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The Loft / EvoM Car Talk CornerThe landing pad for automotive discussions, news, articles, and opinions. A place for the community to kick back and chat.
Recently, I was shopping around with a family member. While I love my Evo more than any other cars, the post-pandemic Lexus offerings are quite interesting for people who want a dependable ride. So I collected a few flyers that I'd like to share here.
If you are interested in a Lexus sedan or coupe, please be careful that the slushbox automatic indeed dulls the sportscar driving experience. The worst ones can make it feel like partying with a swimsuit model while wearing eight condoms. The better ones are somewhat tolerable. The transmission control software varies from model year to model year. A wise thing to do would be to test drive the actual year and model before you buy. Like 05RollaXRS posted on Club Lexus:
Originally Posted by 05RollaXRS
However, having driven an IS500 F-Sport Performance and owning an RCF, I can tell in real life they behave VERY differently probably mostly due to software tuning especially in SPORT+ mode and manual (the only mode I used when I test drove the IS500). Best way I could describe, at full throttle and hitting redline, the RCF's transmission shifts are more violent/whiplashing and more sense of urgency while the IS500 felt more on the relaxed and smooth side. It seemed like Lexus wanted the IS500 shifts to be more on the smooth and comfortable side. The mechanical engagement on/off due to lock-up of the torque converter seems more dominant in the RCF than in IS500 F-Sport where there is smoothness.
Lexus sport sedans and coupes are great choices for people who are okay with driving an automatic car, and want their car to be reliable.
Among the IS models, the IS500 (currently 58~67k USD) is a unique sport compact that comes with a naturally aspirated V8 from the factory. With an aftermarket exhaust, you will be able to enjoy that ohhh so glorious V8 note all day long.
With the RC models, the RC F (currently 68~81k USD) is also equipped with a V8 from the factory. With an aftermarket exhaust, the sound, the handling, and the power are so sublime that I hope you can forgive its subpar (but still reliable) transmission.
The concept car-inspired LC (currently 78~114k USD) is going to be a future classic. She can make every enthusiast feel as joyous as a child in Christmas. I hope she gets more love from Lexus, such as an F trim and the newer infotainment system. I dare not hope for a 6-speed manual, because if Lexus makes it and it doesn't sell, the joke would be on me.
For now, you have to drive the LC500 to believe. It's a worthy halo for Lexus, because she can rival any of the hyper cars.
2023 model year Lexus IS, RC, and LC brochures!!
