Although i’m guessing you were more interested in a manual option =D

Car Lover – I took out an ’08 Libery GT Spec.B out and was quite impressed expect for the gearbox (granted it was the auto). I just thought i’d point out though that it isn’t Liberty STi, but Liberty GT Spec.B Tuned by STi or for short, Liberty GTB STi.

CarAdvice – IS F. No hyphen.

M-3. RS-4. C-63…..

Wheelnut, saying that the IS F is just an IS 250 is a bit rich don’t you think? I am sure that the M3 shares something with the three series BMW’s, but its obvious it is a different car. Also saying that they have brought out a second version within 12 months is a bit like saying previous GTR’s have failed because they bring out V-Spec versions or one of the previous M3′s failed because they brought out the CSL (I think thats what it was called) version.

As for the auto vs manual debate, I have no doubt that a DSG gearbox would be quicker, but driving a manual is so much more involving and relies on a lot more skill from the driver. I personally find manuals a lot more exciting to drive which is why I think they are perfectly suited to this sort of car

i myself have have considered seriously buying a high performance coupe/sedan in the last few months weighing up the pros and cons of each..

here are my 2 cents…

M3 is king and shits over all the other cars in terms for handling ( except for possibly AWD ) BUT interior leaves alot to be desired….

RS series is a waste of money, at the price that i\’m paying for those.. get the M3 its not much more…. and come on R8? great car, totally impractical…

c63/AMG badged cars over priced for most of them, cept for the c63, pity their handling is no where close to BMWs

IS F is an interesting car, best interior of the lot, good attempt by lexus, false quad tail pipes stupid i must say, but.. its a good attempt to close in on the M3..

Skyline: u cannot compare this car to any of the euro performance cars, this car is in a league unto its own… the only down side.. would i really pay that much for a jap car… it really boils down to the individuals choice…

in the end i decided to wait it out and see if they will release another spec for the skyline in australia.. =)

As for auto vs manual: on the run a good auto box with modern dsg will shit over manual, starting start the manual will have an edge although this is REALLLY skill dependent on ur shift timing and speed… unfortunately the way things are going, autos are the go these days..

until then i will just have to keep driving my Liberty STi =)

It’s interesting to note that they’ve had 20 years to come up with a Fritz-Fryer and this is their second attempt to try and beat the M3 with in 6-12 months..

Even if the Evolution manages to lose the gap to the M3 [which I doubt] BMW will simply up the ante again and extract even more power out of their 4.0 Litre V8… either that or they will move the goal posts like Toyota did with the Aurion

I dont care what anyone says ,autos dont feel as much fun as down changing with a knob in your hand

I get where your coming from Lukaas , as much of a speed freak I am I admire the tuners but sneaking up on the unsuspecting as a sheep in wolves clothing is a hoot !

They have probably dropped the weight back to where it probably should have been in the first place. Should make it an interesting car now.

I have seen an American company that made a one off kit for this. Looked absolutely terrible.

I would definitely drive the BT92… In fact I’d have the “usual” M3 and be happy for a very very long time.

The BT92 is basically, too much for me. Sure it adds power, cranks up those fenders to fit massive fat wheels… which I love. But too much… M3 supposed to be elegant beast… not a dragon slayer if you catch my drift.. If I want a pure muscle car, i’d most likely look at the americans and throw in a massive V10, heck even go old school and tune those bad-boys.

I was just commenting that if driving an IS-F makes a person a pussy… then sign me up. Their spectacular cars… just like the M3.