Probably not directly, but they are in the same price range. As far as competition with regards to size, it would probably compete with the E63 and M5, both of which cost a lot more ($20,000+) than a V.

 

whats G56

 

Being an IS-F owner I have to chime in..I have to admit my bias first and foremost

M3's are great cars for driving and I most definitely agree. They are better on the track than the 08 and 09 IS-F but the 2010 IS-F's now have a real LSD which equals the playing field ( it lopped off almost 2 seconds on one track they tested it on. Fifth gear tested the 08 IS-F against the 2008 M3 it was just ahead by .5 of a second ( not sure). So, if the 2010's are tested against the current M3 it would be a driver's race on the track.
In a straight line, please see the video below which debunks the assertion that M3 coupe is faster. With 370 lbs of torque, the IS-F will be ahead which is even proven by the top gear video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyQS...eature=related


Regarding the ride of, I would agree with the findings of the reviewers that the IS-F needs some more tuning. Its is really stiff and passengers in the back seat, beware as they might be tossed around...lol! But on smooth pavement, its a great cruiser.

Lastly, reliability is main reason I chose the IS-F over M3. One top magazine who did a long term test for both cars said that after 20, 000 miles the M3's interior looked it like it has aged quite a bit but the Lexus interior looked brand new.

I disagree with some posters here that at this price range, reliability is out of the question. Rich people generally became affluent bacause of good investments and reliability/quality is one key trait in any WISE investment.

 

around $70k?...an M3 coupe costs the same similarly optioned (tech & prem package, 19's, dual clutch)

 

Conceptual idea of incorporating the powertrain of the M56 or M56x into the Infiniti G, adding a fifth entry to the IS-F/M3/RS4/C63 quartet.

 

we are talking $80k plus on this car.

 

where are you getting this $80k number from? Are you converting the euro price directly into dollars? The US price is always lower.


The M3 starts at 53k GBP which is $79k USD.




An RS5 starts at 57k GBP which is $85k USD.




Not even close to a $20 grand difference.

 

This is the problem^

If he buys an M3 he wouldn't have to explain how it is better than an IS-F

 

The BMW USA site (http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...e/default.aspx) states the M3 (coupe) starting price is $58.4K

 

I predict the G56 will cost considerably less than all of them and beat or atleast match all their performances

 

..I know this. I was explaining that you cannot look at the Euro price of a car and convert it directly to get the US price.



Therefore an RS5 will not cost 80 thousand dollars.

 

AHHHHHH gotcha.


FYI on pricing for the US Spec RS5: https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=548

 

 

Yes you can, and when you include VAT it's going to cost even more.

 

I bought an IS-F, BMW lover. Can you afford one? Why are you driving a lowly TSX? Do I need a long explanation why I bought an IS-F over a TSX? I do not think so..

 

Sorry, I for whatever reason thought the RS4 starting right around $80k when new, I guess that must be the Cabrio. That said, given that Audi seems (only my observation, haven't checked the numbers) to price the A5 higher than the A4, it's safe to say the RS5 would be $4-6k more expensive from the start. Looks like the 2010 S4 starts at $45,900, while the 2010 S5 starts at $52,400, so say the next RS4 starts at $68k, the RS5 would probably be $72-74k, which is still quite a bit more than any other big hitters in the luxury market.

Ok, so finished reading all of the posts, close enough I guess.

Way to be an asshole just because you're butthurt most people don't like the IS-F compared to the M3, sure makes us think highly of you and your holy IS-F.

 

Unless this is a video being done by professionals, it's not something that proves your point.

Give anyone here a few minutes & they'll find a M3 beating a IS-F on the street, too.

The other thing here is that, straight-line speed is all the IS-F has to brag over the M3. For the Germans, though, they could care less. They're specialty lies in the corners, & looking at track times, it shows; the M3 typically averages 2-3 seconds quicker a lap than the IS-F.

 

I gotta check with my co-manager to find out the price of RS5.

 

I am just trying to refute an assertion here by a poster that the M3 is faster in a straight line. And yeah, 4 out of 5 videos show that the IS-F is faster in a straight line.
As I have mentioned in my LONG post, the M3 was tested on the track against 2008 IS-F's which lacked real LSD's. The 2010 now have real LSD's which have cut down track time. And also, I do not give a fuck about the Germans! We also own an 2006 Audi A4 cabriolet that has spent a significant amount of time in the shop..

 

CTS-V > *

There isn't a single sedan out there that I'd want more, except maybe the AM Rapide. I really like the new E63 though

 

Sorry about this reply Tafetta but he was demeaning to my IS-F as I was demeaning to his TSX. A dignified reply merits a dignified answer. My apologies if I sounded like an asshole and I was. I just expected a better rebuttal of my post

 

We are talking about cars here, nothing personal

 

And judging by lap times, still isn't enough.
What the fuck does that have to do with anything? Oh that's right, nothing, because

You------------------>The point.

 

+1

take it from 2 people who has one and then add jesal 2 make it 3....




yes im biased

 

OK guys, let's take a breather here.

There's no disputing that the M3 IS the benchmark in this segment. One has to also keep in mind that the 3 series itself is the class benchmark. And given BMW's legacy and reputation, it'll be hard to knock this one off its pedestal.

As far as the IS-F goes, Lexus has done far more than both Acura and Infiniti has in creating a bonafide M3 competitor. (At this rate, Hyundai may put one out there before these two ever do.) So, Lexus HAS TO get credit for noting the benchmark and making the effort meet/exceed it! IMHO, it seems (to me anyway) that the IS-F is about 9.5/10 BMW M3 with the only real drawback being an auto tranny (if not it's Mazdaspeed6 inspired styling).

Again, let's keep this discussion civil please. Thanks.

 

I just wish there were more options in this class that came with a manual tranny. I am prob going to be in this price segment for my next car (I own a 335i now) and only will buy a stick. This limits me to the M3 or CTS-V. The CTS-V is too big for me. Not that I have anything against an M3, but I'd like more options. Audi is just an odd fitting place ins this segment.

 

based on looks and 3rd pedal I say m3.

 

Driven both extensively; own the IS-F. I wanted a good daily driver, I'm not a track driver, and an M car is never the answer when you're looking at day-to-day reliability and long-term durability. The auto tranny, while having two too many gears, is superior to both BMW's manual and the M-DCT. 27 mpg on the highway ain't shabby either.

If the 2G CTS-V had come out sooner I could very well be rocking that car. But honestly all of the automobiles being thrown around here are exceedingly capable.

 

I dont feel like reading everything, but did he choose yet???

 

Thanks for coming out. I thought I was alone in here.

 

Thank you very much for introducing the credit angle Mod F23A4. Credit has to be given where it is due. BTW, I'd rock a G56 if ever Infiniti comes out with one, preferably with the AWD of the GT-R

And I don't think I will be drinking the BMW Kool Aid..LOL!

 

I say best way to tell is just test drive it, find out what you like and dont like for each car. Consider everything and go with what your heart tells you. We can say all we want but some people just like other cars than some other people. Honestly I will not buy cars solely on numbers, yes it is a consideration but in the end I'll choose what appeals to me mostly.

 

I've been a member of AZ since 2003 when we bought a spanking new 2G TL. I bought the F in Sept. 2008 and have loved every minute driving it.

The animosity towards the IS-F is really puzzling (especially on an Acura board), as if it's an affront to God Almighty for Lexus to even attempt such a thing. It should get kudos for being an honest-to-goodness Japanese muscle car with a decent bit of luxury thrown in. For that I give Lexus .

Real-world reaction to my car has been nothing short of spectacular; it helps immensely that the F is far more rare than M3's in this neck of the woods.

 

You guys are being a tad sensitive.

No one has been bashing the IS-F. Im sure many of us here agree its a great machine.

I personally am impressed with what Lexus came out with on the first try. Many companies take years to even come close to where the IS-F is.

 

I like the IS-F. Its a great car but the IS350 still looks better IMO and the M3 is still a better driver's car.

 

Thank you Crazy Acura..I am not normally sensitive and I just wanted to help the OP by providing the IS-F side of the equation. Then here comes Shift_Acura saying that my post is the PROBLEM. He arrrogantly disregarded the good intentions of the effort as if he himself owns an M3. But this is water under a bridge. Thanks again for the impartiality despite your M3.

 

Real-world reaction to my car has been nothing short of spectacular--I can DEFINITELY relate!
I am also loving every minute of driving mine!

 

the BMW suits your personality more.

 

C63 all the way for me. I love the styling, exhaust note, and low-end torque way too much. Can't stand anything about the IS-F interms of styling at all. IMO since this is a subjective matter, IS-F looks cheap compared to others in the class (in fact 3rd gen TL looks better even) can't stand the bulged hood, the toyota esque trunk area, or the slab sided-ness of the doors. Personally I love the BMW driver centric look even more than the C63, but the c63 overall gets my vote if it were an option.

Oh and I could care less about whats faster around the track or in a straight line and I haven't driven any of these cars.