The market of people buying the GS-F are not going to buy a manual. Lexus would have to do some serious marketing, to scratch into the BMW crowd, in order to find enough people who can afford this and want a manual. The whole idea of a manual just goes against the image Lexus has sold for years and yes I know about the IS's that came with manuals (but how many of them did they sell?) That all said, nice driving out there and I really love the sound of that engine.
+MKTech I would have recently bought an RCF or GSF over a competitor if they had a manual option. In fact there is a huge niche market for manuals and why its so hard to find when being resold. Initial sales are always lower volume. But you are already dealing with a niche car anyway offer both, these F models are perfect platforms for it weight and everything else aside. If they made a 1000 they would all be sold and have one of the higher resale value. Look at the M cars for example, very hard to find after a few years compared.
Considering Lexus has only sold around 1600 RC-Fs in total global sales to date and the IS-F (between 08-14) only sold 11500 globally (around 5000 in the US), they are not going to sell enough of these to justify even a small batch of manuals. While I do agree it would be better with a manual, Lexus has a much bigger issue in branding when it comes to sport cars. Putting a manual in this car isn't just as simple as licensing a manual from a supplier and dumping it in. It would require, testing, ECU re-mapping, putting nannies in to keep people from killing themselves. In total it would probably cost them at least a million in R&D. At the volumes they would be looking at based on past sales, it would only amount to a couple 100 sales, which would hardly offset the cost.
+MKTech I totally agree with you and Lexus would likely say the same. However many times having a "halo" sporty car is not about volume and numbers its more of a statement piece. And with a company like BMW ditching V8s because they claim they cant meet emissions and fuel economy standards, it definately is a good area to attack. And yes their branding and marketing is not enough here.
Excellent video. For such a large car, you were hitting speeds close to what you obtained on the Corvette last year. Also, those brakes brought the car down from high speeds consistently without major fade. If only Lexus could get a good stylist in-house it would give the Germans a shellacking.
After watching this video I have decided to go buy some smoked sausage links. I'm still living on MINI MCS money, but if I had the money for the Lexus I would certainly consider. A real V-8 is getting hard to find outside of a Camaro or a Mustang.
+scottieray Thats very true, and this motor is amazing. Feels great and sounds great and chances are you wont have to do a rebuild at 50k like some other "fast" V8 people love.
Lexus biggest missed opportunity was not building an 3IS-F with this engine/trans/diff combo,instead they built the RCF fiasco and while the GSF is a great car (many reviewers said that it's a more fun to drive car than the M5) it's too expensive for what it brings to the table,it should be a 65-70k car.
+maximus9401 The drives were different mainly because I had a passenger in the M2. And also was feeling out the car more trying different things. But regardless, the M2 chassis is better, no doubt and it has a manual gearbox thats a big deal. But that motor in GSF is just so much more fun including interior quality. I think back to back they would be close in terms of track times. But on street GSF would be better to own along with reliability.
savagegeese If Lexus put that V8 in a slightly smaller car and gave it a manual, they would just kill it. Hell, if they gave any of their cars a manual, they would be so much better off. I'm waiting for the IS to get the F treatment, but I don't see the manual returning to Lexus anytime soon unless it's a deliberate halo car. BMW will steal sales for this reason alone. It's sad :'(
Well... here we are! 2023 & Lexus has indeed dropped a crazy IS 500 F Sport w/A NA V8 &. etc. ( no manual but oh well, not the market practically at all just like @savagegeese said! I really like the GSF over it though! :) at least for now! @@maximus9401
I think a back-to-back comparison drive of an RCF vs GSF and/or RCF TVD vs RCF non-TVD would be great. TH-cam is filled with single car impressions, but we're sorely missing the more in-depth stuff that people all over the forums are asking but no one really has a detailed answer.
+Wordsworthian Most of it is just impossible to do as manufacturers wont allow you to do much track stuff let alone lend out both of those cars without hassle. So the option is owners donating cars for it which is almost as bad.
I'm not sure what budget you're working with and if you're willing to travel to the cars, but Turo rentals & travel should be fairly affordable (I just rented an MT ND Miata for a weekend in San Jose for $28 a day). Admittedly, GSFs & RCFs are bad examples as they're rare even on turo, but things like S2Ks, ND Miatas, GT86s, Fiesta STs, Mustangs, Corvettes, Caymans and other enthusiast cars are all over the place and there are some interesting comparisons that can be done.
I don't think at ALL, that Lexus missed any mark with the "enthusiasts" over a manual transmission... Yes, of course! manual transmission in a sports car or performance car IS of course, GREAT to have and much rather have... however, it's a Lexus. period... gs, is, even I'd have to say, the rc... nah.. why? bcuz they are all too technical. if that makes any sense... I almost was going to say ya they should've done it for the rcf, but then when u think about out. probably shouldn't. the cars already too heavy, too under powered, too much of a failure.. if the car was light weight, more agile, more of a Sports car! not sports sedan, not luxury sport, not anything with too much electrical interference. it takes sooo much away from that "feel" for the car if it's manual and has as many computer refinements as this car has. just, my opinion tho... also, I think it's time for Lexus to give that motor a break now. they've used it in too many cars now thatve not "hit the mark". although this car IS fantastic and would LOVE to have one. I most definitely wouldn't buy one tho if it's a stick. only because, I know that this car, IS a 'luxury' sports 'sedan'!
+Aerik infj I think its a great motor, but may not be as great as it seems in a car with this weight. If that LC500 is 800 lbs lighter it will change most opinions.
I don't think at ALL, that Lexus missed any mark with the "enthusiasts" over a manual transmission... Yes, of course! manual transmission in a sports car or performance car IS of course, GREAT to have and much rather have... however, it's a Lexus. period... gs, is, even I'd have to say, the rc... nah.. why? bcuz they are all too technical. if that makes any sense... I almost was going to say ya they should've done it for the rcf, but then when u think about out. probably shouldn't. the cars already too heavy, too under powered, too much of a failure.. if the car was light weight, more agile, more of a Sports car! not sports sedan, not luxury sport, not anything with too much electrical interference. it takes sooo much away from that "feel" for the car if it's manual and has as many computer refinements as this car has. just, my opinion tho... also, I think it's time for Lexus to give that motor a break now. they've used it in too many cars now thatve not "hit the mark". although this car IS fantastic and would LOVE to have one. I most definitely wouldn't buy one tho if it's a stick. only because, I know that this car, IS a 'luxury' sports 'sedan'!
I have traveled from the future to let everybody know this will become a great car
Sounds amazing. Hoping for a next gen IS-F some day.
RC F is the IS F. but the is f is coming back
There will be a next gen 4 ISF but forget about the V8 it will be a TT V6 with the Aisin 10 speed
Thank you. The sound in your videos seem to have great fidelity. Perfect listening for a (Yamaha tuned?) Toyota V8!
Sweet ride, interior is beautifully crafted! Lexus did a great job with this car. Love it
That was very great driving, I hope you do more track tests!
"A" pillar is best pillar.
Love this channel, btw.
Wow, only 4 years back and you looked so much younger.
I can say the same thing about me 😄
this one sounds throaty asf, the gears are crispy too. I kind of like it!
The market of people buying the GS-F are not going to buy a manual. Lexus would have to do some serious marketing, to scratch into the BMW crowd, in order to find enough people who can afford this and want a manual. The whole idea of a manual just goes against the image Lexus has sold for years and yes I know about the IS's that came with manuals (but how many of them did they sell?) That all said, nice driving out there and I really love the sound of that engine.
+MKTech I would have recently bought an RCF or GSF over a competitor if they had a manual option. In fact there is a huge niche market for manuals and why its so hard to find when being resold. Initial sales are always lower volume. But you are already dealing with a niche car anyway offer both, these F models are perfect platforms for it weight and everything else aside. If they made a 1000 they would all be sold and have one of the higher resale value. Look at the M cars for example, very hard to find after a few years compared.
Considering Lexus has only sold around 1600 RC-Fs in total global sales to date and the IS-F (between 08-14) only sold 11500 globally (around 5000 in the US), they are not going to sell enough of these to justify even a small batch of manuals. While I do agree it would be better with a manual, Lexus has a much bigger issue in branding when it comes to sport cars.
Putting a manual in this car isn't just as simple as licensing a manual from a supplier and dumping it in. It would require, testing, ECU re-mapping, putting nannies in to keep people from killing themselves. In total it would probably cost them at least a million in R&D. At the volumes they would be looking at based on past sales, it would only amount to a couple 100 sales, which would hardly offset the cost.
+MKTech I totally agree with you and Lexus would likely say the same. However many times having a "halo" sporty car is not about volume and numbers its more of a statement piece. And with a company like BMW ditching V8s because they claim they cant meet emissions and fuel economy standards, it definately is a good area to attack. And yes their branding and marketing is not enough here.
Excellent video. For such a large car, you were hitting speeds close to what you obtained on the Corvette last year. Also, those brakes brought the car down from high speeds consistently without major fade. If only Lexus could get a good stylist in-house it would give the Germans a shellacking.
Is that 2 to 3 shift a big jump? Sounds like it is
Wait why do your eyebrows look so good here?
very well job
Nice lap
Like it!
I agree.....a manual would be awesome in this thing😉
Do a review of the Fiesta ST!
Dial in some negative camber and bye bye understeer. Probably no camber adjustment to do so however..
+NorevlimitR No camber adjustment on car.
Very tempted to sell my accord and get s 2016 gsf. It is priced at 55k.😤
Do it
Accord vs GS F? Not even in the same universe. V8 ftw. But the GS is a gas guzzler and only takes premium.
Two things, where's the foot cam and when will you drive that new Alfa Romeo sports car. Thanks for the ride.
+ToroBimmer E90Bay I only did foot cam on manual cars. Alfa is coming and likely full video on it as well
+savagegeese I'm looking forward to your Romeo review!
+Candice Juliano Shooting Yes would be interesting. That carbon tub makes it feel very rigid.
not bad at all, og v8.
After watching this video I have decided to go buy some smoked sausage links. I'm still living on MINI MCS money, but if I had the money for the Lexus I would certainly consider. A real V-8 is getting hard to find outside of a Camaro or a Mustang.
+scottieray Thats very true, and this motor is amazing. Feels great and sounds great and chances are you wont have to do a rebuild at 50k like some other "fast" V8 people love.
youre awesome
Lexus biggest missed opportunity was not building an 3IS-F with this engine/trans/diff combo,instead they built the RCF fiasco and while the GSF is a great car (many reviewers said that it's a more fun to drive car than the M5) it's too expensive for what it brings to the table,it should be a 65-70k car.
Nsx review 😎
I'd love to see you review a Subaru WRX with a manual. Not the STI. The WRX.
Seems like you drove this car a lot harder than the M2. Could that be part of why you didn't enjoy the M2 as much?
+maximus9401 The drives were different mainly because I had a passenger in the M2. And also was feeling out the car more trying different things. But regardless, the M2 chassis is better, no doubt and it has a manual gearbox thats a big deal. But that motor in GSF is just so much more fun including interior quality. I think back to back they would be close in terms of track times. But on street GSF would be better to own along with reliability.
savagegeese If Lexus put that V8 in a slightly smaller car and gave it a manual, they would just kill it. Hell, if they gave any of their cars a manual, they would be so much better off. I'm waiting for the IS to get the F treatment, but I don't see the manual returning to Lexus anytime soon unless it's a deliberate halo car. BMW will steal sales for this reason alone. It's sad :'(
Well... here we are! 2023 & Lexus has indeed dropped a crazy IS 500 F Sport w/A NA V8 &. etc. ( no manual but oh well, not the market practically at all just like @savagegeese said! I really like the GSF over it though! :) at least for now! @@maximus9401
I think a back-to-back comparison drive of an RCF vs GSF and/or RCF TVD vs RCF non-TVD would be great. TH-cam is filled with single car impressions, but we're sorely missing the more in-depth stuff that people all over the forums are asking but no one really has a detailed answer.
+Wordsworthian Most of it is just impossible to do as manufacturers wont allow you to do much track stuff let alone lend out both of those cars without hassle. So the option is owners donating cars for it which is almost as bad.
I'm not sure what budget you're working with and if you're willing to travel to the cars, but Turo rentals & travel should be fairly affordable (I just rented an MT ND Miata for a weekend in San Jose for $28 a day). Admittedly, GSFs & RCFs are bad examples as they're rare even on turo, but things like S2Ks, ND Miatas, GT86s, Fiesta STs, Mustangs, Corvettes, Caymans and other enthusiast cars are all over the place and there are some interesting comparisons that can be done.
Why haven't you reviewed an Infiniti yet?
+ThousanWhite Next month we start.
Put a gated 6-speed and gimme some caster/camber
it just doesnt rev out enough, it stops way too short
real question is, is this an $85,000 car? Seems like a nice ride, but way overpriced. I would think $70-$75 would be more realistic.
+spinQubit 85 seems steep.
Thats what they sell for, right now. Go get one!
maybe it's the heavy weight up front the nose.
+vaajchang RCF also heavy but in colder temps had less understeer.
Theirs always one Douche at the track isn't there? Lol
Jeremy Clarkson is a old foggy
First...
I don't think at ALL, that Lexus missed any mark with the "enthusiasts" over a manual transmission... Yes, of course! manual transmission in a sports car or performance car IS of course, GREAT to have and much rather have... however, it's a Lexus. period... gs, is, even I'd have to say, the rc... nah.. why? bcuz they are all too technical. if that makes any sense... I almost was going to say ya they should've done it for the rcf, but then when u think about out. probably shouldn't. the cars already too heavy, too under powered, too much of a failure.. if the car was light weight, more agile, more of a Sports car! not sports sedan, not luxury sport, not anything with too much electrical interference. it takes sooo much away from that "feel" for the car if it's manual and has as many computer refinements as this car has. just, my opinion tho... also, I think it's time for Lexus to give that motor a break now. they've used it in too many cars now thatve not "hit the mark". although this car IS fantastic and would LOVE to have one. I most definitely wouldn't buy one tho if it's a stick. only because, I know that this car, IS a 'luxury' sports 'sedan'!
+Aerik infj I think its a great motor, but may not be as great as it seems in a car with this weight. If that LC500 is 800 lbs lighter it will change most opinions.
first!?
I don't think at ALL, that Lexus missed any mark with the "enthusiasts" over a manual transmission... Yes, of course! manual transmission in a sports car or performance car IS of course, GREAT to have and much rather have... however, it's a Lexus. period... gs, is, even I'd have to say, the rc... nah.. why? bcuz they are all too technical. if that makes any sense... I almost was going to say ya they should've done it for the rcf, but then when u think about out. probably shouldn't. the cars already too heavy, too under powered, too much of a failure.. if the car was light weight, more agile, more of a Sports car! not sports sedan, not luxury sport, not anything with too much electrical interference. it takes sooo much away from that "feel" for the car if it's manual and has as many computer refinements as this car has. just, my opinion tho... also, I think it's time for Lexus to give that motor a break now. they've used it in too many cars now thatve not "hit the mark". although this car IS fantastic and would LOVE to have one. I most definitely wouldn't buy one tho if it's a stick. only because, I know that this car, IS a 'luxury' sports 'sedan'!