Well, Edmunds is reporting that new spy photos reveal that the IS500 is a reality...

Either Toyota has one seriously fast transport ship, or there are more than a few of these V8-powered IS sedans being put through their paces on the international test circuit. After catching a similar prototype on the Nurburgring recently, these shots come to us from the California desert.

From up close, this prototype reveals a few more details we couldn't see before. First off, those odd stacked tailpipes that looked so fake from far away are indeed the real deal. Second, this high-powered Lexus is going to have some serious running gear. Check out the cross drilled brake rotors, 19-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Third, Lexus doesn't appear to be very worried about keeping this model under wraps any longer as the engineers behind the wheel appeared uninterested in the camera snapping away right in front of them. Maybe it's a sign that we'll be seeing the production version of this IS 500 sedan in the very near future, like the Paris auto show in September maybe?

Then Nihon Car & Bike laughs and says that REAL photos of the IS500 have been available in Japan since March...

It's sometimes a lot of fun to see people swim across oceans or climb the highest mountains to snap a (low quality) "spy shot" of a vehicle that hasn't been released yet, while in Japan, the only thing we need to do is get out of the house and go to a press shop and buy a magazine that has "press pictures" of these cars.

Let's take the long-awaited Lexus IS500 as an example, the M and AMG killer from Japan. Press shots of this vehicle have been available since April 2006 in magazines like Car Top (in their April issue that has been on sale since March). Here's a scan of the page.

For those of you that are not aware what Toyota has cooked up for us, here are the main specs of this IS500: a V8 (2UR-FSE) engine that develops 420bhp (at 5800rpm) and 550Nm of torque (at 3800rpm), 5.0L displacement, overall dimensions of 4665x1820x1435mm with a 2730mm wheelbase and a total weight of 1685kg.

Either way, it seems that Toyota has stopped worrying about keeping this V8 sedan a secret, so everyone cross your fingers and wish for a red bow on your new Christmas present!




http://www.lexuslife.com/misc/is5001.jpg

http://www.lexuslife.com/misc/is5002.jpg

http://www.lexuslife.com/misc/is5003.jpg

:drool:

:wet: lol

I wonder what the real thing is going to look like, since those are most likely photoshops.

I am betting that it will be cost-competitive with an M3, though. The current M3 coupe STARTS at $50,000. Hmmm... is the world ready for a $50k IS?

Ooh!! I like!!! Maybe it'll be in the vicinity of the mid 40s.

M3 > any lexus.

M3 > any lexus.
no way jose. LEXUS > m3

drive an M3 and tell me that.

sorry man, not into euro cars

Great from any angle and it has the power it needs to fight off M3 attacks, but does it have the electronics and drivability. Only time will tell.

Am I the only one wondering why these supposed press pictures have been around for 5 months and this is the first we've heard of them? Don't get your hopes up too high, because although I'm sure the real one will look nice, this isn't it.

sorry man, not into euro cars

ditto, its hard to get into liking them

I bet the new V8 powered M3 will be tough to beat anyway

IS500
:eyes: :money: :clap:
I seriously hope they have a coupe version :idea:

m3's are really nice and to be honest, I think that this IS wont be able to take it down, due to BMWs race history and the reputation of both BMW and the M series

The IS500 looks awesome! Looks like I am in to trading up my IS350 when they do the sales intro of the IS500! :bow:

toyota made cars = more durability with less maintenance than any euro car

How can you guys predict which car is better/faster? We can't drive the new IS 500 and test specs aren't out yet. I know we can make assumptions based on what we know about past cars, but give the new product a chance before saying XX will beat it.

Also, much of this is suggestive. If you seriously are shopping the IS and/or the M3, what will be its purpose? Daily driver? Track/weekend toy? Sure, Lexus usually has more luxury, more sedate driving manners and better reliability, but how much of that applies on the track? The M3 has a very stiff chassis and wonderful driving dynamics, but is that something you want to have put up w/ on a daily commute? It all comes down to the buyer's intended purpose for the car.

^ SERIOUS.. Haters i call'em.

Well, I've driven a 335i coupe, and that's basically a heavy M3 with 100 less hp.

It's an amazing car. Fun to drive, and just simply amazing.

I've also driven an IS350, and although it is nice as well, it's just not as fun as the 335.

thats a pretty sick ride, i'd take it in a heart beat

The current M3 is awesome. The next M3 will likely be better in everyway except Chris Bangle will ruin the looks.

In my opinion, the current BMW line is crap. Chris Bangle has ruined all of their cars with his lame styling. I don't care what they do to the BWMs, if they don't look nice, I wouldn't consider buying one.

I hope BMW pays dearly for their lousy styling. What is with the European cars? The BMWs don't look as good as their previous generations. The Audis would look good except they all have the same Audi front end that looks like a huge gaping hole. The new TT would look excellent if they hadn't use the Audi corporate grill.

At least the Toyota IS series cars look pretty good.

I had thought Toyota was working on an IS 2-door coupe. Is that not true?

^I thought I remebered seeing some spy shots of a IS coupe test mule somewhere on the internet (maybe autoblog.com?)

Styling of course is always subjective. I for one like Chris Bangle's radical styling. The flame surfacing was tastefully done on the current generation of Bimmers IMO. I usually abhor things that are stylistically contrived, but there's a cohesiveness in the designs that I appreciate. Not everyone's cup of tea though.

I do think it's funny though how after all the critical reviews of Bangle's flame surfacing that other mfgrs are starting to incorporate those elements (albeit to a lesser extent).

To say BMW's current line is crap because of Bangle's flame surfacing is very closed-minded. It's like saying the FJ is crap because they only come with a white roof. You can either like a car's looks or not, but don't discount an entire company just because of it's aesthetic direction.

I personally think the Bangle's work is hit or miss, but it saved BMW's from looking boring, and that's exactly what it was intended to do. When you see a current 5-series next to the previous generation, their success is obvious.

I like the current M3 looks in all but the features and interior looks aren't nice IMO...Euro cars never really look nice....its all weird to me but maybe its because I am used to Honda and Toyota interiors? lol, that was random but like I said its my opinion...

And to add to what some people were saying, where is the 2 door one? Wasn't there a post with a pic of a 2door IS?

i just hope its stick..whos bright idea was it to make the 350 auto only anywayz sheesh

A lot of people don't like the styling on newer BWMs. That includes individuals and professional reviewers. Eventually, people will get used to them and not dislike them so much, but it won't change the fact that they are ugly. The shock value will have just worn off.

The previous (pre-Chris Bangle) generation of BWMs was very positively reviewed on styling. I'm sure some people didn't like them, but the general opinion was they were nice looking vehicles. I don't think the general concensus was that they were boring. Even if you like the new BWMs, I don't see how you could argue that the general concensus is positive towards their styling.

BWM didn't have to move to Chris Bangle flame surfacing to keep their cars from being boring. They went for designs that grab attention and catch your eye, but they aren't nice looking.

I don't see any hit or miss with the current BMWs. I'd take a Z3 over a Z4 on styling. The 7-series and 5-series don't look near as nice as the previous generation. The 7-series recently did slightly redesign their trunk so it doesn't look quite so horrid. It's unreal how they could put a trunk on a car that looks like it belonged to a different vehicle. It's amazing how bad the back of the 2005 or so 7-series cars looked.

The 3-series isn't bad, but it doesn't look as nice as the previous generation. I'm sure they kept Chris Bangle somewhat under control because they couldn't afford to alienate 3-series buyers too much since that is their cash cow.

m3 is a hardcore car, and has every performance number and review to back it up. it doesnt matter if you LIKE eurocars or not. it's fact that its an awesome piece of machine.

id love to drive it. or an is500. preferrably both. :D

kdpew, I agree w/ some of your points above. Of course, bold styling like Bangle's won't be accepted by a large number of people, especially when BMW's last generation was designed pretty conservatively IMO.

I must give lots of credit to BMW though for pushing the artistic envelope (well, a rather commercial art, isn't it?) and not caving in so much to the corporate bean counters.

Maybe my sense of perception is skewed as I live in LA and see TONS of 5 and 7 series, z4's, and of course copious numbers of 3 series running around. BMW and Bangel have to be doing something right--at least in the so cal market!

My sister drives a GS300. I told her she shoulda got an IS =P I like the look of the IS way more...

This is a IS500 topic isn't it??? why the hell is everyone debating BMWs styling and such... I mean, it's a nice car'n'all, but seriously - I could care less (specially bout the uncoming version)...

All that matters is the IS500 smoking the M3 while looking 10 times better inside & out.

that was quite hypocritical but thats just me :P

is500 should be awesome. if toyota wants to look sporty again.

To me the term "sporty" = the diluted version of "performance".

I'd take performance over sporty any day, but no matter what ~ it's gotta look Pimp =)

If there is an option to switch off that cursed VDIM, then i would consider it.

well, there is on the IS350-- you just have to do a nintendo-like code to do it.

Hopefully going to see this at the Paris Auto Show. Atleast we know the weight and the engine specs so we sort of can try and calculate certain things like the 0-60 mph (give or take). One thing for sure it will be electronically limited to 155 mph like most cars that wear the Lexus badge. One thing for sure can not wait to see this in the show room and take it for a test drive. One thing for sure can not wait to hear what else Lexus is putting in this new IS. Another note would be interesting to see a two door version of this in the future, probably will never happen. Seeing the SC is getting a face lift in 2008 (hopefully will be like the LF-C) and then the year later we have the GT (LF-A) coming out. Still would be nice, dreams on.

Will also be interesting to see what it looks like. Will it look like a normal IS, or will it be substantially different? Only time will tell, I guess.

Also, it'll be interesting to see if it'll be balanced, or if it'll just understeer like crazy. To truly compete with the M and RS4, it'll need to at least have some sort of handling ability.

I have a feeling someone who buys the IS500, is going to try and tune it.

I'd take Chris Bangle styling over any Mercedes Benz...anyday of the week...except for the mclaren slr and the new S class. I think that this IS500 is a step in the right direction for Lexus. It may or may not beat its competitors now, but I'm sure with time it'll accomplish the task at hand. I like the styling of the IS500 over the spy photos of the new M3. the new M3 looks very sedate IMO. There was some type of photoshop or spy pic that was on here showing us a picture of a red M3 that was possibly the new M3. If that image was the true next generation M3...I would probably go ahead and say that the M3 was better looking.....

But on a more serious note...I'm interested on what kind've transmission will be in this IS500. Automatic?, SMG styled gearbox?, maybe a 6 speed?. if they put in the paddles...I hope that the transmission is up there in quality and speed of shifts, as well as throttle blips for downshifting. I've gone off track...just my .02 haha

If anyone follows the Daytona Prototypes in the Rolex Sports Car Series that airs on the Speed Channel. The Lexus powered prototypes for the last 2 races haved used the new 5.0 liter V8 and just won yesterday at Watkins Glen in the Ganassi CompUsa Lexus Riley driven by Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz. This already shows that Toyota means business in the sports car arena. Now the question is will Team Lexus use the same power plant when they debut in American Lemans Series later this season. This is where all the questions will be answered: THE RACE TRACK!!! If the IS can out perform the M3 on the race track then maybe the journalist will give the IS more respect in their reviews. Since there has never been on track battles between the 2 in the same class. As for a 2 door version Lexus seriously should do it to show that this is meant to be the AMG & M killer and it has to have a manual transmission no slushamatics with sport shift for us SERIOUS DRIVERS period!!!!

I always thought BMWs were ugly until I drove one. My! Suddenly they were all beautiful.

I don't care what you think of Germans, or BMW or Europeans or whatever. There's no way *anyone* can some away from driving an M3 and not appreciate that it is an order of magnitude above most material things on earth.

i can appreciate a comment like that, because you drove it. even if you said you didnt like it, it's more credible that someone saying "i dont like eurocars..." can you drive them? did you even try to drive one? thanks.

but seriously, i hope is500 is actually given very aggressive suspension. lexus doesnt lack in power. they always lack in road feel and overall handling.

but seriously, i hope is500 is actually given very aggressive suspension. lexus doesnt lack in power. they always lack in road feel and overall handling.

Will soon find out :lalala:

Seeing if they want something to compete against a AMG tuned Mercedes or M from BMW, they for sure will have to tweak alot of other stuff (i.e) suspension and so on.

sickkkkkkkkk

As for a 2 door version Lexus seriously should do it to show that this is meant to be the AMG & M killer and it has to have a manual transmission no slushamatics with sport shift for us SERIOUS DRIVERS period!!!!

If they did make a 2-door version hopefully it be a convertible. If they did that, they for sure would scrap the SC totally, which would make sense imho.

The manual stuff, not sure many people who drive Lexus would like the manual, but thats me, I can be wrong. Atleast they have the paddle shift now, which many car companies are putting in their high powered mini race cars for the road.

I'm gonna assume that they do the coupe version first, then later maybe offer a convertible.

Remember that the target audience for this car would be someone who's interested mainly in performance, and if it's to compete w/ the M3 coupe, then the added chassis rigidity of having a fixed room will be necessary in order to compete w/ the M3's chassis.

I think that Lexus should offer the manual--one of the many gripes that auto reviewers and car enthusiasts bemoan about Lexus' current IS offering (the 350 that is).

I don't think they'd scrap the SC-- that's intended for a completely different market segment (read: not performance oriented at all)

Does it matter which is better? Are any of you going to be disappointed with owning either cars because of opinions of people who most likely have never driven either one and never will?

Lexus should definitely offer a 6-speed manual for the IS500. It's truly pathetic they don't offer one for the IS350. If they want to compete with the BMW 3-series and do driver and performance oriented cars, they need to offer manuals.

Lexus needs to do more than just horsepower. They need good steering, good handling, and good transmissions. Hopefully the IS500 will have all of that.

If they can match BMW on all of the performance categories, they can beat them on reliability and looks.

Why are people still on BMW's styling?? This is about the IS500!! Toyota has planned on making the IS in Coupe, and Convertible variants, now what is taking them so long to release them? :P :come:

Why are people still on BMW's styling??

One thing every industry people copy and tweak other people designs. Its for sure like that in the car industry, so no big deal. If you have a problem with it, deal with it.

If anyone follows the Daytona Prototypes in the Rolex Sports Car Series that airs on the Speed Channel. The Lexus powered prototypes for the last 2 races haved used the new 5.0 liter V8 and just won yesterday at Watkins Glen in the Ganassi CompUsa Lexus Riley driven by Scott Pruett and Luis Diaz. This already shows that Toyota means business in the sports car arena. Now the question is will Team Lexus use the same power plant when they debut in American Lemans Series later this season. This is where all the questions will be answered: THE RACE TRACK!!! If the IS can out perform the M3 on the race track then maybe the journalist will give the IS more respect in their reviews. Since there has never been on track battles between the 2 in the same class. As for a 2 door version Lexus seriously should do it to show that this is meant to be the AMG & M killer and it has to have a manual transmission no slushamatics with sport shift for us SERIOUS DRIVERS period!!!!

^ :clap: Adding to the "slushamatics" comment ~ if it doesn't steer like a Formula1 car it must be stickshift - No Joke.
When we see the IS500 coupe, that's when we'll know for sure Toyota (TRD) means business.

Why are people still on BMW's styling??

One thing every industry people copy and tweak other people designs. Its for sure like that in the car industry, so no big deal. If you have a problem with it, deal with it. no duh! I kno that, I wasn't talking about that, I was saying why is everyone still being off topic talking about BMW's styling when this thread is about the IS500. I don't want to get into an argument on my birthday so w/e.

Why are people still on BMW's styling??

One thing every industry people copy and tweak other people designs. Its for sure like that in the car industry, so no big deal. If you have a problem with it, deal with it. no duh! I kno that, I wasn't talking about that, I was saying why is everyone still being off topic talking about BMW's styling when this thread is about the IS500. I don't want to get into an argument on my birthday so w/e.

happy bday

^thanks. I wasn't tryna to jump at ya throat, I was just trying to get my point across.

^thanks. I wasn't tryna to jump at ya throat, I was just trying to get my point across.

no worries.

One thing the IS500 might not get a coupe version :(

no worries.

One thing the IS500 might not get a coupe version :(

^ I hope not, because if thats the case I wouldn't classify it as a true "sports car" let alone a "performance car". :nope:

Cmon Toyota when r u gonna release the coupe n convertible versions of the IS??

Now I read somewhere that the engine for the IS500 is way to heavy for the car. Thats what someone said from Toyota. Which I find hard to believe seeing they are testing some sort of test mule already. IS500 hybrid wouldnt make sense but wtv, we will have to wait to find out if this stuff is really true, better not be. Thats what AutoWeek is reporting.

They've been testing a lot of test mules, and I'm guessing that they all came back and reported the car was too front heavy, no matter what they did. I'm sure Toyota will come up with something, since they seem to be hell bent on world domination. I'm sure one day they're gonna announce a Bentley/Maybach fighter or something.

^ Bentley/Maybach fighter = LS series arriving soon. =)

Weight issues = even more reasoning for it to be a coupe. :ponder:
Power without the proper balance/control is no better and perhaps worse than our "typical" domestics...

You honestly think a LS can measure up to a Maybach or a Phantom or an Arnage (Actually, I don't know if those are even nice, but I assume they are)?

You honestly think a LS can measure up to a Maybach or a Phantom or an Arnage (Actually, I don't know if those are even nice, but I assume they are)? I hope you didn't think I was talking about that cheap Continental series.

Little off topic but wtv.

It could, but anything can happen. People been talking about if Toyota/Lexus does go that root, they should have another brand doing that part of the industry. Which would seem logical, but wtv. I wouldnt mind seeing a $150,000+ Lexus competiting against a Bentley Continental Flying Spur or what not

^ I imagine LS Series will hold its own, specially for the value throughout the long haul.
I bet, people that can afford these cars probably don't care too much for durability, but if given a scenerio of only one car to last for lets say 10 years, which would you rather be driving?
Adding to that, from what I've heard its a pretty solid car.

:idea: Another brand for Toyota ELITES isn't a bad idea. Every car in that brand would be $100K+ and hand made :ponder:

^ I imagine it'll hold its own, specially for the value throughout the long haul.
I bet, people that can afford these cars probably don't care too much for durability, but if given a scenerio of only one car to last for lets say 10 years, which would you rather be driving?
Adding to that, from what I've heard its a pretty solid car.

Very true. Most people who buy those higher end cars truelly dont care. They probably use the car for a year and try and sell it. Thing with those higher end cars, they lose so much value in one year its discusting.

Hopefully Lexus sticks with building very durable cars, might be able to change people minds about higher end luxury sedans.

Newho... waits for Paris Auto Show... ____ I cant wait anymore

Anywho... we're getting WAAY off topic here..
From "some" comments, it's starting to sound more and more like they should just redesign the 500 instead of dumping it in the IS chassis (due to the weight/balance issues).. :ponder: However, that is why Toyota has R&D. :idea: And actually from what I recall, when the did the IS300 (first gen) to 400 conversion, it was actually lighter in the end.

You'd have to be crazy to even suggest that the LS is in the same league as a Maybach or Bentley. While it is a nice car, it is nowhere near the luxury of a Maybach or Bentley.

*crosses fingers* still like 45 days until the Paris Auto Show... argh

You'd have to be crazy to even suggest that the LS is in the same league as a Maybach or Bentley. While it is a nice car, it is nowhere near the luxury of a Maybach or Bentley.

have you been in all 3?
so are you straight speculating?

or are you basing it on brand name/title...???

I am speculating. Seeing as how a LS is a $70k car and a Maybach/Bentley is upwards of $350k, I would say it is a safe speculation.

yeah... thats true...
but im sure the LS is nice as hell..
it may not be "as nice" as a 350k car..
but i bet it's a hell of a lot
better than lets say a 7series or a A8

I'm not sure why every mention of a Toyota vehicle suddenly makes it awesome. I love Toyota, but come on now guys. What they do best, and what they'll always do, never involves high performance. It's in quality, value, and an overall well balanced package deal.

^ Incase you haven't been informed, Toyota is evolving and their turn in the winners circle is around the corner (which we're hoping they bring to some of their production vehicles). :P

yeah... thats true...
but im sure the LS is nice as hell..
it may not be "as nice" as a 350k car..
but i bet it's a hell of a lot
better than lets say a 7series or a A8

The VW Phaeton is nicer than both of those cars as well, but that doesn't make it a Bentley fighter....even though it is made on the same assembly line as the Continental GT and CFS.

where the moderator... must move over god knows how much of this to the LS section

where the moderator... must move over god knows how much of this to the LS section

:flame: %$#^#*$%&@$ I SWEAR SCIONLIFE HAS THE WORST SEARCH ENGINE EVER. :flame: (typed "LS" into search and it can't find ANYTHING) :flame:

Anyhow, here's a portion of a LS thread: http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1465007#1465007

dont forget about the Audi RS4 that car is a beast

Yep. The Audi RS4 sure is a beast. That huge gaping opening (or what looks like an opening) on the front looks like it is going to swallow you alive!

It wouldn't be wise to discount Toyota's performance mind. The Celica was overpriced for what it was but it could outhandle a stock RSX. Toyota has already proven it can make some good power. If they tune the new car like they tuned the Celica, all will be good.

But then again, I wouldn't get my hopes up as the trend shows that power is more on Toyota's mind than handling.

Holy ____ it looks sweet.


____ I need more tissues...

Looks sweet,when will the IS500 be released?

Looks sweet,when will the IS500 be released?

Anytime between July - October 2007, thats my guess.