Curious as to why one would consider adding the 18 x 8 wheels to the AWD. I understand its possible and I guess one dealer has put the 18" g-spyder wheels onto an AWD. Since the 18's come with 225/40/18 what is the benefit of doing this? If any! Wouldn't the wheel gap remain about the same?

 

Well nobody has really done any posting about the actual configuration of the AWD of the IS250, but assuming it is rear wheel drive basis. then in that case then most of the power will be delivered to the rear wheels unless there is no traction available for them.

If that speculation is correct then it would be an ideal sport combination and making 18s worth while thought. Also it would ideally make be jealous and want it on the IS350 :-p

Any one seen some actually diagrams or flow process on the AWD system?

Carlos

 

There should be not much of a height difference from the 17 to 18s. because the IS250 AWD has a large wheel gap, putting a larger wheel diameter will only make it more obvious.

 

Can you lower the is250 awd?

 

I would hope so. If I wanted all that ground clearance I'd buy an SUV.

 

Exactly! I dont want an IS that sits like an SUV with 18's

 

Wheel gap is always the same when you change your wheel. IE, my 3000GT has a wheel tire combo that is 24.5 inchs.

If I have 17" wheels, then my tire is 3.75" (17+3.75+3.75 = 24.5)

If Ihave 18" wheels then my tire is 3.25" (18+3.25+3.25=24.5)

The only reason to get 18s on most cars is for looks

 

would just swapping out the stock 17's on the awd for a nicer set of aftermarket 17's mess anything up with the awd? just wondering why lexus doesnt offer any other wheel options for the awd

 

If the seventeen inch aftermarket wheels have the same bolt pattern and offset as the stock wheels then they should be fine.

It should be noted that the AWD IS250 has a larger turning radius than the RWD variant and this is likely means that the turning range of the front wheels was limited slightly. I would be wary in upsizing to an eighteen inch wheel, even if a "dealer" did, because it could very well rub at full lock.