5 Surprising Lexus Sleepers
By Brett Foote

 

That's a good list!

 

Are those numbers right for the 2nd gen IS350??? 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and a quarter mile in 13.3 seconds seems very optimistic. Those are similar numbers to what my Camaro Z28 would do, it weighed 3300lbs, had about 350hp/350 lb-ft torque.

Can't believe they didn't mention any Lexus with a turbocharger on the 2JZ-GE, or those with a complete motor swap with a 2JZ-GTE or 1JZ-GTE. Most common cars you will find with those swaps or a turbo put on them would be 1992-2000 SC300, 2000-2004 IS300, 1992-2005 GS300.

 

The IS350 has always rated in the mid to low 5 second range. Not sure how accurate this article is. Also, at least in the pics, the LS hybrid looks like a 4x4. Skip.

 

IS350 running low 13's?? I remember a CL member running low 13's or was it high 12's, but his car had basic bolt ons, partially stripped interior, and deflated tires or tires with good grip. I believe mid 13's at best for a stock IS350.

 

The 2nd Gen IS350 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are very accurate (though achievable under optimal weather and traction conditions). You can find multiple videos on YouTube of 2IS350 owners hitting 0-60 in the mid-to-high 4 second range and multiple videos of stock/near stock 2IS350s beating cars rated at higher horsepower levels. Acceleration rate of the 2IS350 is very comparable to the E46 M3.

The 4.08 final drive ratio really helps the 2IS350 accelerate like a Evo or STi from a dig. The D4-S on the 2GR-FSE also provides 90% of the peak torque as low as 2,000RPMs which gives the 2IS350 a strong powerband. Acceleration remains strong until you hit the 100-110mph mark which is where the 2IS350 begins to run out of steam.

The 2IS350 is truly a sleeper car.

 

2007 IS350 0-60 4.8, 1/4M 13.3
http://www.zeroto60times.com/vehicle...-60-mph-times/

2007 IS350 0-60 4.9, 1/4M 13.5
http://forums.motortrend.com/70/7268...-is/index.html

 

Don't forget the 1st generation GS450h. Arguably faster 0-60 than the GS460 and the instantaneous torque from the electric motors is addictive.

 

Yes, I remember my IS350 F-Sport was a blast to drive and surprised a hell of a lot of people with how quick that car took off. I remember there was a video of an IS350 doing the 1/4 mile completely stock, except I think he had changed tires, in the low 13s... and as for the 0-60, I believe it probably is in the high 4s if done in perfect conditions. It was fast and I'm comparing what I remember to how it is with my RC-F now... can tell you the 2IS was definitely faster than the 3IS, for sure.