Lexus M3-Killer Getting Closer

scionlife · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 4137 Location: scionlife.com

The Car Connection just posted images of a modified Lexus IS that appears to house a larger engine and other go-fast goodies. Looks like Toyota is definitely playing around with a car that could compete with the M3!

Quote: http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?DID=RSS&n=178&sid=178&article=10647

Lexus now appears ready to up the ante, and go head-to-head with the BMW M3, C-Class AMG, and Audi S/RS4 with this hot version of its IS sedan.

This prototype has all the necessary sporty cues: An aggressive front air dam that appears to take inspiration from Lexus' LF-A sports car, subtly integrated fender flares, and a deep rear bumper with uniquely stacked dual-exhaust tips. From an appearance standpoint, this high-performance Lexus looks like it can hold its own against the competition.

The most logical engine powering this beast would be the 4.6-liter V-8 introduced in the new Lexus LS460, which, if in the same state of tune, would mean 380 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. Sources say that this engine could be tuned and tweaked for more power, but Lexus has been quite adamant that they won't get sucked into horsepower wars with their German competition.

By the looks of this prototype, though, it looks like there is now another player in the factory tuner game.

HappySquirrel · Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 83 Location: HTX

Looks mean. I'd love to get behind the wheel and see what she can do. It actually seems to me like it'd be more in the same class as the M5. I'd still rather have the m3, though.

scionlife · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 4137 Location: scionlife.com

I think the GS would be more appropriate to battle the M5. Who knows, maybe if the high-performance version of the IS is successful there will be a GS to follow?

apexjr · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Posts: 563 Location: Portland, OR.

Yah.. M3 isn't looks, it not speed, it's that ease of driving at the limit that makes at M3 such an insane car.

They can try to make a M3 killer, but it's going to take a lot of work and no one is likely to get it right the first go around.

tCheesy · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 169 Location: Riverside,Ca.

I want it... and I want it NOW :bow:

06SuperWhite_SoCal_tC · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 1780

Looks Promissing, should be interesting to see how things pan out.

atodak · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1031 Location: NH

IMO, It looks wayyy better than the new M3 it defintely won't be as fast or handle as well.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=116120

JUMBO · Posted: 7/18/06 6:31AM Post subject:

Well, this year, they are changing the GS lineup anyway. The GS430 and the GS300 are going away in favor of the GS460 and the GS350. THe rest of the car will not change, just the drivetrains.

A GS460 with a sport handling package should be pretty badass if you ask me.

JUMBO · Posted: 7/18/06 6:33AM Post subject:

Oh, and I agree with atodak - the new M3 is hogging up all the ugly. The only M model that looks good anymore is the M6, and that is 14 kinds of sexy IMO.

R2D2 · Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 950

:ponder: Euro-auto-killer? I hope so.

Charade_Detomasso · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 227

hmmmm put in the GS's Active suspension, a getrag 6sp (at least as as option), the old IS300 steering rack..tune that engine to a tad over 400, make an off button for the electronic nanny and that would do in the M3, in speed, handling and undoubtedly, looks

BlkCherrytC · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 20

F the M3, they need to step up to the Audi RS4. I don't even think new M3 would be able to hang with the RS4.

SpeciaL1_575 · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 122

Looks good, too bad its in a damn 4dr.

lovin the wheels though.

For those who doubt its potential, dont be so hasty in favoring the m3. we all know toyota has the technology to compete with ze germanns.

xA_Factor · Joined: 19 Aug 2004 Posts: 722

Ah, forget the whole Euro thing. Midsize sedan with a high powered V8 engine and RWD? Sounds like a Dodge Charger/Pontiac GTO killer to me. You might be able to throw the Mustang and Cadillac XLR in the mix.....maybe?

Anyway, it would be a dragon slayer for sure....at least compared to some of the "domestic" iron.

designed24 · Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Posts: 168

M3 is a 6 cyl.. this is 8. And the M3 would prolly still outperform this this.. especially in handling. No offense to Toyota but I doubt it will be able to outperform the M3, its a legend w/ 20ish years of perfection.
I think its more appropriate to comparision to this car would be the 545i or M5? they are both 4 doors and 8 cly lux performance cars with 300+ HP.

R2D2 · Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 950

designed24 wrote: M3 is a 6 cyl.. this is 8. And the M3 would prolly still outperform this this.. especially in handling. No offense to Toyota but I doubt it will be able to outperform the M3, its a legend w/ 20ish years of perfection.
I think its more appropriate to comparision to this car would be the 545i or M5? they are both 4 doors and 8 cly lux performance cars with 300+ HP.

"perfection"? :rofl:
The M3 is a legend (even though it is in no way perfect - especially with styling), however don't jump to conclusions when making an offensive statement on something "your assuming" and is completely hypothetical.

Charade_Detomasso · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 227

why would this be compared to an M5? GS teritory boyz... This car will probably available in coupe form and in any case i'm sure the M3 has been available at one point or another in 4 door. The next gen M3 is also a V8 no I6.

And for Mr. 'the RS4 rules' , yeah, its a pretty awsome car... but its also not in true sports car spirit, as it has awd and weighs almost as much as a whale.

BlkCherrytC · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 20

Charade_Detomasso wrote: why would this be compared to an M5? GS teritory boyz... This car will probably available in coupe form and in any case i'm sure the M3 has been available at one point or another in 4 door. The next gen M3 is also a V8 no I6.

And for Mr. 'the RS4 rules' , yeah, its a pretty awsome car... but its also not in true sports car spirit, as it has awd and weighs almost as much as a whale.

LOL.

Don't get me wrong I'm a fan of the M3 and I can't wait to see what BMW brings to the table when they introduce the new M3. But like you said, even though the RS4 weighs like a whale. the dam thing is still able to hit 0 to 60 in 4.7 secs. Now the last I check, the last M3 hit in just under 6 secs with 5.8.

JUMBO · Posted: 7/19/06 10:43AM Post subject:

designed24 wrote: M3 is a 6 cyl.. this is 8. And the M3 would prolly still outperform this this.. especially in handling. No offense to Toyota but I doubt it will be able to outperform the M3, its a legend w/ 20ish years of perfection.
I think its more appropriate to comparision to this car would be the 545i or M5? they are both 4 doors and 8 cly lux performance cars with 300+ HP.

Actually, the new M5 (and M6) are both V10 cars this year, with 500HP. The new M3 will have a V8 and a rumored 400HP.

Our new car needs to have MUCH power to compete. More importantly, it needs to have telepathic steering response and wonderful suspension to even come close to an M3. That's what makes an M3 special - the connection of the driver and the car to the road. And it IS legendary, at least among car afficianados.

designed24 · Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Posts: 168

JUMBO wrote: designed24 wrote: M3 is a 6 cyl.. this is 8. And the M3 would prolly still outperform this this.. especially in handling. No offense to Toyota but I doubt it will be able to outperform the M3, its a legend w/ 20ish years of perfection.
I think its more appropriate to comparision to this car would be the 545i or M5? they are both 4 doors and 8 cly lux performance cars with 300+ HP.

Actually, the new M5 (and M6) are both V10 cars this year, with 500HP. The new M3 will have a V8 and a rumored 400HP.

Our new car needs to have MUCH power to compete. More importantly, it needs to have telepathic steering response and wonderful suspension to even come close to an M3. That's what makes an M3 special - the connection of the driver and the car to the road. And it IS legendary, at least among car afficianados.

I wasnt aware that the M3 will be in a V8. I just assumed it would be that highpowered inline 6 that they have had (although it has gotten bigger) since its conception.
And to a previous comment, yes... the m3 is perfection. Meaning that they have been perfecting it since early-mid 80's to what it is today- a legend. How long has toyota been working on this car? 2-3 years?