Lexus IS430 revealed...and it's an M3 basher!

[Banzai]

These following are the pictures of the concept Lexus IS430. As if BMW didn't have enough problems already!

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...=&postid=147435
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...=&postid=147437
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...=&postid=147441
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...=&postid=147442

The following are the Specs.
Coming out in 2002 as a 2003 model in the Lexus lineup: IS430
Engine: Supercharged 32-Valves DOHC 4.3Liter V8
Power: 396bhp
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Transmission: 6-Speed
Acceleration: 0 - 60MPH at 4.5sec
M.S.R.P.: $40,000+[b]

All these are the courtesy of "lenkun" from automobileforums.com

[s0yb0mb]

this is completely UNCONFIRMED, and this is a 1-off production being done by TTE in europe... I don't doubt it, but I'd be wary of believing that they're planning on releasing this car as an official model soon.

[Banzai]

Yes, it is only a concept.

But I do believe it will go into production. Mr Katayama, Toyota chief of product developement, always said his dream was to create the wildest Lexus ever. If the 4.3 V8 isn't wild enough, does a 6.0 V12 sound good?

[s0yb0mb]

no i hear you, but my point is just that this isn't a "Toyota" production per se. It is denifintly impressive, I'd like to see ho wthat car handles with the extra weight up fron though. I'd rather have a faster car on the track than a faster car in a straight line.

[tmr]

The 4.3 liter V8 has an aluminum block (vs. cast iron for the 3.0 liter 6), so it only weighs about 50+ lbs. more. It should not cause any handling problems due to weight distribution. Reports I've read indicate that the US market is what Toyota had in mind with the IS430 and that it will be produced. I think that I read this in Autoweek.

[cpthrash]

Well, I can guarantee you that if Lexus produces a supercharged 4.3 making 400hp, it will cost at the minimum 50K, a car that rockets to 60 in 4.5 seconds can't be produced in the low $40,000 range. but d*mn, that would be a really sweet car

[s0yb0mb]

That's a load of garbage and you know it. An IS300 can be had at about $32k USD.
Assuming the tranny could be taken from another toyota car, like the engine, all that is required is some subtle tuning and I'd say $10k premium on it is fair. It remains to be seen however if this is even going to happen.
I do agree however, that if this car is produced, it will be a high-sticker item just for the sheer exclusiveness of it.

[cpthrash]

A fully loaded IS300 runs about 34-35K, and you're trying to tell me that a car with nearly twice the horsepower could be made available for only 7K more, not likely. BMW charges 46,500 as a base price for the M3, but after dealer markups, which are inevitable for such a fast and rare car, as the IS430 would also be, you are looking at 50K, no problem. And the MB C32 AMG has a base price in the low 50's. Why would Lexus charge 5-10K less for a car that has 50 more HP than either of those cars...it doesn't make sense.:bandit:

[tmr]

One factor in pricing the IS430 might be the new G35, which will have 260 bhp with a 5-speed auto (6-speed later) at a base price of $27,100. I imagine that a Q45 340 bhp motor would not be out of the question. Just food for thought...

[bobo_80]

y couldn't i see the pics?........y y y y yy ????....