RoiteTrom

Haha I agree that they did cheap out on the engine choices. Lexus IS sales weren't doing so good for the 2nd generation, so I wonder if that played a part in it. But now that their sales numbers have boosted up by over 50%, I'm expecting a little something more for next generation vehicles (LF-LC).

toystry

I don't blame them for saving cost by reusing a good engine but they could have at least tweaked some extra ponies out of the engines since they made a heavier car. I'm really hung up on the acceleration difference between my 2IS350 to the RC350 after my test drive.....it's really a noticeable difference.

rparkzy

it's funny there's a big difference even between the 3IS/RC350 and 2nd gen IS350. I noticed it during both test drives and i only have a few bolt ons on my IS350.

But...the styling, exterior, interior on the 3IS/RC350 kills the 2nd gen so...no brainer on the choice here

yowps3

Yes it has been well documented that the 2IS 350 is considerably quicker than the 3IS in the 1/4 mile and especially 0-60mph

The weight isn't the main reason as the 3IS weighs only a mere 40kg more than the 2IS. From my experience behind the wheel it is apparent to me that the gearing of the 8-speed on the 3IS is just not as aggressive as the 6-speed setup of the 2IS, when doing a 0-60mph pull i feel the 3IS has to shift through too many gears before hitting 60mph and also it doesn't rev as hard & easily as the 2IS does (due to much longer diff ratio), also the old suspended pedal of the 2IS was more sensitive than the floor hinged pedal of the 3IS.

So all in all Lexus probably intentionally tuned the 3IS to be less responsive / slower than the 2IS for MPG purposes to compensate for the added weight.
Lexus pretty much took the transmission and gearing of the 5.0L ISF and dropped it into the 3IS. The issue is that the setup is good for the V8, but the V6 needs much more aggressive gearing like the 2IS had if you want good performance.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I think my 07 3GS has stronger pull than the 4GS, 3IS and the RC350.

toystry

Still puzzled how 221lbs can make that much of an acceleration difference. What bolt on parts are available for the 3.5L and what type of gains can be achieved? I can't justify $30,000 more for the RC F with a carry over 5.0L engine and upgraded cosmetics.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

have you even looked what the RCF has over an RC? 5.0 in the RCF is anything but a carryover engine and its a lot more than just cosmetic stuff. Engine power going from 416 to 467 is not a carryover

Massive engine update with atkinson cycle, only thing remaining from the ISF engine is the engine block, every other part was revised
Functional hood, side, and front vents where oil and transmission coolers are mounted
Upgraded suspension
much larger brakes and calipers
wider wheels with Pilot Super Sports
stiffened chassis
speed activated spoiler
RCF seats and interior
Better looking digital gauges
LSD or TVD

and it is not 30k more, base RC is 42-43k the RCF base is 62500. When both are loaded they are still 20k apart (55k vs 75k). If you dont care for these parts, then RC350 is for you.

IonSpray35

I agree with this. It's much more significant than the 221 lbs. I think they could've expanded upon the idea they use with SNW mode starting in 2nd gear.

I'm sure they could come up with a scheme where 1-5 are purely performance gears. 2-4-6-7-8 for normal driving and 3-5-6-7-8 for snow. Great straight line acceleration and great economy. Split it down the middle even for simplicity, 1-4 for performance and 5-8 for economy, essentially having two 4-speed transmissions.

With as many gears as transmissions have these days we could have the best of both worlds without forced induction or larger displacement. Going from 18/27 mpg and 14 sec qtr. miles to 21/33 mpg mid-13s qtr. miles wouldn't be hard to believe (using 2IS numbers).

SlangBlade

I've driven a 2IS 350, a 3IS 350 and I own a 4GS (8-Spd), and the 2IS was the most responsive by far. It's got to be a combination of the weight and the 8-speed transmission, in my opinion.

toystry

I've got an 09 2IS350 with 6 speed and it's a rocket hence why i posted this original post. The RC 350 throttle response isn't anything close to my 6 speed 2IS. Never drove a 2IS 350 with 8 speed though but I'm not surprised to hear you feel the same as I do.

AmyWilliam

Ya but the RC sold like 850 units in 2 weeks time. This is a very hot coupe and people are paying 53,000USD+ for this car.


I know this is a car forum but the vast majority of the general public don't care about torque or weight or performance or 'engine turbo x y x'. They don't care and they don't know/understand. What they see in the RC 350 is a Lexus coupe that looks better than any of it's competitors and is nearing exotic levels in terms of physical apperance.


The 2IS350 might indeed be faster than the 2015 RC 350 F SPORT.

But I am very positive if you give every single American the choice of a brand new RC 350 or a 2ND GEN IS 350?

99.9% of Americans will pick the RC. It's common sense.

SlangBlade

Maybe, but I personally prefer the form and design of the 2IS over the 3IS. The only reason I'd choose the 3IS is because of the seats. Not to knock the rest of the car, it's a great car, but I still like the lines and interior design of the 2IS more. If I could have gotten a 2IS with 3IS seats (and maybe the steering wheel too), I'd probably have that instead of my GS.

toystry

Surprised there aren't more posting about the lag in acceleration on this car.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

Its very disappointing this car is not as fast as my old 3GS. I'm digging my cars' looks but when its time to mash the gas I get disappointed. Lexus, I hope you all see this thread.

toystry

I'm waiting a year or two to see if they do something to fix this. I love the look of the car but can't get past the slow acceleration. It's like having a badass looking sports car with a 4 banger.