First of all, before you run down to the comments section to... run us down, what you see pictured above is NOT the special edition F-Sport model but an F-Sport equipped IS350C as Lexus did not accompany the announcement on its new model with pictures.
Not that we've cleared that up, let's see what the IS 350C F-Sport special is all about. To put it briefly, it's a limited run version of the coupe-convertible IS packed with performance and styling accessories from Lexus' F-Sport accessories line as well as additional equipment that will be available only in two colors, Tungsten Pearl or Obsidian.
On the outside, the special edition IS 350C will be distinguished by a set of newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, exterior badging and a unique F-Sport grille not previously available.
To improve handling, Lexus upgraded the suspension with a sway bar, a new set of shocks from Bilstein and new springs that reduce the ride height by approximately one-inch while it also wrapped the new rims in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber size 225/35ZR19 in the front and 255/35ZR19 in the rear.
An upgraded brake kit that is said to offer a firmer pedal feel and enhanced fade resistance is also part of the package.
There are no changes under the hood with the F-Sport model featuring the same 306HP 3.5-liter V6 as the standard IS 350C.
Inside, the IS 350C F-Sport comes with black leather-trimmed seats with contrasting blue stitching and leather-wrapped shift knob and embroidered floor mats with the F-Sport logo.
Other 'Special Edition' standard features include heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim; Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); headlamp washers; and Lexus Navigation.
Lexus plans to keep production limited to 100 units with the first examples of the F-Sport model scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this month with an MSRP of $57,500 (not including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875), or roughly the same price as an Audi S5 soft-top convertible that gets a 333HP 3.0-liter V6 TSI.
5 Comments:
BMW E92 M3 - $58,400 (414 hp)
Audi S5 - $52,400 (354 hp)
Lexus ISF - $58,460 (416 hp)
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So, now that we've established what a $50,000 performance car in this segment should offer, let's look at what the IS350C Special Edition offers:
IS350C - $58,375 (306 hp)
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A Lexus salesperson is going to have a hell of a time explaining why someone should spend BMW M3 money on what is equivalent to a 335i with fancy cosmetic upgrades. Maybe you get the privilege of saying you have a limited-run version. But that's it.
if anything it should have the same motor as the isf and they need to stop yucking around and make a true lexus coupe like the sc300-400 was, throw a solid roof on that car and lighten it up and see it run circles around the late 90's supra.
"A Lexus salesperson is going to have a hell of a time explaining why someone should spend BMW M3 money on what is equivalent to a 335i with fancy cosmetic upgrades."
Because people who like lexuses are dolts who have to, by sheer incompetence of the brand as the whole for over 20 years, attone for it's shortcomings in relation to other more established brands. Nothing 'offered' by the lexus brand can justify the price or the inadquences it shows to the industry.
Lexus is hoping it's buyers will socially degrade themselves into paying more money for a lesser car. The smart money will continue to go into M3's and the IS-F will be ignored.
Why would someone buy this over its German rivals? Lexus, from my perspective, are touring to luxury level type of performance. I understand that they are trying to become the "AMG" or "M" division of Japan, for me it just does not work out. Lexus is smooth riding vehicles with good reliability, not performance oriented vehicles.
Beauty is only skin deep. That's what the ridiculously overpriced Lexus IS350C Special Edition incarnates.
The 335i performance for M3 price,the IS350C Special Edition is a "sheep in wolf skin",or a "fox in tiger skin".
Such shoddy trick would be seen through. If the IS-F cabriolet powered by 416bhp V8(5.0-litres) were marketed,it would become a worthy competitor not only to the M3 Cabriolet but also to the Maserati Grand Sport Cabriolet!
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