Is350 Awd??
03-01-07, 06:33 AM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
They don't seem to offer the AWD version in the most powerful engined version of their cars. Neither the IS 350 nor the GS 430 get the AWD, just the lesser engined IS 250 and GS 350. I would LOVE to have the AWD IS 350 if they ever made it.
03-01-07, 07:09 AM
#4
True.
The IS shares the same platform as the GS (albeit shortened).
I'm pretty sure that Lexus engineers can provide an AWD IS350. It makes me wonder why they haven't done so? Lexus might be looking into AWD for road handling for inclement weather instead of performance. AWD does add a lot of extra weight on the car, and Lexus may not see too much of a benefit in the performance category.
Also, AWD means more cost from engineering and production, less gas efficiency, and a smaller market segment that want it. Therefore, Lexus may not find such an option financially and marketably beneficial.
The IS shares the same platform as the GS (albeit shortened).
I'm pretty sure that Lexus engineers can provide an AWD IS350. It makes me wonder why they haven't done so? Lexus might be looking into AWD for road handling for inclement weather instead of performance. AWD does add a lot of extra weight on the car, and Lexus may not see too much of a benefit in the performance category.
Also, AWD means more cost from engineering and production, less gas efficiency, and a smaller market segment that want it. Therefore, Lexus may not find such an option financially and marketably beneficial.
03-01-07, 08:10 AM
#6
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It's all about Lexus' marketing decision
IS250 RWD - first time/entry level luxury car buyers
IS250 AWD - safety concious (inclement weather) luxury car buyers
IS350 RWD - performance touring oriented luxury car buyers
Yes, AWD can be used for performance too, as in the case of the AUDI S-series and the Porsche 911 Turbo with AWD's. Lexus did not offer AWD for performance, but for roadholding capability in inclemen weather.
Noticed I put "performance touring" for IS350. Lexus is targeting performance oriented car owners who also wants to tour in comfort and relative ease (i.e. no manual shift) via a 6-speed auto (8 in the IS-F!)
Everything requires R&D money, so it's not the real reason why Lexus won't put the money in for mating a 6MT or AWD to the IS350... it's because their business objectives (marketing strategy) doesn't justify the cost.
You don't see this problem with BMW or AUDI, because both their primary objective is create a performance driver's car, so they make 6MT and AWD available to most of their models, and in some cases you can get both options at the same time.
So until Lexus decides to do away with their segmented marketing strategy, you will NOT see an IS350 AWD or an IS350 6MT ...
IS250 RWD - first time/entry level luxury car buyers
IS250 AWD - safety concious (inclement weather) luxury car buyers
IS350 RWD - performance touring oriented luxury car buyers
Yes, AWD can be used for performance too, as in the case of the AUDI S-series and the Porsche 911 Turbo with AWD's. Lexus did not offer AWD for performance, but for roadholding capability in inclemen weather.
Noticed I put "performance touring" for IS350. Lexus is targeting performance oriented car owners who also wants to tour in comfort and relative ease (i.e. no manual shift) via a 6-speed auto (8 in the IS-F!)
Everything requires R&D money, so it's not the real reason why Lexus won't put the money in for mating a 6MT or AWD to the IS350... it's because their business objectives (marketing strategy) doesn't justify the cost.
You don't see this problem with BMW or AUDI, because both their primary objective is create a performance driver's car, so they make 6MT and AWD available to most of their models, and in some cases you can get both options at the same time.
So until Lexus decides to do away with their segmented marketing strategy, you will NOT see an IS350 AWD or an IS350 6MT ...
Last edited by neova; 03-01-07 at 08:18 AM.
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