[13x07] March 3rd, 2008

SL65 · February 15th, 2008, 1:34 PM

Quote:

More motoring thrills and spills as Fifth Gear continues its 13th series, with Vicki Butler-Henderson, Tom Ford, Tiff Needell, Jason Plato and Jonny Smith at the helm. This week, Tiff feasts his eyes on the new V8 Lexus IS F. Tom ventures to the Arctic Circle to try out the Volvo XC70. Vicki test drives the new electric Smart car, before staging a shoot-out between two hot hatchbacks. And Jason sets a tough off-road challenge for England rugby skipper Phil Vickery.

In this week’s show, Tiff Needell gets behind the wheel of the brand new 5.0 litre V8 Lexus IS F – a brute of a car from the Far East. This sleek and exciting sports car boasts a top speed of 168mph and can hit 60mph in just 4.9 seconds. The new model shows that the Japanese company is determined to compete with the likes of BMW and Audi in the luxury fast-car market, but how will it fare in a challenge with the BMW M3?

Tom Ford ventures to the snowy wastes of the Arctic Circle to test the off-road credibility of the Volvo XC70. Sheet ice, glaciers and potential frostbite are just a few of the sub-zero hazards. Will the Scandinavian-bred XC70 prove strong enough in its natural habitat to keep Tom sane – not to mention warm?

Vicki Butler-Henderson, meanwhile, flies the flag for green energy by test-driving the first electric Smart car – the Smart EV. The new car’s elder brother is the classic Smart ForTwo, a revolutionary city car that caused something of a stir when it first appeared in 1998. Potential buyers may be intrigued to hear the Smart EV will be exempt from road tax and the London congestion charge, but how does it fare where it really matters – on the road?

After completing her Smart car assignment, Vicki stages another classic Fifth Gear shoot-out between two angry little hot hatches: the Vauxhall Corsa SRi and Ford Fiesta ST.

Also this week, England rugby captain Phil Vickery is put through his paces in an off-road challenge set by Jason Plato. How will this powerhouse of a man cope when he has to drive over terrain somewhat rougher than the average rugby pitch?

Handonam · February 16th, 2008, 8:19 AM

This week, Tiff feasts his eyes on the new V8 Lexus IS F.

interesting. ANOTHER bmw M3 challenge. oh well, at least we can compare a bunch of cars to a standard.

Aiolos · February 17th, 2008, 3:34 AM

Yay for Lexus IS-F images/smilies/smile.gif

Boo for bringing back a rugby player images/smilies/sad.gif

M3_Powered · February 17th, 2008, 2:25 PM

Another challenger for the M3? No problem. images/smilies/tongue.gif

ahpadt · February 17th, 2008, 2:56 PM

Comparing a coupe to a four door saloon isnt right tho.

Handonam · February 17th, 2008, 7:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahpadt

Comparing a coupe to a four door saloon isnt right tho.

unlessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

it's competitive haha

deuses · February 23rd, 2008, 3:08 AM

It seems very much like the M3 knows exactly what it is and supposed to be. And does a very good job at it. But then here comes the Merc C63 and Lexus IS-F booming down the road to claim their crown as the "M3 killer". They have big powerful engines, chrome, gills and fins. But in their quest to punch BMW in the eye, I think they missed the point.

Like Nissan did with the GTR, Merc and Lexus should have just set out to create a great, original car.

The Chad · February 26th, 2008, 1:00 AM

I am by no means saying I'd choose the IS-F over the ///M3, but I would have it over the C63 and it'll be as reliable as the old "wood burning stove". It might not be the best driver's car, but it is one dandy Lexus.

SL65 · February 29th, 2008, 1:35 PM

+ YouTube Video

Cobol74 · February 29th, 2008, 1:45 PM

OK - not too sure about this one. Strangely I will probably like the Fiesta ST vs Vauxhall/Opel Corsa challenge alot.

kekekeke · March 1st, 2008, 9:32 PM

Shouldn't this be march the 2nd. images/smilies/wink.gif

Shawn · March 2nd, 2008, 11:01 AM

I'm obviously looking forward to seeing the IS in Tiff's hands. I wouldn't buy an IS-F myself, but still excited to see what the chassis can do!

Tom's segment is gonna be good for a few laughs I bet. Hope it's longer than say Jonny's Poland trip.

Viper007Bond · March 2nd, 2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kekekeke

Shouldn't this be march the 2nd. images/smilies/wink.gif

No, today, the 2nd, is a Sunday. Fifth Gear airs on Mondays.

Perhaps you're thinking of Top Gear...

scoops · March 3rd, 2008, 12:24 AM

i'm wondering if they are going to compare the lexus to the 4 door m3..... that would make a little more sense and make a few more of you happy.

Viper007Bond · March 3rd, 2008, 9:29 PM

http://forums.finalgear.com/fifth-ge...-2008-a-25670/

February 17th, 2008, 3:34 AM	#3
Aiolos Joined: May 28th, 2007 Last Online: 8:01 AM Posts: 678 Car: 2005 Toyota Rav4 :-/ (Mom's) Rep Power: 14	Yay for Lexus IS-F Boo for bringing back a rugby player

February 17th, 2008, 2:25 PM	#4
M3_Powered Joined: Apr 14th, 2006 Last Online: November 9th, 2009 Location: London UK Age: 21 Posts: 432 Car: BMW M3 (One Day) Rep Power: 16	Another challenger for the M3? No problem. __________________ ...........................

February 17th, 2008, 2:56 PM	#5
ahpadt Joined: May 7th, 2006 Last Online: 4:07 AM Location: The Norwaylands Posts: 4,565 Rep Power: 57	Comparing a coupe to a four door saloon isnt right tho. __________________ 20:23:34 <&ElToro> you can touch my penis 20:26:57 <~Derek> i wish i could ElToro

February 26th, 2008, 1:00 AM	#8
The Chad Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: November 16th, 2009 Location: Northwest Ohio Age: 26 Posts: 527 Car: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Rep Power: 25	I am by no means saying I'd choose the IS-F over the ///M3, but I would have it over the C63 and it'll be as reliable as the old "wood burning stove". It might not be the best driver's car, but it is one dandy Lexus. __________________ ChadKirchner.com: Ambitious But Rubbish! Computer: 2.4GHz MacBook Pro, 4GB RAM Drobo: 2.24TB Usable iPod: 32GB iPod touch, 2nd Generation "- ... But don't dawdle. Get the car into top gear as quickly as is reasonable. Fifth gear, remember, is no good at all." -- Jeremy Clarkson

February 29th, 2008, 1:45 PM	#10
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 10:50 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,592 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	OK - not too sure about this one. Strangely I will probably like the Fiesta ST vs Vauxhall/Opel Corsa challenge alot. __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

February 16th, 2008, 8:19 AM	#2
Handonam Joined: Apr 26th, 2005 Last Online: November 8th, 2009 Posts: 183 LFS Status: Rep Power: 19	This week, Tiff feasts his eyes on the new V8 Lexus IS F. interesting. ANOTHER bmw M3 challenge. oh well, at least we can compare a bunch of cars to a standard.

February 23rd, 2008, 3:08 AM	#7
deuses Joined: Jun 22nd, 2007 Last Online: November 16th, 2009 Location: DC, USA Age: 24 Posts: 84 Car: ///M Coupe Rep Power: 11	It seems very much like the M3 knows exactly what it is and supposed to be. And does a very good job at it. But then here comes the Merc C63 and Lexus IS-F booming down the road to claim their crown as the "M3 killer". They have big powerful engines, chrome, gills and fins. But in their quest to punch BMW in the eye, I think they missed the point. Like Nissan did with the GTR, Merc and Lexus should have just set out to create a great, original car.

March 1st, 2008, 9:32 PM	#11
kekekeke Joined: Aug 2nd, 2005 Last Online: May 19th, 2009 Posts: 873 Rep Power: 18	Shouldn't this be march the 2nd.

March 2nd, 2008, 11:01 AM	#12
Shawn Lexus? Oh shi- Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: July 30th, 2009 Location: Vancouver, BC Age: 24 Posts: 11,026 Car: '07 Boring Poseur Mobile Rep Power: 134	I'm obviously looking forward to seeing the IS in Tiff's hands. I wouldn't buy an IS-F myself, but still excited to see what the chassis can do! Tom's segment is gonna be good for a few laughs I bet. Hope it's longer than say Jonny's Poland trip.

March 3rd, 2008, 12:24 AM	#14
scoops Joined: May 15th, 2006 Last Online: November 15th, 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 363 Rep Power: 0	i'm wondering if they are going to compare the lexus to the 4 door m3..... that would make a little more sense and make a few more of you happy.

March 3rd, 2008, 9:29 PM	#15
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: 10:47 AM Location: Portland, Oregon Age: 25 Posts: 22,270 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 296	http://forums.finalgear.com/fifth-ge...-2008-a-25670/ __________________ There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

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