German Car Forum

SEE MORE PHOTOS: 2008 Lexus IS500

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.

looks mean.. i actually like this lexus ( first ever )

Yep, wicked little car, wonder if a 500 would still be competitive in two years though? Im sure Lexus has somehting good planned! Imagine the 600h engine in this little thing!!! OOOOOOOOOOOH YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH.

I doubt that the car will house a 5l engine. 4.6 sounds much more likely and the car will therefore be called IS460.

Anything is possible in a power war!!! Lexus has a 6.0 H engine coming out.... Im sure that was a shock for everyone, but now its here!!!

Lexus is no slouch, they can be a SERIOUS competitor if they choose too.

True. It will be interesting to see how this car will perform.

380 hp is no threat to M/AMG/RS... it needs to be way more.

Yep and if they say they aren't going to "get sucked into the hp war" then there chances of outdoing the new M3, C63 and RS4 are lost. They'll make a nice alternative for Lexus fans who think they have something equal to the Germans.

M

if lexus can find a decent way to deliver all that power, 380 is probably enough. keep in mind, the 350 already has a 0-60 in the low 5's. should be interesting what another 70 something hp will do for the car.

A swedish carmag tested this new lexus engine against 550i, A6 4.2 and Volvo S80 V8.The Lexus accelerated faster than all the cars except for 550i. This Lexus engine is effective, although with less HP than the others it impressed the swedish testteam.

OT but they also said the interior quality in the Lexus was better than in the A6

but what about these golden rims? they look really bad on this car. remind me of riced subaru impressa.

Just like European testers, they probably grab whatever's lying around that happens to be the right size..

Isn't that just fascinating! I mean there are C63s at the Ring with S600 and CL500 wheels! I love it.

M

Lexus put golden rims on it to make it a bit of an attention whore.

Hows this for attention:

The arrangements of the pipes is killing me.

I actually like it - it's different (unique). First the new LS's exhausts, now this

Not too thrilled about the pipes... sure they are unique, but unique doesn't make it nice.

Lexus IS500 images and info surface in Japan




We can always count on Nihon Car & Bike to keep us abreast of the goings on in Japan, and its latest scoop is what we think are official shots and specs of the forthcoming Lexus IS500. While these images could be nicely done Photochops, we're going with our gut here and guessing that they're not. According to NC&B, this information comes straight out of Japanese car mag Car Top, which reveals the IS500 will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8 developing 420 bhp and 405 ft-lbs. of torque, which is a larger and more powerful engine than the 380-hp, 4.6-liter V8 that we've been expecting. Clearly the car gains some width thanks to more pronounced fender flares covering a more aggressive wheel/tire combo. We did notice, however, that the oddly stacked quad exhaust tips we've seen in spy shots have been reordered into two neatly space pairs that flank an underbody air diffuser, while the rear deck also gets a subtle lip spoiler.

Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: Nihon Car & Bike]

380 hp?? why? this car cant compete with the M3 or RS4 and absolutley not the C63 when it comes to power.. so what is this.. a middle thing..
either go all out..or dont go out..i say..

Read again. It says it will propably have 420 hp.

Besides Lexus isnt in the power war, but instead best all around! Car will surely turn some heads. Thats alot of power nontheless.

lol man i need some therapy ive been making some stupid misstakes lately..
anyways in that case the car is HOT.. love the looks and all..im sure it will cost less than the competition..so bring it on

Im not sure yet... I think I don't like them. But it's unique for sure...

Well, it might well turn out to have the normal quad pipes, 2x2 side by side, as in Alex's pic.

Hey, although they might not be going for all-out performance domination, I'm sure there will be some for whom some extra oomph is much welcomed. Why not? My only beef is that, also in Alex's pics, is that the rear wheels look ridiculously close to the guards, and the front wheel arch flares don't really fit that well with the smooth nature of the car in general. But not too bad.