new IS 350 concept! cant wait to see it

This factory performance parts thing for BMW and Lexus could be a way to deal with the CAFE increase. The “production” car from them would be conservatively tuned to acheive high MPG. Then, you add factory performance parts that aggresively tune the car for high HP.

bunch of copy cats

In Europe Lexus is not seen as a direct competitor to the BMW and Mercedes. Maybe by the people who sell them, but not by the target public. Hell, even Audi has to struggle to reach the level their holding now, which still is a few steps below the big 2.

At least Toy is trying to be more exciting….unfortunately this Lexus does not look too good. I’m curious to see a M3 vs IS-F comparo by Motor Trend or someone.

Wouldnt it have been better to release a true luxury sports sedan (IS-F) or sports car BEFORE offering performance parts? Lexus isnt a brand people think of when looking for a performance sedan/coupe. Lexus hasn’t proven itself in this area when it comes to mass producing luxury sports sedans.

The reason performance parts work for MB, BMW and Audi is because they are parts brought down from their performance division for the regular line of cars. If Lexus wants to get into this market they should produce a line of cars from a separate performance division. This would be similar to MB’s AMG, BMW’s M or Audi’s RS. Toyotas TRD doesn’t count since they do not mass produce any cars for the public – its not a proven, trusted name for mass produced parts – at least not from the general public point of view.

People arent going to put their money behind Lexus performance parts if Lexus isnt willing to put its money behind a true performance division & line of high end performance cars. Lexus performance parts sound more like a marketing gimmick than true performance modifications.

umm im not a lexus hater but copycat seems to be the right word. I am too however excited about the TRD IS350

My biggest qualm about the IS is the way it handles. My friend has an IS350 and hes lets me drive it sometimes. The thing turns like a yacht, the acceleration was impressive tho…

Just another way for Toyota and the dealers to make money. Period.
The parts will be overpriced and the dealers will charge an arm and leg to install them.

Toyota/Lexus has always handled like a boat which is the number 1 reason why I will not own one for personal use. Big HP = good acceleration but they’re hardly fun.

Well put, Fletch. That’s exactly all it is. I would rather buy from quality aftermarket companies.

Wow GM_SALES: Good comparison, why buy a boring Lexus when you can get a Buick (because they certainly are far from boring)….it you are going to post something like that at least say something like CTS-v instead of the ugly FWD Lucerne.

lexus Is needs to fix their driving position first before competeing with bmw’s performance. I sat in one this morning back to back with BMWs and their driving position is so damn awkward due to their high cowl and high belt lines. which shows that it is not just about the performance in this segment. its the whole package which makes the 3 the benchmark

Rotman: Europeans know real luxury cars when they see them.

GMSales: “A piece-of-junk Toyota.”
I hereby accuse you of redundancy

For a minute there I thought GM Sales was going to contribute something useful to the conversation. Then I read he is recommending a Buick over a Lexus for a sport sedan. If ignornace is bliss GM Sales is the happiest person on the planet.

How in the hell is Lexus a copycat? They introduced a performance parts division? Nobody had ever thought of doing that before the recent BMW announcement.

And are we now suggesting that German manufacturers have had a runaway success with their performance parts while Japanese divisions like TRD, STI, Mugen, Mazdaspeed, and Nismo have been totally ineffective? Let’s not forget that these companies have spent the last I don’t know how many years juicing up standard models in Japan as a way to get around the “gentleman’s agreement” between manufacturers not to exceed 276-ish horsepower.

IMPROVING

Just in at your local Lexus dealer! Fart can exhausts for your overpriced duracell on wheels! Vibrating shift knobs! Neon underglow! And a neverending door chime so you dont fall asleep at the wheel!

Aww, Driven, BLISS isn’t ignorant, just a little bit special is all.

That rocker panel ground effect is worse then a 1993 Bonneville. Boy racer for the rich and selfish unlike the maturity level found in an M3 OR CTS-V.