Still, if ya'll go, PLEASE take lots of pic. Sometimes press pics suck

 

Been looking at the GS300 but all of a sudden very very interested in the '06 IS300. Does anybody know if Lexus will have the same/similar cabin materials as in the new GS300/430. In other words, the same luxury treatments and accessories, (NAV, wood, bluetooth, voice, etc..).

Thanks in advance and can't wait to goto the NYC Show !

 

Like platforms and drivetrains, Lexus can probably save some money by sticking the same stuff in more than one model. So things like the NAV screen, and other electornics should be same across most of their range - no need to reinvent the wheel with each model. I'm not sure there's much to be saved in lower grade of leather and plastics either. However, since the major aim is the 3 series, the IS interior might lean more toward sport vs. luxury.

Come to think of it, maybe if the IS is too good, Lexus might have a problem with folks thinking like you and lose GS sales to the lesser margin IS. I have a feeling BMW will have that problem once the E90 3 series comes out - but for the size, you can get every feature of the 5 seires and then some in the 3 series.

 

I was tempted to be photographer for Autospies last year - they wanted someone to take pics of the new A6 at the time.

 

My Lexus dealer in Korea told me that the new IS will make its debut at the Geneva Auto Show.

My dealer has not seen any pictures of the new IS.

So for those of you in Geneva, please take pics for us!

 

static808 brought up a good point, though....and I agree. While the chronograph gauges and chrome-ball shifter on the current IS are really nice (two of the reasons, among others, why I bought one), the car, IMO, need an interior upgrade. They could start by putting in more wood paneling, replacing the hard-plastic dash with softer material, and, while keeping the chronograph gauges, replace the orange panel lights with the white electroflorescent lighting found on other Lexus products. You mention the 3-series as competition.....several versions of the 3-series have wood-paneled interiors and softer-touch materials. Of course, after Chris Bangle gets done with them.........who knows?

 

Thanks for your input. I have 04 Acura TL and am looking for another car, very likely an AWD 4 door. Was seriously considering the 06 GS300 AWD, but price and engine choice has me thinking abit. My reason for the luxury questions is that Lexus is going after the G35 Sedan, Acura TL, BMW 3series and to some extent the MB C-Class. If Lexus is going to build a 3 car portfolio with the IS line; I am hoping to see some decent luxury items with sport/performance the main attraction. I would hate to see a G35x AWD with 280+hp vs. Lexus IS 250 AWD. Lexus should make AWD an option in both engine choices and up the ante on luxury and performance. If they want to bite into BMW sales, they need choices and 1st class materials in the "entry level" sedan/coupe/convertible. Lexus has cachet and the BMW driver (I am a former) will see the IS250/350 as a clear cut alternative. Hopefully they reveal something good on March 1st. The secrecy might be the best clue....for something awesome...

 

I think the new IS won't have a problem matching BMW on paper - it's only a matter of the subjective looks/handling and luring enough badge worshipers away from the BMW camp.

 

I think you missed static808's point, biker. If Lexus offers AWD only in the 2.5L model but not in the 3.5L model, it is not matching the competitions from 330xi and G35x. There's nothing subjective here.

 

I assumed all along that AWD will be an option across the IS line.

 

it depends, at least on the GS that's not the case yet

 

Maybe because Lexus is waiting to gauge demand.

It seems that all of the supposed pent up demand for AWD on the Chrysler 300 has not materialized and demand is soft. That's why Dodge has decided put off availability of AWD on the new Charger.

There's an interesting chart done by Infiniti in which they recommend to their dealers the allocation of M35 AWD cars (and others) to order.

M35x AWD M35 RWD M35 Sport M45 RWD M45 Sport

Northern Markets 50% 15% 10% 15% 10%
Southern Markets 0% 40% 25% 15% 20%

So anyone in Florida will be hard pressed to get an M35X, but I think having a dealer lot in Boston 1/2 full of them is a bit much. It could be Lexus might follow similar distribution patterns, not just with the GS but IS as well.

In the performance segment that the E90 330 and IS350 will play, I don't think AWD is that important. A 6MT is much more important for the IS than AWD.

 

That reminds me of the limited-slip differential allocation patterns for the 2002 Lexus IS300. They were EXTREMELY hard to find in the Carolinas and points south. I had to factory special-order mine in order to get the LSD here in Miami.

 

Nice info biker.

I live in NJ, and there's a need for AWD. Lexus will most likely follow suit as the other mfrs. I have noticed alot of 325xi, 330xi and G35x in NY/NJ/CT area. Considering those rides are going for around $40K+, Lexus might have a plan for the AWD. If the AWD option is only $2K more, they will sell like hotcakes up here. You might eventually see more IS 250/350 AWD's instead of the RX 330 AWD. Lots of people are going for sedans instead of SUV's up here. So it might hurt the RX sales but its relative I guess.

 

If people bought the RX mostly for the AWD, then yes, the IS might take away some of the sales. I'm sure Lexus would rather keep folks with their brand than have them jump ship all together, even though they'll make less money off IS sales.

An IS250 AWD will be very tempting for northern clime customers who like a reliable car (no European brand) but don't need the size, power and higher price of the G35x (the only other real alternative). I think some new customers might also be less likely to get a sticker shock when they walk into a Lexus showroom, where currently there's virtually nothing below 35K on the floor.