Discover the New Lexus IS350
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Lead Lap
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From: Texas
Discover the New Lexus IS350
I got one of the advertised in my mail through dealership:
At 306 horsepower [1], the new 2011 Lexus IS 350 delivers more power than the BMW 335i, Audi A4 or Mercedes C350. But power isn't enough. At Lexus, we know that power isn't the only measure of performance. Which is why we added race-inspired paddle shifters to transition seamlessly through the gears and four-piston front-brake calipers for dime-stopping precision. Because at Lexus, we believe that performance, control and handling are nothing unless they're wielded with precision. Discover the new IS for yourself at a Lexus dealer.
What do you guys think?
At 306 horsepower [1], the new 2011 Lexus IS 350 delivers more power than the BMW 335i, Audi A4 or Mercedes C350. But power isn't enough. At Lexus, we know that power isn't the only measure of performance. Which is why we added race-inspired paddle shifters to transition seamlessly through the gears and four-piston front-brake calipers for dime-stopping precision. Because at Lexus, we believe that performance, control and handling are nothing unless they're wielded with precision. Discover the new IS for yourself at a Lexus dealer.
What do you guys think?
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: CA
The new BMWs use the new N55 (single turbo), not the N54. I read a review in Bimmer mag and they said the N55 noticeably more lag than the N54 and that the N54 performed better. The paddle shifters on the Lexus are a joke as it feels like there is a long lag between the time you actually up/down shift and the tranny actually does anything.
I agree with Joeb's points though I'm not sure if the IS "can't touch" the 335i or not, I will say that the "feel" is very different between the two. How that feel translates into actual #s, I honestly don't know...
I agree with Joeb's points though I'm not sure if the IS "can't touch" the 335i or not, I will say that the "feel" is very different between the two. How that feel translates into actual #s, I honestly don't know...
Lead Lap
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From: CA
I think before anybody makes any critical judgements (like a few of the above), you'd have to have actually tried the actual 2011 IS350 against it's 2011 rivals.
Am I crazy here?
Am I crazy here?
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I think the IS this generation has been one of the all time greats in regards to Japanese luxury cars. What a huge leap from the first gen. It simply does not look, drive or feel 5+years old.
Lexus has really invested in it with tons of updates. Look at how the IS line has grown!
IS 200d
IS 220d
IS 300 (those are all overseas)
IS 250
IS 250 AWD
IS 250 manual
IS 350
IS 350 AWD
IS C 250
IS C 350
IS F
F-sport parts
F sport package
Tons of interior and color choice options.
It still is tied with the 3 series for fastest in class and it handles pretty darn well. The main detriment is the small rear seat.
What a car!
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/l...early-as-2012/
Lexus has really invested in it with tons of updates. Look at how the IS line has grown!
IS 200d
IS 220d
IS 300 (those are all overseas)
IS 250
IS 250 AWD
IS 250 manual
IS 350
IS 350 AWD
IS C 250
IS C 350
IS F
F-sport parts
F sport package
Tons of interior and color choice options.
It still is tied with the 3 series for fastest in class and it handles pretty darn well. The main detriment is the small rear seat.
What a car!
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/l...early-as-2012/
The Lexus GS is set to get a comprehensive redesign sometime next year, including thoroughly upgraded underpinnings that will for the basis of Lexus' next generation 5 Series fighter. Like the current GS platform, the new architecture will form the basis of the next IS, which in its current form is essentially a shortened and squished GS.
With that in mind, the next generation IS will follow shortly thereafter – likely sometime in 2012 – and in addition to the current sedan and convertible, Lexus could finally add an IS coupe to its lineup. Lexus recognizes that it hasn't had a credible player in that market for far too long, and with the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe around the corner and the two-door BMW 3 Series holding its own, the obvious question is why hasn't Lexus done it sooner?
According to our sources, it was easier for Toyota to make a business case for the IS cabrio, particularly given the SC430's imminent demise and Lexus' need for a drop-top offering to fill the hole. If the coupe does come to fruition – and we've been told in no uncertain terms that it's in the cards – expect the two-door IS to bow sometime in late 2012 or early 2013. And it's safe to assume an F version will arrive with in year of the coupe's debut.
With that in mind, the next generation IS will follow shortly thereafter – likely sometime in 2012 – and in addition to the current sedan and convertible, Lexus could finally add an IS coupe to its lineup. Lexus recognizes that it hasn't had a credible player in that market for far too long, and with the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe around the corner and the two-door BMW 3 Series holding its own, the obvious question is why hasn't Lexus done it sooner?
According to our sources, it was easier for Toyota to make a business case for the IS cabrio, particularly given the SC430's imminent demise and Lexus' need for a drop-top offering to fill the hole. If the coupe does come to fruition – and we've been told in no uncertain terms that it's in the cards – expect the two-door IS to bow sometime in late 2012 or early 2013. And it's safe to assume an F version will arrive with in year of the coupe's debut.
Last edited by LexFather; Sep 30, 2010 at 01:08 PM.
Lead Lap
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From: CA
Perhaps my understanding is incorrect, however, I thought only the "is" models of the 335 and Z4 were retaining the higher output N54 and all other x35 variants were getting the N55.
To be clear, I am talking about the 2011 models...
To be clear, I am talking about the 2011 models...
Last edited by 92 SC400; Sep 30, 2010 at 01:29 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: tech capital
I think it's just a piece of advertising from dealership that came in the mail.
But regarding the IS350 on F-Sports with 19's versus a 335 with sport package and similar summer tires, the performance, handling, feel is very similar. A regular IS350 is more luxury oriented.
But regarding the IS350 on F-Sports with 19's versus a 335 with sport package and similar summer tires, the performance, handling, feel is very similar. A regular IS350 is more luxury oriented.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: UK
I got one of the advertised in my mail through dealership:
At 306 horsepower [1], the new 2011 Lexus IS 350 delivers more power than the BMW 335i, Audi A4 or Mercedes C350. But power isn't enough. At Lexus, we know that power isn't the only measure of performance. Which is why we added race-inspired paddle shifters to transition seamlessly through the gears and four-piston front-brake calipers for dime-stopping precision. Because at Lexus, we believe that performance, control and handling are nothing unless they're wielded with precision. Discover the new IS for yourself at a Lexus dealer.
What do you guys think?
At 306 horsepower [1], the new 2011 Lexus IS 350 delivers more power than the BMW 335i, Audi A4 or Mercedes C350. But power isn't enough. At Lexus, we know that power isn't the only measure of performance. Which is why we added race-inspired paddle shifters to transition seamlessly through the gears and four-piston front-brake calipers for dime-stopping precision. Because at Lexus, we believe that performance, control and handling are nothing unless they're wielded with precision. Discover the new IS for yourself at a Lexus dealer.
What do you guys think?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Illinois
A couple of well used phrases.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: tech capital
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Colorado
So some interior additions a mild bumper change and a new set of calipers constitutes a NEW car?
I am also curious What changed so significantly exactly?
New F sport options right?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,997
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From: California
I don't see what the question is here. That is standard advertising, that has taken place since the beginning of auto sales. Other than adding AWD, there is nothing new with the 350's power.
One thing you'll notice with Lexus ads, like many other brands, they spit out the same thing but disguised a few different ways. One example are their dealer newsletter emails. I get two sets of emails from five different dealers. They are all the same. What they do is change the dealer name and make it look as if the dealer created and sent it. But it actually comes from Lexus corporate, with the dealer's title interchanged. Kind of cheesy, but the avergage Joe probably doesn't notice.
One thing you'll notice with Lexus ads, like many other brands, they spit out the same thing but disguised a few different ways. One example are their dealer newsletter emails. I get two sets of emails from five different dealers. They are all the same. What they do is change the dealer name and make it look as if the dealer created and sent it. But it actually comes from Lexus corporate, with the dealer's title interchanged. Kind of cheesy, but the avergage Joe probably doesn't notice.