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Sources say that the IS-F has gone through a serious weight-reduction program with extensive use of carbon-fiber. Total weight has been reduced by 308 pounds for a total of 3,410 pounds. The Lexus IS-F Evolution will also feature a 417-hp V8, carbon brakes, carbon interior and an upgraded aggressive front and rear.
The Lexus IS-F Evolution will see a limited production of just 500 units most of which will be sold in Japan. No word on how many units will be allocated for the international markets.
$250k? This must be a joke...
It's worth noting that the world's richest countries - the U.S., Japan, Germany, etc. - derive their wealth from manufacturing & services, not from selling raw materials. That's been true since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, & it won't change in our lifetime.
Regards,
OW
Here is another tidbit...
(CBS) Twenty years ago it appeared, for a moment, that all our energy problems could be solved. It was the announcement of cold fusion - nuclear energy like that which powers the sun - but at room temperature on a table top. It promised to be cheap, limitless and clean. Cold fusion would end our dependence on the Middle East and stop those greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. It would change everything.
But then, just as quickly as it was announced, it was discredited. So thoroughly, that cold fusion became a catch phrase for junk science. Well, a funny thing happened on the way to oblivion - for many scientists today, cold fusion is hot again.
Regards,
OW
And that, dear readers, they will never do, because a real driving experience is not what they're after. They're after successful penetration and enhancement of a business model - nothing more, nothing less. It's not personal. It's just business.
Speaking of Bimmers, I've yet to find a replacement for my 335i. Just like Dewey, I keep finding reasons to keep it. I've had a transmission sensor and a HID light replaced, but it has been generally reliable for my 65 mile daily commute.
My choices for replacement has been narrowed to Jag XF(will wait on the new AJ 5.0L V8), A4 quattrosport, and quite possibly, another 335, but this time with d designation, not i. Since diesel prices are roughly evenly matched with premium fuel prices, and since the diesel gets better mileage, is squeaky clean, and has great performance, it could be a viable option. I am open for any ideas guys. Whatchathink!!!!
It's not even that. I just don't think they have the engineering chops to pull it off. I think that's why the LF-A is basically dead - not fast enough. They can use all the carbon they want and make the suspension as hard as concrete, the super IS still won't be as good as the RS4 is going to be.
Speaking of the IS-F, I'm sure you'll appreciate this race of the TTS against the IS-F, M3, Lancer EVO X, and SL63. It definitely shows how useful AWD can be in bad weather. None of the RWD cars got clean starts, and the IS and M3 simply couldn't keep up with the TTS. The driver of the SL63 also really had to fight the car to keep it on the track.
TTS race in the wet
Guess what I think? GO for d!!!
You'll have good muscle under your foot without necessity of being in the vicinity of the red line. Ideal for touring and commuting. And if you go for d, the engine in the 335 is well over its competitors.
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
Jose
That's usually the story. Just like the "my other car is a Porsche!" bumper sticker on the back of the Chevy Cavalier.
My choices for replacement has been narrowed to Jag XF(will wait on the new AJ 5.0L V8), A4 quattrosport, and quite possibly, another 335, but this time with d designation, not i
The new S4 and XFR are both supposed to be brilliant. Around here diesel is still significantly more expensive than premium, and availability is limited, so it makes no real sense. My next car just might be an A7 if the production version is anything like the concept. What an absolutely stunning interior in this beauty.
Audi A7 concept
That is what I'm getting from brother out in Pacific Palisades, Ca. He was really interested in getting the X5d as a replacement for his aging 528 wagon. But he is on the fence about it because he has to go 6 miles from his home just for ULSD. And there is 40 cent difference in transaction prices, versus the equal to 5-10 cents difference here. Bummer because 335d is a marvel of engineering to show how far diesel technology has come in such little time. Athough MB has been building dieses for 7 decades, I do believe that BMW's compact diesels are more refined and deliver better performance over the Bluetec rival. And if my wife heard me say that, she would kill me.
As to the A7, of course you know I love the freaggin thing. I am so over the CLS and now that BMW has shelved the CS for now, I think it is now the prime time to release something of this sort. It is an evolution of where Audi is taking the design language with their cars. The new A8 will use the new corporate single frame grille and swept styling, but of course will have a higher roof line. I will not replace until I get my hands on all of these rides. I've always had my eye on the A7 since Audi allowed the design and R&D team to go foward with the prject 3 years ago.
Other take away for me: always have admired Mitsu's engineering capabilities, and for good reason. It's their execution that sometimes isn't quite up to the task.
I owned two cars with Mitsu V6s in them years back, one a 2.5 and the other a 3.0, and they were flawlessly smooth and reliable, if a little underdeveloped. I also spent some quality time in a 2G Eclipse GSX, and came away a believer in Mitsu sport prowess. I've mentioned more than a few times elsewhere that the cockpit of that car was the best driver's control center I've encountered, whatever it may have lacked in materials.
I'm not at all pleased with how any segment of the IS program has evolved, frankly. It was one of the most disappointing test drives I've experienced. Well, two actually, because when the sales person finally got it through her head that I wasn't interested in considering a 350 without the sport package, even though she got me into one for a drive, she quickly ushered me to one of the ten IS-Fs they had on the lot. No sale, no how.
They should have given it its own smaller, lighter platform and updated their beautiful inline six with a new block and head and some heavy breathing. But that would only have sold me and a few thousand other IS enthusiasts a year. This way, going LCD (lowest cushiest denominator), they've created a sales success.
Pale shade of green coming on over here.
Replacement for the 335, eh? Well, what are the key factors keeping you in the car now? What would you miss most about it?
McChip and DKR-Tunung joined forces this January, but I don't know much about either. I checked a few forums, the pos/neg ratio seems about 25/1.
They have been featured lately with a 660hp Audi RS6 and a 540hp Porsche 911 BiTurbo. The fact that they offer extended engine warranties (36 months/549 €!) sounds good to me. The re-mapping is apparently done through the OBD-port, and does not require any change in hardware. Remains to be seen whether the Audi-dealer gets some sort of readout while checking error messages at service time.
The deal is also relatively inexpensive, at least compared to competition in Germany, the 315hp kit for the TTS is 849€ - that's waaay less than, say, MTM or ABT. At a hp gain of 16% paired with a plus of 26% torque, that sounds like winner to me!
The remap takes the numbers from 265/258 to 315/325, with no hardware.
I don't need it, don't really want it, but it remains intriguing nonetheless. Just because. :shades:
Welcome to the world of mods!
There are many mods out there... but one of them I particularly like... is a simple undetectable plug 'n play ECU mod now available for the BMW N54 twin-turbo engine... the engine that is in my 135i... that takes it from an already-healthy 300/300 to 380/380!... and we're talking plug 'n play!
The same company offers additional mods that can take the N54 to 457/439!
These aftermarket mods, such as the Burger MotorSports JB3 plug 'n play, which I described above, will void the factory warranty... hence the risk associated with using them, although a company like Dinan offers their own warranty. That's why Burger MotorSports has built in a stealth code making it undetectable. But, even though they claim that, if it should ever be detected, the warranty is toast. That's why I haven't purchased it... even though I really would love to get those extra ponies.
BMW recongnizes this, and will likely be selling their own upgrade as early as later this year, but more likely next year. If it becomes official, it will be covered by their own warranty. Word is that BMW's own upgrade would deliver about 320/325... maybe a bit more. I'd much prefer to have the 380/380, but I'm a definite buyer for the BMW factory upgrade if it comes to market.
Take a look at these Porsche specs for comparison...
For comp purposes, a standard Carrera delivers 345/288, and a Carrera S delivers 385/310. The Porsche torque figures are interesting, in that they are at rated at 4,400 RPM. Consider that a standard BMW twin-turbo N54 engine delivers a full 300 lbs. of torque as low as 1400 RPM!... which is absolutely awesome!
These numbers are part of the reason that Blkhemi still loves his 335i, which uses the same N54 engine as the 135i. Too bad that Dewey's 335i has frustrated him, because I know that he fully appreciates that engine.
Just to be clear, I do think that Audi's 3.2 FSI V6 is a very nice engine... delivering a reasonable 265/243 in standard form, but the torque isn't there until 3250-5000 RPMs. I guess if I were to choose an Audi engine, I'd have to say that I like the specs of Audi's 4.2 FSI V8, delivering 354/325, although the torque comes in at 3500 RPM. Very nice numbers for that V8! The only thing better is the BMW M3's V8, IMO, which delivers a blazing 414/295 and redlines at 8300 RPM! Sweeeet.
Numbers aside... whether it's the 135i, 335i, TTs or the S5, we are a lucky bunch to be driving these fabulous cars.
Now, go ahead and get that mod!!
TM
And I really dont need anything bigger than the mid lux size as I have the 204" long A8 W12 that I will be trading for a new HELC, possibly the next A8 or new Jag XJ. The new 7 Series looks impressive too.
I don't really think the engine is the problem. The old straight six was an ancient engine, dating back to 1991. In twin turbo guise it's famously capable of ridiculous amounts of power, thanks to the strength it had as an engine developed for racing. Lexus' 3.5L V6 though is not a bad engine, and the IS350 isn't a slow car.
I just don't think Lexus really knew what to do with the IS. The old one appealed more to the EVO/STI crowd than BMW customers, and it was a slow car. It had by far the best steering ever bolted into a Lexus product, but it had similar at the limit handling problems as the current car.
The current IS is at least aimed at the right market, but its execution is confused, much like the GS. I don't think Lexus understands how to do a luxury performance sedan properly. They get too caught up in what attributes a Lexus branded product is supposed to have, even if they are at odds with the car they are trying to make.
'Bout as often as you post. :P
The 335's everyday livability, refinement, and performance is hard to come by. Those items are what I'd miss most... And I really dont need anything bigger than the mid lux size...
The 335i is an iconic legend in its own time, without any doubt a great mix of all those things... but surprisingly the new Benz E-class might also be worth a very thorough look.
I will be trading for a new HELC, possibly the next A8 or new Jag XJ. The new 7 Series looks impressive too.
BMW's marketing folks sent me a beautiful hard cover book on the new 7-Series. It's a beautiful car, IMO.
My guess is the the Jag XJ will be an overgrown or fat XF, which isn't necessarily a bad thing... but the 2011 model year will very possibly bring a hybrid version, delivering up to 57 mpg, according to some reports. That's impressive.
Well, those Jag XJ pics don't work for me at all. I do not like the headlights, and the body lines look clumsy to me. BTW, the very-anticipated Mercedes S400 might appear during the same time as the Jag hybrid. The S400 is a must see.
Audi should be considered as well, and that almost goes without saying.
Welcome back, Hemi.
TM
That's forced induction for you. Bolt twin turbos to Porsche's 3.6L flat-six, and you've got well over 500hp and 500ft.lbs of torque from 2200 rpm onwards. More power than BMW's V-10, and some 120 more torques.
Audi's 3.2L V6 is fine, but Audi has never been known for their normally aspirated 6s. The 2.7T was a very capable engine, and it has finally gotten a proper heir in the supercharged 3.0T, which matches the capabilities of the N54 TT quite nicely, while being more fuel efficient.
Interestingly, Audi actually developed a TT version of the new 3.0 V6, but scrapped it in favor of the Eaton roots blower for reasons of packaging, low-end power, and overall smoothness, according to them.
Let's not forget that there are several versions of Audi's 4.2L V8. In ultimate R8 spec, its putting out 420hp and 317ft.lbs at 4500rpm. It's superiority to the M V8 is arguable, but when it comes to V10s, there's just no contest. R8 V10 wins.
Excellent diagnosis, LG. I'd love it if Lexus could come up with a convincing reply to Infiniti's G37, but I don't think that I'll live long enough to see it happen
IMHO...
TM
TM
We'll see. The old 5 absolutely dominated the segment. The current 5 has had to deal with significantly stronger competition that are in many ways better cars. IMO, Audi and Infiniti's rate of improvement is faster than BMW's at this point, and I think the 3 will eventually be "among the best" in the segment, similar to the 5, as opposed to "the best".
TM
As the owner of an older E46 ('01 330i), I'm not exactly smitten with the E90/E92 cars. I spent a couple of hours earlier this year behind the wheel of an '09 328xi coupe & didn't feel even the slightest urge to trade in my car. While I liked some of the new features - the heated steering wheel is particularly neat - I didn't think that the '09 is in any way more fun to drive than my 8-year-old car.
It's a good car that does all of the important stuff well, but I don't lust after it.
In a sense, your post is a testimony to the point that there is often less room for improvement to a car that has already achieved a long-standing benchmark status.
It's a good car that does all of the important stuff well, but I don't lust after it.
To lust after the non-M 3-Series, I'd have to point out it's most potent engine choice... the N54. Otherwise, the M3 may be the way to go for those needing even larger doses of horsepower.
From my experience with the 300/300 TT N54, I can only tell you that it is damn near the most enjoyable engine overall that I've ever owned... especially packaged in the 1-Series convertible. I do honestly wish it had even more power, and if BMW releases their package to get about 7-10% more from the engine, I'll gladly pay the price. I wish it would be more than that, but I'll take what I can get. I'm sure if they extracted too much out of the N54, the M3 would be less of a leap, so marketing might play a big role in limiting the N54.
TM
Alright. I deserve that for not checking in with my favorite carnuts.
Those Jag pics are lost to me also. The lines fail to come together to make one solid piece like the XF. The side view lines, the hood strakes, and sloping rear roof make for a very busy and very un-Jag car. For sure they will clean it up because that new 7 -Series looks down right impressive by comparison. And with the new A8 looming, Jag had better got with it.
I did hear that the S400 and S450 have been greenlighted for US export. I wonder what took so long for them to send over the S450 amyway? Oh well...
While I do not doubt the E-Classes performance, it's the rear end that I will have to see in person because it does not appeal to me on print. The interior seems to build on the GLK and C but taking a notch upward. We shall soon see.
Regards,
OW
Have you driven the TT version? Let me know if it changes your view if you get a chance.
Better yet, try TM's car, the drop-top 135i. Let us know what you think!
Both it and the G are on the top of my list. I need to drive the Audi for comparison sake
Regards,
OW
link title
TM
I must admit that I am pleasantly surprised. In the pics, it is so much better than the 4-door. In fact, I actually like it!
TM
Well, my friend tells me at least once a week that he wishes he had ignored me & gotten it with an automatic. I think he's nuts - BMW's 6-speed is a shifter's delight, even in rush-hour traffic. He signed a 30-month lease that runs out late next year, & I just might follow him down to the dealer when he turns it in & buy it as a CPO.
But I would love feedback from you folks as to why you are SO enamored with road feel and handling. I realize that a reasonably good handling car is important for safety, but there has to be a happy medium. Why do you want to feel the bumps on the road? For me, the less I feel the road the better. Give me a safe, reliable luxury car with all the technological advances and I am a happy camper. I'm sure I am in the minority here and I would love to hear your reasons why I am "full of balogna"
Performance and handling are all about enjoying the driving experience at a more interactive level... interactive with the vehicle and with the road. This is due to increased levels of accurate feedback from the vehicle and road to the driver, and then from the driver to the vehicle and the road. It's a connection...
... a more precise connection between driver, vehicle and road. It doesn't have to be uncomfortable as you indicate. It can exist in a luxury car as well as a sports car. Comparing my former Porsche Carrera S to my former Lotus Sport Elise, for example, illustrates the difference between two cars that handle well, but one of them (obvious which one) is literally punishing to drive, while the other is much more comfortable and luxurious.
This applies to mid-size and full-size cars as well, such as perhaps an Audi S8, Mercedes S-Class AMG, and BMW M5, as quick examples. Your Lexus is comfy, but so are other cars that provide better handling. Why not have both? It doesn't mean you have to live with a harsh, jarring ride. There are varying levels of handling, and varying levels of luxury applied to those vehicles.
I like driving my 135i as much as any car I've ever driven. It might very well be my favorite car of all time, regardless of price. Why? Because it's Sport Seat is so freakin' comfortable and supportive and because it has all the bells and whistles, yet it has an uncanny ability to dance on the road and provide me with huge amounts of feedback without punishing me. It is so much F-U-N to drive. It's engine is a marvel. Not the most powerful engine I've ever owned, but it is one of the most enjoyable by far. Awesome power curves with a "feel" that is nearly as good as it gets at any price. I can find the exact gear for every situation and the car will do exactly what I want. I'm never over or under revved. I also have Active Steering on my car, which applies a variable ratio... not talking about a variable power boost, but an actual variable ratio... to the steering based upon the car's speed. I love it because it literally enhances the performance of the steering to the situation at hand.
Beyond engine dynamics and steering dynamics there is the cornering to consider. Perhaps you've taken a corner quickly and the car feels like it is swinging out or tossing you and the passenger across the seat. It doesn't have to be like that. I prefer a car that corners easily and with stability and gives me the confidence to go for it.
If all you ever do is drive in a straight line while stuck in thick traffic, then you have no reason to get anything other than the most comfortable car you can find!
On a typical long 4.5 to 5-hour trip from Norcal's SF Bay Area to SoCal LA area, my priority is comfort. I don't care about a car that takes corners... there aren't any.
But my driving is mixed and there are plenty of opportunities for me to appreciate the handlilng dynamics of a performance vehicle. It is different for everyone.
And, if you think a person has to give up on the luxury to have the performance... think again. I have nearly every luxury option, including some options that you might not even have on your Lexus! Now that is not to say that my 135i is as cushy as my long-wheelbase Jag Vanden Plas. It is not. But, as I indicated, there are cars that provide a greater amount of performance and handling, yet still provide tons of luxury.
I get the impression over the course of time here on this forum that you believe that you have had to make a choice between luxury and performance. Well, I'm here to tell you that you can have your cake and eat it too! And why not?
A good handling car is safer, too. Well.. maybe not with me behind the wheel.
:shades:
TM
Regards,
OW
ALL of the U.S. manufactured cars were "lumps of steel" in comparison.
Please drive one of the bimmers or Audis and you will see the difference. You don't need to buy it if you like the plusher side of the enthusiast's requirements rather than the performer. But if you take one of the driving courses BMW offers, that might be the best way to find out for yourself the performance depth that are discussed on this forum. They provide the cars we are talking about and show you "Howie Do It"!
Regards,
OW
I've begun a long drive with back twinges and they were long gone at the other end of the trip...serious. I miss the seats the most..err, well the suspension and that sweet engine as well!
Regards,
OW
Beyond engine dynamics and steering dynamics there is the cornering to consider. Perhaps you've taken a corner quickly and the car feels like it is swinging out or tossing you and the passenger across the seat. It doesn't have to be like that. I prefer a car that corners easily and with stability and gives me the confidence to go for it.
Thanks for your detailed and thoughtful response Tag. The thing is that I am comfortable with the amount of handling my car possesses. I don't need to be taking corners at 60 mph. My car does not toss me or my passengers across the seat when cornering. I'm sure that these German luxury cars you named above are better at this, but I obviously don't care. Other than the S550, I have not driven any of these, so I can't say for sure, but aren't these other cars harsher (amount of road feel) than say my LS460L?
Though both can be very pleasant
and rewarding,
I'd rather drive a rigid pair of skis
with sharpened edges,
than ride
a blunted soft one.
Just my feeling
Regards,
Jose
PS: Today is April 23th. St. George's Day. Don't forget to buy a rose or a book to the beloved.
You would also like the A8...I test drove an 2007 in October last year. Now that's luxury... in a discreet, yet commanding, package. I believe the price was around $50K and it had about 17K miles on it. It was hardly broken in. Great price but I still crave the corner-carver agility of the smaller versions at the end of the day.
You see, I am getting to appreciate the Holy Grail of "The Less Weight, The Better" gospel of performance enthusiasts. It's also the greener way to go!
Regards,
OW
Frankly, I don't think it would matter to you. Your car is reliable, fuel efficient, luxurious and comfy. It's what you need.
Take a ride in some other cars in the segment and see if you like or dislike the difference.
Then drive an M3 and definitely a 135i... maybe even a Porsche... and then get back to me. Heck, I've still got to drive that RX when I get a chance.
As always, it's all about preference. But, I honestly have a bucketload of FUN driving that little 135i. But, I do appreciate the graceful smooth ride of the Jag now and then, so I do understand why you like your LS.
TM
Still, because I'm an older guy I can understand why you feel as you do. I certainly wouldn't say that you're not an enthusiast just because you value a comfortable ride. Might I suggest that you try out a 5-series BMW without the sport package? You might find that to be the perfect combination of ride & handling.
The only obstacle in my path is his wife, who's the rare woman who won't drive anything but a stick & who might buy the car for herself.
To set the record straight, your LS had a lot of careful thought put into its supension tuning, and by comparison to some other offerings you might try, it's no real slouch.
Honestly, from what you're saying about your driving habits and what makes you feel good in a car, it certainly doesn't sound like you're missing anything. The advice given here has been good, I think, and I'll gladly second all who say to go out and give a few other, more performance oriented, luxury offerings a shot. Test drive some of the suggestions already posed, or maybe a new LS with the touring package just for a start. One can't possibly know how the dish tastes without sampling.
As for the why, I personally love the feeling of driving. I have come to demand a certain level of communication between the machine and me, and that level seems to be escalating as time goes by. I love opportunities to put freeways out of play and use curving backroads instead. My former short commute would have been easy enough on the two freeways I might have used, but instead I traveled back roads through canyons to and from, and so looked forward to the trip twice a day.
When I do have use staight line roads, my personal choices in transport have never left me wanting.
We are indeed fortunate to have so many choices available to us. Go sample, but most definitely stay true to what makes you happiest behind the wheel!
Anecdote for Jose:
Some thirty years ago, I had a sponsorship for equipment from Olin. I used to get four pair of Mark VI's per year, with red Nevada Comps mounted on them, plus two pair of downhill boards. In 1979, they sent four pair of Josef Odermatt VI's instead.
I have never used the word "stiff" the same way since.
Regards,
OW