Mercedes. By them releasing a tuned IS it will still be a Lexus but with more performance and power and it will be more reliable than any AMG or M product.
Why do people still question the richest and soon to be #1 automaker worldwide. They must be doing soemthing right to be where they're at.
Reply
Rich 12:25PM (7/17/2006)
There are so many people up BMW a$$ that they get clouded when they see and drive one. Part of it is they are good driving machines but they're not god's chariot, they are not even close. If god was to drive a car he wouldn't be driving a BMW he'd probably drive a Prius. Half of BMW owners don't even know how to drive their car and the only reason they have one is to say they have it. They're better off driving a ES350 than a 330i because they'll never drive it 6/10 to it's potential.
Lexus doesn't need to be another BMW they're good at being Lexus.
Reply
Steve 12:49PM (7/17/2006)
"....they will build cars that's a Lexus not a Lexus that acts like a BMW or Mercedes."
Ummm.....that's why the IS model was developed in the first place, wasn't it? They brought that model out to specifically compete with the 3-series (it even had and inline 6!!). Then, they significantly updated it with the IS350 to be able to compete with the 3-series better. Now, they are developing a high performance version to be able to compete with the M3. Very Lexus and un-BMW-and-Mercedes-like indeed.
Reply
kevin 1:20PM (7/17/2006)
maybe if they actually give it a manual transmission.
Reply
Road Tester 2:05PM (7/17/2006)
Looking forward to this. Hopefully, Infiniti will follow this example soon. I just hope that the exhaust will be reserved for the prototype. I looks a little silly.
Reply
jscro 3:22PM (7/17/2006)
Almost any performance oriented rag you read says the same thing about the IS's handling; boring and numb. Until they can fix that, they aren't going to attract the performance oriented driver. Don't get me wrong, plenty of people will still buy this car, but the car itself will still miss the mark. I'm sure, outside of handling, it will be a great car.
Reply
Steve S 3:59PM (7/17/2006)
If the tighten the suspension, allow yuto turn off the electronic nannies and put a freaking manual in it then Lexus mighthave something until then I'll take a M3 or S4 over one any day hell I'd take an underpowered and cheaper RX 8 over one.
Reply
fastlane 5:31PM (7/17/2006)
Ur mustang gt can't even beat the regular IS350, damn Rustang.
Reply
Lions Gate 5:37PM (7/17/2006)
that's because of the VDIM being on, oh by the way they're going to have a on/off button for the 2007 model. Yeah and that's why Toyota's at the top and your sorry ass Ford is at the bottom lmao.
Reply