Well you are correct to a certain extent. But Toyota/Lexus is very good at keeping pre-production models the same give or take a few little details that wouldn't be noticeable to the average person. There were alot of details I caught on the pre-production model that can change on those GS'...for example, no SAE/OEM Part number printing on the headlights and taillights, an awkward looking CHMSL in the rear, and etc. For the most part, Lexus wouldn't build a large handful of these pre-production prototypes unless they were certain it would change...otherwise there would only be one or two sample prototypes that wouldn't be circulated. These pre-production 06 GS do have vin numbers and are purposely built for quality testing. This particular 06 at the preview already had over 1000 miles on the ODO. I will post photos later.

As for the IS350, Lexus wants to introduce a GT line of cars (call it the AMG or M line for Lexus). The IS350 is rumored to be a GT model which is the reason why it will have the inflated HP numbers. Kind of like a C55 AMG having more HP than a E500 analogy if you will.

 

Yes they did. My aunt had one back in the late 80s or early 90s. I think her might be an 89 or 90 Mustang. I was young back then. But I do remember that it was a 2.5L 4 cylinder.

 

Wow, a 300hp IS should be a pretty quick mover. Hopefully they keep the car's handling in tact because it would be a shame to see the IS gain in acceleration and interior room and luxury but lose out on its main strength of handling.

I also feel many will see the 350 and wonder why anyone would buy a GS (even the 430) and well, I think that mentality is silly. I recently traded in my 2001 IS (loved that car and miss it) for a 2005 RL (incredible car) and I see people use that same mentality with the RL and TL. Some people say there is no point in getting the RL since the TL is quicker and well, IMO that is silly logic.

Here's hoping that the new IS turns out to be the fantastic car I want it to be.

 

is this what the new is350 looks like? or is this a fake?

 

That's a fake.

 

The real thing will be shown soon enough.

 

The legendary, fire-breathing SHO Mustang had a four cylinder too. It was turbocharged, though. This was circa mid-eighties.

 

Yes, I did see a few pictures of the IS 250/350. The interest sales person (CL Member) Amy Liming took me behind the sales desk and she pulled out a binder with two pictures of the new IS. It was a picture of the front end and the rear end. I wanted to take a picture with my digital camera but Amy told me it was top secret. I will try to describe what I saw. It looked like the picture was taken during an unveiling of the new IS. The new IS was gold in color. The rear tail lights were rectangular and angled slightly diagnally upwards. The front had distinguished lines on the hood. The middle part of the hood that comes from the front bumper to the windshield was bulged out. Man it is really hard to describe something that others might not get the same understanding I experienced.

 

The reason why Amy wouldn't let you take photos because the photos that were taken of the car were not even supposed to be taken. If Lexus Marketing found out that pictures leaked out, they would get in trouble. It's classified info at this point only to Lexus associates.

 

Were you able to see the new IS as well Flipside 909? If so, what are your comments? I talked with Liz from Longo and she mentioned that you live in Moreno Valley. My parents live there and I attended Moreno Valley High School.

 

Yeah Amy showed us when we arrived there. Can't wait to see the rest of it. Check your PM.

 

so no pictures of IS350 now?

 

Not available to show to the general public yet, sorry.

 

did the car look anything like these renderings...from your description of the taiilights, it seems they could be similar?

 

Somewhat but not quite. The actual tails are a little bit larger than what's illustrated there. And a little more rectangular. Imagine the new GS but 3/4 the size.