M4, Carrera S, GT 5.0, StingRay, RS5, C63, Id gladly take any of its rivals over it, That front end just completely ruins it for me. This new generation of Lexus, Im not feelin it.

I'd gladly add the RC F. But for some reason, Lexus doesn't publish the tech data.

I have to say, I kind of like these new Lexuses, especially the new RC coupe. They used to be boring, but since the LFA their design language became one of the most extravagant! The new RC F is indeed thrilling aggressive, a huge improvement over the IS F with fake exhausts! And I don't much think the RC F styling cues are overdone... So far, the only I have to complain about are headlights: they'd certainly look better as connected.

I also love the fact it uses the 5.0 liter V8 which is good for 450 PS. Curious, it happens that Toyota's is bigger than AMG's 4.0 V8, which will be available for the next C63.

However, I would still prefer the classy M4 over Lexus.

I wouldn't mind downsizing too if the cars are getting lighter at the same time which is what BMW has done. Lexus though 1800kg is a bit much for a small sports saloon even if it has a 5L V8

Okay probably not AS bad as I put it, But still, Its not..What I was hoping for, 480Bhp 5.0L V8 is nice, And it will have a nice sound, But that Puffed up hood, Those horrid headlights, and that appauling grille, They could have done better, Maybe Bad isn't the word, Possibly Overstyled or TRYING too hard, Not sure. Love the shape, and the rear, with exception to the tail light shape, they stick WAY the hell out, And love those exhausts, But the front just ruins it for me, Id gladly take one of its 6 competitors hands down, But I like the LF-A influence on the interior.

I also don't mind downsizing of Litres, But it depends on the Car, Same with aspiration.

@BR2

Blame the people who said Lexus designs were boring, the design is a kind of " in your face" design

And they are using a 5ltr V8 when others ate downsizing

@BR2+ The new styling(especially the grill) that Lexus has come up with is certainly polarizing. I can't blame them either. They have always been bland and boring.
At first I thought it was a bit much, but after seeing in person I have to say, I really like it...

Lexus seems to forgot how to make a car look..."Attractive"..That RC-F wether its fron or back, rear is beter though, is straight Butt Ugly, And I do mean Butt, Not a nice round shapely plump delicious female butt, But like a 90yr old ole bitty...

@lafars You're right, I totally forgot. I'm looking forward to the RC-F as well. The small/luxury/performance sedan segment is one of my favorites! :)

@Flabernat

Don't forget that the RC-F will also be a rival for the M4

ATS-V is coming, and it gets GM's new 7spd manual, or new 8-speed auto. Can't wait for this comparison(ATS-V vs M3/M4)!

http://wot.motortrend.com/1401_cadillac_ats_v_to_get_425_hp_twin_turbo_v6.html

What makes an M car worthy of it's badge?

A true M car? I think not:

I too would rather see a high-revving naturally-aspirated I6 in an M3 again.
Then put it on a diet to lose as much weight as possible to make up for the power deficiency. If you're buying an //M you should expect a loss of some amenities and interior creature-comforts....
Same mentality behind the new Camaro Z/28(less HP than a ZL1 but less weight = better performance)

If this car matches the performance around the Nuremberg Ring of the 997 gt3 I'll be impressed

I think seven minutes 40 seconds lap time is possible given its lighter better suspension and 100ft lbs more torque with r compound tires like cup sports.

Unfortunately a 4.0 I6 would end up very long and would likely upset the weight-distribution. The N53 in my E92 pretty much fills the engine bay with a significant portion over the front axle.

This turbocharged engine is the rational choice because it is more efficient and has a torque curve that is more useful in everyday driving. But!
The pure car enthusiastic engine would be something like this:
Hihg rpm n/a inline 6 with 4 liter displacement (beacuse of the inherent balance of the I6 configuration it is possible to make high revving engine with relatively big cylinders and beacuse the lack of turbo, intercooler and others it would be lighter than the turbocharged engine) and 460 PS, 440 Nm.

Watch a fantastic video about bmw m3 2014: http://agshark.com/v/2014-bmw-m3-sedan-official-trailer-C_tMVDz8jmY

Its all around better engine and better car than previous model
-more torque
-lighter
-more efficient

This is all what you need

agree, however don't forget the competition such as AMG and IS-F which both make lots of hp, thus a normally aspirated inline six woud be difficult to match the torque and hp of the competition although sound and throttle response would be way better