2008 Lexus IS500.
The highly successful Lexus IS medium sedan series has already been trouble for the German BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. It seems that Lexus will not settle with competing against the low and mid-end medium sedans, but is committed to dare the league of the “bad boys”. The new high-performance Lexus will be called IS500, will equip a 420 bhp V8 engine and will compete against the BMW M3 (E90), Audi RS4 and Mercedes C55 AMG.
The Lexus IS series proved to be quite a successful medium sedan. While the larger Lexus models seem to be clones of the Mercedes equivalent models, the IS was aimed at the sportier BMW 3-Series. A very flourishing member of the 3-Series family is the sporty M3. Against this image vector Lexus didn’t had anything to offer. However, it seems that things are about to change as the Japanese company is developing an IS500 model.
The new IS500 has set as a performance target the Audi RS4 sedan and the E90 BMW M3, to be released. Both of this cars use V8 high-rev normally aspirated engines producing around 420 bhp
The new sports-saloon Lexus will probably feature a detuned version of the 5.0L V8 currently in development for the LF-A supercar production version. As first information show, for the IS500 the V8 ( code-named 2UR-FSE) engine will produce 420 bhp @ 5800 rpm and 405 lbs/ft of torque @ 3800 rpm from 5.0 liters of displacement. The new Lexus V8 will be a bored out version of the 4.6 L engine from the new Lexus LS460 saloon. This is a slower engine than those used by the German competitors (the RS4’s reaches 8250 rpm and the M3’s is expected to rev up to 9000) as Lexus has no experience on the high-revving principle. In order to compensate for that the Lexus has a bigger displacement, 5.0 L against 4.2 L in the Audi and 4.0 L in the BMW.
The new engine will feature the usually Lexus “goodies”, such as the “drive-by-wire” ETCS-i, (Electronic Throttle Control System intelligent), which will control the throttle based not just on pedal position, but also on data from vehicle speed and engine rpm. This system will team up with the engine’s intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i), which will ensures unmatched tractability and smoothness by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine’s speed range. As a result, more torque will be available across a broader engine speed range, making the vehicle more reactive under all driving conditions and providing the driver with confidence in effortless passing power.
We expect an extensive use of lead-free alloys in components such as valve-seats and connecting rods, which will contribute to preserving the environment. An enhanced cylinder head cooling will increase combustion efficiency and contribute to lower emissions.
The expected overall dimensions of the new IS 500 are 183.6 inches in length, 71.6 inches in width and 56.5 inches in height. The wheelbase will measure 107 inches and the weight will be up to 3714 lbs. As we can notice the IS500 is has gained some width in comparison with the rest of the IS models as it sits on wider tracks. That led to more pronounced fender flares that need to cover the enlarged wheel/tire combo.
The new Lexus IS500 will feature a tuned version of the double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension configuration, common in all the ISes. That layout combines legendary Lexus ride comfort with excellent handling and dynamic abilities.
The front, high-mount, double wishbone suspension will combines a lightweight, forged aluminum knuckles with a high tensile steel lower arm and a hollow anti-roll bar. In addition, the new, forward mounted power steering gear allied to low toe variation along the suspension stroke will offer a more linear yaw response, precise steering control and excellent straight line, high speed stability.
The rear will equip, an advanced multilink set-up with toe control arms and an aluminum rear axle carrier that combine stiffer suspension component materials with a reduction in unsprung mass for excellent ride comfort with high cornering stability. The upper arms supply to a reduction in upward spring motion, the mid-arm contributes to reduced body roll, and the lower arm provides an improved anti-lift / anti-squat ratio. Moreover, aligning the shock absorbers along the same, lower axis as the coil springs facilitates a wider boot loadspace.
The braking system will feature high diameter ventilated and drilled discs with brake-fade pressure compensation system to constantly monitor brake performance. In addition, the new, high friction coefficient brake pads will further increase the IS500’s braking efficiency. The, link-type variable ratio brake pedal will provides a progressive action combining optimum low-deceleration feel with maximum high-deceleration power. Via this new brake system, the new IS500 will deploy a comprehensive range of active safety braking functions including Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
Prices are expected to start from around spancolor: #ff0000""$60,000
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Source: www.topspeed.com
