Latest Cars News Blog: mercedes benz

Lexus IS-F

After establishing itself as equal in terms of luxury to BMW, Audi and Mercedes, Lexus has taken the next step in its development with the IS-F. Just like each of the Bavarian automakers has in-house performance upgraded models (M-BMW, AMG-Mercedes, S/RS-Audi), the IS-F represents an impressive first example of the Lexus maturation as both a luxury and performance brand.

IS-F Stacked Tailpipes

What Lexus gets right begins with the powerplant: a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter 417 horsepower V8. This monster is mated with the world’s first eight (that’s not a typo) speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. 0–60 times in the IS-F are achieved in 4.6 seconds and produce a governed maximum speed of 170 mph.

Lexus V8

While clearly the mechanics of the IS-F are on target, the most direct competitor for the IS-F, the BMW M3, takes care of the details in a way that the Lexus hasn’t quite mastered. To begin with BMW and Mercedes don’t bother with non-functional pieces, such as the imposter air vents on the Lexus. From the hood bulge to the menacing bumpers and stacked tail pipes, the Lexus looks like it is trying to convince you of its speed and perhaps trying too hard. The Bavarians are more subtle in their design, until they drop the hammer on the throttle and you see the M on the truck as it leaves you in its wake.

Lexus IS-F Interior

Also, for a company that has successful achieved a level of elegance, ergonomics and taste, the interior of the Lexus sometimes borders on cheap looking. A silver carbon fiber “appliqué” is present on the doors and center console and a rather flimsy looking plastic tray divides the rear seats. The rest of the interior sports blue stitching on black leather seats, solid aluminum gear shift paddles and an ‘F’ on the steering wheel to designate this special model.

The price tag of the IS-F is $56,610, which is comparable though slightly more expensive than the M3 ($54,575). For a first attempt into this genre the IS-F is a solid entry. It may not be completely refined, but the IS-F will probably still appeal to those that want to stand out a bit from the typical performance sedan crowd. Lexus will most surely keep closing the gap on its competitors.

Filed under: Economy, Hatchbacks, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 A class

The market for luxury cars is slipping, and stalwarts like Mercedes-Benz are not immune. The German automaker's current projections indicate that overall sales will drop by about 10% for 2008, and '09 isn't shaping up to be any better. On the other hand, one of the few bright spots in the U.S. auto market has been the sales of small cars, which have at least sustained level sales and in some cases increased tremendously. While Daimler has no basis for comparison since 2008 was the first year that the fortwo was sold here, sales of the smart brand have greatly outpaced the automaker's projections.

The success of small but premium cars has prompted MB USA to take another look at its A-Class and B-Class cars. This compact duo are sold in other countries, but have been deemed too diminutive to be widely accepted here in the States. That all may change in 2012. By then, Daimler will have had a chance to rework the two cars for the American market, bringing them more in line with the brand's U.S. aspirations, and that's a good thing since the big concern would be whether the two models would devalue the three-pointed star in the fickle eyes of us Americans.