Volk, you may be right. Not looking to replace the Z for a couple of years, so the FT1 would be a possible choice for me if it seated 4. Right now isn't it just a concept vehicle?

Both the M4 and the RC-F are awakening my desire to possibly upgrade to one or the other. I would consider a Corvette as well.

Since everyone including BMW owners are recommending not to buy a first year model I will most definitely wait until next year for the M4.

The Lexus on the other hand I would consider buying regardless, and I am wagering that it looks much better in person than from the pictures I have seen. It is funny that when a car manufacturer goes for something that isn't boring they get slammed for "over-styling". I am anxious to see the reviews when they come out.

i still cant get over the fact that the IS only comes with AT.. and manually shifting AT on a normal straight road during normal driving seems stupid to me. yet let the car shift on its own.. that's boring. at least to me. :ugh2:

Okay I will through this out there $hits and giggles...Cadillac CTS V.Cheaper faster 2 or 4 door and you can get a manual!

I would tend to agtree if the AT was poorly geared and didn't have that oopmphy sporty push on gear changes. But if the tranny is like our 7AT's? It should be hella fun. These aren't the AT's of 2002 and below. These newer gen ones should be able to outclass our current trannies in overall performance as well.

Can't wait to see the ATS-V. It should be the better handler.

you think so? im kinda worried that after the honeymood period i'll end up not liking the car after wasting 50K. :ugh:
ive driven nothing but MT's the last 20yrs? maybe longer.

I'm not big on Lexus myself, so I really wouldn't get to excited owning one but, basing on my experience with paddle shifting various cars. I HAVE found manuals ABSOLUTELY necessary for fun factor on low Hp cars like an FRS, S2k, a GTI, a Mazda 3, Honda civic. Drive anything over 300hp and the driving dynamic changes. Paddle shifting becomes pretty fun.

yah, i know the trend is going AT so i should hop on the boat sooner or later...
my oldskool nature dont allow it yet. not sure im ready.

not sure im ready to classify myself 'old' :stirthepot:

Never old, just mature and working on my best 12 year old! :D

Get it already!! :p

Have you test driven it yet? Take it out for a extended drive and see how you feel after.

:icon17: haha, no, haven't test driven one yet, i did sit in one a couple of weeks back. i liked the car. but im worried im not going to like it after a few months. i just like to be engaged to driving while im driving. lexus and AT doesnt offer me that.. i dont think.

Won't know until you try! I think you'll like it. Let us know what you think after some drive time.

yah, like i mentioned a few times, the problem is i will most-likely like it
the first couple of weeks, maybe a few months. but then things will probably
fade away...

True. I guess from my viewpoint, if you like driving a FWD MT Fit, I think a 300+ hp AWD luxury sport sedan won't 'bore' you nearly as much as I think you're worried about, despite being an AT. You'll have all that power on tap. But again, I prefer AT cars for daily commutes. What else was on your list?

no the exact opposite. the fit is slow. that means it keeps me on my toes
because it's entirely my clutch/throttle/gear input that determines how fast the
thing goes. i mess up even a little bit, the impact is huge...i wont be
able to stick a pass.

on a AT car with power, you just step on it... sure that might be fun early
on, but im afraid it will bore me later. no input. just step on gas. :yawn:

im in no way comparing a fit to the is350. i got the fit as my winter
beater/grocery getter that the dumbarse general public can ding and hit and
i could careless about. :ugh: i bought the thing new cash with my allowance.

Not the case in MANUAL MODE. You still have to manually shift on time and in the right gear. If you shift too soon? Not enough power. Too late? Not enough linear tirque for a good performance duration. ManUal mode works purely as a manual without a clutch. You're talking like there's power on tap once in MANUAL mode. Not exactly buddy.

if you cant shift manual mode correctly on a AT car you have reflex/coordination issues... :ugh:
that is so stupid...

And it comes with a lifetime supply of Geritol!

I agree...it would have to be insanely responsive and fantastically fun for me to consider it.

The biggest complaint I am hearing about the M3/4 is that the turbo doesn't sound like the NA V8 and they upped the by 100+ lb-ft. How absolutely horrible!

My complaint about the BMW 4 series is they have white as an option. :thumbsdown:

I saw the RCF in person today. Everything but the front end looks great. I hope Lexus tones it down. Other than that, I love the car!

I agree about the looks, front end is a little too much. Where did you see it?

Kinda dissappointed it does not come with a manual trans as the head developer of the car did say the RCF was created for pure driving enjoyment. For many of us, pure driving enjoyment = manual trans.

:iagree:

M4 to answer question but the new Z is where I'm headed. Z06 that is. But not until 2016 and I've paid off my building.

There's a Lexus Corporate office in the town where I get my hair cut. I was driving by and it caught my eye so I pulled into the lot to take a look.

I agree, it should have a manual, or a dct. Looks like they just carried over the 8spd auto from the ISF

where did you see this?????? i must see it!!!

It was in the lot of their corporate office in Naperville. Had manufacture tags on it. Not sure if it's still there, I'm sure it was some execs company car.

M4. I'll be picking mine up next year. Timing it with the 2016 model year to get past those typical first year concerns and doing 2 weeks in Europe driving it around.

The RC-F is interesting, but like the IS-F, there isn't going to be much available for added performance. The aftermarket will be limited. It will have to sell at a discount to the M4 like the IS-F did to the M3 to have a chance of success.

Car & Driver did a First Drive of the RC-F, below is their opinion of the car.

Lexus RC F Reviews - Lexus RC F Price, Photos, and Specs - CARandDRIVER

thing looks huge in the sideview...?

I'll take the Lexus. Sure, the M4, with it's turbo engine, would be easy to mod and a blast to drive, but I have heard too many horror stories about late model German reliability. If I could lease, absolutely, but only for the warranty period, not a day longer.

(I drive too many miles for a lease to be economical)

I have had a 135i and a 328i (with the turbo 4) and the lag is near imperceptible, though I could see how with a manual you'll notice it much more. Especially if you are the type that shifts around 2-3k rpm and then goes back somewhat heavy on the gas.

May be a bit partial here but: M4 alllllllllllllll the way.

I hate to say this I wont buy any of it.
Because I cant afford any one of it.

But if by some miracle I hit the Jackpot Ill buy both!:tup:

since both are comfy and have a very nice interior/exterior, i'll go for the faster one :D

Here's Motortrends take on the RCF.

2015 Lexus RC F First Test - Motor Trend

4000lbs? RCF needs a little weight watchers help

number wise M4 seems to be winning... design wise M4 seems to be winning... the sedan looks better. imo.

:eek:

you're positive about a sedan?!?! lol :icon17::p

Agree. Lexus still has a ways to go....

Wasnt the exhaust and bumper married on the ISF? I could be wrong but I remember hearing that somewhere...