I was at work today, and in the parking lot I see a blue/purple Lexus IS with some crazy looking rims and a vent on the front fender...then I look at the brakes, and me and my other car crazy co-worker are looking at it in awe. Then I see the vertically stacked quad-tip exhausts. I knew I was looking at an IS-F...but was sitting there dumbfounded because I had no idea they were out yet. It was some blonde lady driving it.

I never thought the car would have presence in person...but it looks amazing, especially in that color. It's not as gaudy as I once expected it to look.

Anyways, was it already released to the public? Toyota's corporate building is right around the corner, could it be fresh off the truck? It had a license plate and everything...

 

1st quarter of 2008 is when it is supposed to be released.

 

Yay auto tranny and fake exhaust tips.

 

I think that lady either is boning a Toyota exec or working for them. I don't think anyone can buy that Lexus yet.

 

 

Apparently they are attaching the exhaust mufflers to the tips for the production models. All the cars out so far were preproduction models. Just FYI.

Also, this auto tranny apparently can shift as fast a the Ferrari 599 F1 tranny. Can't complain too much about having 8-speed auto for cruising and then banging upshifts in 1/10 of a second in manual mode.

 

The automatic in the car is intriguing. It operates with slip in first gear like every other auto "slushbox", after that the converter is locked up. Making it direct drive for 2nd through 8th gear, with throttle blips for downshifts and everything. After first gear it basically operates like a manual, but the slip in first gear should be good for launches. It will certainly make things interesting for BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.

 

has anyone heard this thing on the dyno at the la auto show?

sounds badass!!

 

Wow, so I guess it was a preproduction model. I knew I wasn't supposed to be looking at one yet. Hopefully the exhaust tips connect to the fascia next time. I will say that thing looks nuts for a sports sedan.

I wish I could have looked at it up close or talked to the lady, she was leaving right after I clocked out and heading out the door.

 

ALL THE GUYS MAKING FUN of the auto tranny ,has to hear it in person .I heard this tranny at sema while on the dyno and it shifted very well!!!!!! i love the car cant wait till it comes out !!!!! dont knock this car till you drive it or see/hear it in person.