Very Disappointed with Lexus IS Product Strategy
07-01-15, 08:38 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Very Disappointed with Lexus IS Product Strategy
Ok so the news is out on the MY2016 updates:
- IS200t is rwd only
- Still no IS Hybrid
- IS300 awd using a detuned 3.5 V6 engine
Toyota is the largest auto manufacturer in the world with a massive engineering headcount and they cannot package an awd system, which is a must have for a good portion of North America market, with a 4 banger turbo or 8 speed gearbox or without a weird hump on the driver side of the cockpit!
Apparently they cannot also tune the NA 2.5 V6 to get to 240-250 hp range but prefer to detune an existing engine! Which one is a better fit for a sport sedan for crying out loud? From what I can tell the only benefit of being the largest auto manufacturer in the world is to make reliable cars that is way behind the technology used by the competition!
I am sorry to vent like this but the IS is a great car, which I would very much like to own, but looks like Toyota/Lexus is not giving it a fair fighting chance against the Germans. Lexus gives IS a great chassis and good looks but then less powerful engines with significantly worse fuel economy and no economical hybrid option to compete with German diesel offerings. WTF Lexus?
- IS200t is rwd only
- Still no IS Hybrid
- IS300 awd using a detuned 3.5 V6 engine
Toyota is the largest auto manufacturer in the world with a massive engineering headcount and they cannot package an awd system, which is a must have for a good portion of North America market, with a 4 banger turbo or 8 speed gearbox or without a weird hump on the driver side of the cockpit!
Apparently they cannot also tune the NA 2.5 V6 to get to 240-250 hp range but prefer to detune an existing engine! Which one is a better fit for a sport sedan for crying out loud? From what I can tell the only benefit of being the largest auto manufacturer in the world is to make reliable cars that is way behind the technology used by the competition!
I am sorry to vent like this but the IS is a great car, which I would very much like to own, but looks like Toyota/Lexus is not giving it a fair fighting chance against the Germans. Lexus gives IS a great chassis and good looks but then less powerful engines with significantly worse fuel economy and no economical hybrid option to compete with German diesel offerings. WTF Lexus?
07-01-15, 12:48 PM
#3
I believe that there's an is300h, but it's not available in the us. I'm a little butt hurt about some of the options that other countries have as well like getting a blue f sport! I'm sure that those same countries are a little butt hurt that they can't have the led headlamps that we have. there are a lot of things that we could have on a wish list, but the way I look at it...I'm grateful for what I have. it may not be as fast or fancy as some of it's competition, but I'm sure it'll last longer than it's competition.
07-01-15, 05:27 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Ok so the news is out on the MY2016 updates: - IS200t is rwd only - Still no IS Hybrid - IS300 awd using a detuned 3.5 V6 engine Toyota is the largest auto manufacturer in the world with a massive engineering headcount and they cannot package an awd system, which is a must have for a good portion of North America market, with a 4 banger turbo or 8 speed gearbox or without a weird hump on the driver side of the cockpit! Apparently they cannot also tune the NA 2.5 V6 to get to 240-250 hp range but prefer to detune an existing engine! Which one is a better fit for a sport sedan for crying out loud? From what I can tell the only benefit of being the largest auto manufacturer in the world is to make reliable cars that is way behind the technology used by the competition! I am sorry to vent like this but the IS is a great car, which I would very much like to own, but looks like Toyota/Lexus is not giving it a fair fighting chance against the Germans. Lexus gives IS a great chassis and good looks but then less powerful engines with significantly worse fuel economy and no economical hybrid option to compete with German diesel offerings. WTF Lexus?
Last edited by AndyL; 07-02-15 at 11:32 AM.
07-01-15, 06:22 PM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Both of you guys
Trending Topics
07-02-15, 06:40 AM
#8
IS250 4GR-FSE Engine Service Mass = 397 lbs
IS350 2GR-FSE Engine Service Mass = 399 lbs
Below are the source material direct from Toyota/Lexus:
Last edited by redspencer; 07-02-15 at 06:46 AM.
07-02-15, 08:51 AM
#9
07-02-15, 09:10 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Very Disappointed with Lexus IS Product Strategy
Originally Posted by drbazing
I guess the 100 HP extra to push the extra 2 lbs could have discounted the 350.
07-02-15, 12:41 PM
#11
Rookie
Thread Starter
I understand that the naturally aspirated engines last longer but they are also less efficient and powerful. Plus not everyone purchase their vehicles and keep them beyond the warranty. And again the largest auto manufacturer in the world with a massive engineering headcount should be able to use modern technologies without sacrificing core values (i.e reliability, high resale value etc). And why sell IS300h in Eurpoe but not in North America? ES300h or Camry Hybrid are very different cars than the IS so no chance of cannibalization there...
07-02-15, 02:09 PM
#12
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Very Disappointed with Lexus IS Product Strategy
I agree with you!! Lexus/Toyota reliability and over all style attracted me too the IS. but the lack of power in a six cylinder make me shake my head with today's technology. And, the packaging options, specially in Canada is aggravating to say the least. 45k and no back up camera and NAV in the fsport 1 pkg!!! The Carolla come standard with these features.
07-02-15, 02:48 PM
#13
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The 250 is finally being put on ICE because of the blasted Carbon Build up....
Thats whats happens when you are missing the upper injectors to clean it all out (see IS350)
~ Joe Z
Thats whats happens when you are missing the upper injectors to clean it all out (see IS350)
~ Joe Z
07-02-15, 04:12 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
Why you complaining?
You don't like the product strategy? Buy another car, enough said.
As for the IS300 AWD, they roughly had the same mpg anyway so you get more power with similar economy so what's the problem?
The IS200T comes with the 8 speed. Any half brain would realise the 8 speed probably isn't compatible with the AWD setup, which is why it's being used in RWD vehicles only
You don't like the product strategy? Buy another car, enough said.
As for the IS300 AWD, they roughly had the same mpg anyway so you get more power with similar economy so what's the problem?
The IS200T comes with the 8 speed. Any half brain would realise the 8 speed probably isn't compatible with the AWD setup, which is why it's being used in RWD vehicles only
07-02-15, 07:31 PM
#15
Why you complaining?
You don't like the product strategy? Buy another car, enough said.
As for the IS300 AWD, they roughly had the same mpg anyway so you get more power with similar economy so what's the problem?
The IS200T comes with the 8 speed. Any half brain would realise the 8 speed probably isn't compatible with the AWD setup, which is why it's being used in RWD vehicles only
You don't like the product strategy? Buy another car, enough said.
As for the IS300 AWD, they roughly had the same mpg anyway so you get more power with similar economy so what's the problem?
The IS200T comes with the 8 speed. Any half brain would realise the 8 speed probably isn't compatible with the AWD setup, which is why it's being used in RWD vehicles only
There are so many good cars out there. No problem finding what you like. Just drive em all. I would love more power....but at least I have enough to pass people when I want.
I'm sticking with the Big L.