The upcoming IS and GS are supposed to be a lot more sporty than previous models, because Lexus is going to be a worldwide separate brand instead of just in certain markets like the US. So the 3GR-FSR is a nice revvy motor which is sufficiently within the character of a sporty luxury car. Think 330i or 530i.

In Japan, Toyota has the Crown lineup which is sorta old-school conservative luxury styling, and Lexus is going to be the more adventurous brand styling-wise. Also figure that since all the luxury brands competing in the US market have gone with very stylized looks, it pays for Lexus to make its lineup a bit more distinct.

I have no idea if there will be a V8 option for the new IS. Maybe in something like an M3 or S4 competitor, but as for anything official sounding coming through the grapevine I haven't heard anything.
Lexus is moving away from rebadged Toyotas and towards unique models based on Toyota platforms, and most Toyotas at this point have V6 engines. Inline sixes present packaging concerns and given that the JZ series inline sixes date back to the mid-late 80s I'd say it may be harder to get them to pass newer emissions standards. I'm sure the 3GR-FSE will be a very nice motor.

 

Point is that you work for Toyota, and I feel its influence on you now

 

Toyota should bring that V12 boat over here.
That thing is pimp.

 

I haven't worked there for six months.

 

But you swiped a lifetime's supply of their Kool-Aid and you're still drinking it.

TSX > IS

 

For once, I agree with you.

 

New IS > TSX. Of course new TSX is going to be better than the outgoing IS model. But even then, the IS still have tons more potential than TSX. There's no way around the fundamental limitation of FWD.

 

TSX = refreshed 4 door integra

IS = refreshed 4 door NA supra

 

Let's see here, what advantages does the TSX have?

- Current weapon of choice for yuppies
- FWD so I guess I wouldn't snow tires
- Cheaper
- More interior room
- Nicer interior materials
- 6spd transmission
- better mileage
- i-VTEC y0!
- Saves you the problem of having Altezza taillights from the factory

What advantages does the IS300 have?

- "I drive a Lexus" has ever so slightly more cachet to uninterested barroom females than "I drive an Acura"
- RWD and LSD >>> FWD and open diff
- Noticeably better brakes
- 15 hp
- 52 lb/ft

So I can see why for many reasons the TSX is definitely worth it over the IS300, especially for the average consumer who doesn't care about things like apexing turns but does care about actually having a useful back seat.

Perhaps were I in the position of adding one of these choices to the stable to park next to the Miata I would end up with the TSX given that if I'd really be in the mood for stuff the IS300 does better than the TSX, I could hop in the Miata.

Were I purchasing one car, I'd get the IS300 in a heartbeat. But it would have to be an '04 because for some incomprehensible reason Lexus ditched the LSD for '05 even though the car only really appeals to idiots like me who would want such a thing.

 

"Well if I had my way, I'd get a 1989 Cadillac Brougham, but they don't make them that way anymore..."

I'm comparing apples to apples. Who's got what for sale at this moment in time, in this model year.

"All Ford sedans to be redesigned sometime by 2025" :chuckles: