Lizard

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I came by the local Lexus dealer to check out the IS-F yesterday after the sale guy kept calling me for the past month about seeing the car. My mother, my girlfriend, and my self included had all purchased a new car from this dealer in the past two years.
After seeing the car on the show room, I asked for a test drive. He came back and said that the cars can not be test drove unless one actually sign paper to buy it. But he then told me that Lexus was having a dyno event across the parking lot for the dealer that I could go and see and hear the car in action. Apparently, Lexus send out these teams with the cars to the local dealer and educate their staff about the new product.
We went over the lot and saw 4 IS-F sitting there. One was on the dyno deck. Long story short, I got permission to do a dyno run with the engineer
Did three runs up to about 130/140mph. There was a computer screen that allowed me to see my reaction time, shift speed as well as trap speed in manual vs drive mode. My best time was 13.98 at 108mph.
The shift paddles are impressive. Quick, and sharp. Much quicker than my slk55. Down shifts are fast too, and smooth but I wish the blips were a bit louder. The car is actually louder than I though it would be. Especially from outside. Maybe just because there's no wind noise since the car is stationary but it did sounds pretty aggressive. Deep growl.
It was a blast and overall I had a great time doing the dyno run . The engineer said that I was only the second non-employee that was allowed to do this in the US on his leg of the tour. I wasn't sold on the car look but definitely appreciate the performance, sounds, and feel. The gear box was cool. Wish that was on my slk. But over all it wasn't good enough for me to want to part with my slk.
Can't wait to play with the c63 when ever my MB dealer gets it in.

mtiede

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Are these sales guys crazy? Back when I was looking to buy my first SLK, I took a look at the Porsche Boxster. I asked if I could take it for a drive and was told NO!? They let me ride in it, but my goodness. Prepared to buy an expensive car and not be able to test drive. That is just crazy.

I also looked at a Ford Thunderbird and had to get special permission for the sales guy to get a key to let me SIT it in!

What is with these guys? Don't they want to sell cars?

alroumi

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I am astonished in why car dealerships over the states look their cars and dont have test drives, before purchasing my SLK I test drove a SLK200.

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Cold Shot

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Dealers. Must be an individual dealership policy and maybe insurance\liability related. Here in Scottsdale, that would never fly. The week of the SLK purchase I drove 3 new Porsches and a bunch of Lexii. Had I gone across the street to Ferrari, I think it would have been the same. I would simply never buy a car that I did not get a chance to drive by the seller. He would feel the breeze of the door as I exited.

Lexus. Great cars. In the last 14 years, I have had 1 ES and 3 GS's. In all those years...not even a single burned out bulb. Not one single issue. Astonishing.

I was getting out of the last GS when I bought the SLK. I had (and still have) a strong sense of brand loyalty to Lexus, but just could not wait any longer for the power to arrive. I begged for it for years to anyone at Lexus who would listen. Opportunity missed...times 10,000. Even the marketing VP who called me at the house after hearing I would not buy another sympathised whole heartedly.

I think the LF-A will hold great promise for the future of the brand and their slow, controlled entry into Hi-Po cars. Unfortunately, it is going to be way too overpriced for a brand trying to capture market share from well established and entrenched competitors. The IS-F is a great entry level vehicle. And that's exactly how internal Lexus marketers will describe it...a test bed vehicle for the under $50K crowd that will suss out issues in the performance line before selling the next products to the $200K crowd.

Glad you got a chance to have a rare dyno experience...but lose the dealer if you have any interest in that car. No test drive=no sale.

Sorry for the ranting post. Stepping off soapbox now.

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2007 Black/Black SLK55 AMG (Green Filters, SmartTop V1, Eurolight Clear Side Markers, R170 Modded Antenna)
2007 Pewter/Black ML350
19xx White/Blonde Wife (Lmtd Edition Model)

Ikarus

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Nice try but still no cigar, say...

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cyberdrakon

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What a coincedence, i just saw one on the streets around here today! I've seen 3 new M3s, and 2 C63s though...