A new IS article.
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Driver
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From: TX
A new IS article.
This article is a pretty good discussion of how, with the new IS, Lexus is successfully competing with BMW in the Series 3 market segment while not attempting to imitate BMW.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...cialGlobeAuto/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...cialGlobeAuto/
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: MA
.... and now that I'm done reading it:
What!?!? What does Germany offer in an AWD sedan with the HP of the IS350 that's anywhere close in price? I can't think of anything. The Audi A4 is great, but the RS4 is in a completely different ballpark. And BMW doesn't make anything with AWD and lots of HP. Someone help me out here....
What is obviously missing from this new IS lineup is the high-horsepower engine available with a six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.
The bigger engine just doesn't come with a manual transmission or all-wheel drive. For enthusiasts that's a shame and a good reason to go with a German offering in this class.
The bigger engine just doesn't come with a manual transmission or all-wheel drive. For enthusiasts that's a shame and a good reason to go with a German offering in this class.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: CA
I guess he meant that the german cars ie. 2006 BMW 330xi has AWD and "relatively" high HP compared to Lexus which only has AWD (not available on the IS350) on it's slower model 2006 IS250 AWD with comparably low HP
2006 BMW 330xi (AWD) ---> 255HP, 0-60 in low-mid 6 sec, 6spd/auto
2006 Lexus IS250 AWD ---> 204HP, 0-60 in around 8 sec, auto only
2006 Lexus IS350 ---> 306HP 0-60 in low-mid 5 sec, auto only
Lexus of course isn't imitating BMW and doesn't need to... they just appeal to slightly different consumers... In the market of entry level luxury sport sedans, some people don't care for "the best performance" but want the overall "total package" there will always be pros and cons to which ever the consumer chooses.
2006 BMW 330xi (AWD) ---> 255HP, 0-60 in low-mid 6 sec, 6spd/auto
2006 Lexus IS250 AWD ---> 204HP, 0-60 in around 8 sec, auto only
2006 Lexus IS350 ---> 306HP 0-60 in low-mid 5 sec, auto only
Lexus of course isn't imitating BMW and doesn't need to... they just appeal to slightly different consumers... In the market of entry level luxury sport sedans, some people don't care for "the best performance" but want the overall "total package" there will always be pros and cons to which ever the consumer chooses.
Pole Position
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From: MD
Originally Posted by heffergm
.... and now that I'm done reading it:
What!?!? What does Germany offer in an AWD sedan with the HP of the IS350 that's anywhere close in price? I can't think of anything. The Audi A4 is great, but the RS4 is in a completely different ballpark. And BMW doesn't make anything with AWD and lots of HP. Someone help me out here....
What!?!? What does Germany offer in an AWD sedan with the HP of the IS350 that's anywhere close in price? I can't think of anything. The Audi A4 is great, but the RS4 is in a completely different ballpark. And BMW doesn't make anything with AWD and lots of HP. Someone help me out here....
CL Community Team
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From: Canada
Originally Posted by heffergm
What!?!? What does Germany offer in an AWD sedan with the HP of the IS350 that's anywhere close in price? I can't think of anything. ..
Originally Posted by NotFatBoy
The Audi S4
Lexus Test Driver
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From: NY
So when you hit the IS's starter button (literally), get a growling response from under the hood and then drive off, know that you're using some pretty slick fuel injection technology.
The double wishbone front/rear multilink suspension is very capable and the sophisticated anti-skid control (which cannot be turned off) is there to intervene if you get in over your head.
What is obviously missing from this new IS lineup is the high-horsepower engine available with a six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.
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CL Community Team
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by LexArazzo
Audi S4 STARTS at $47K & goes up to $55K, the IS350 starts at around $36K . . .
I agree with the article that Lexus should offer as options both AWD and a manual transmission on the IS350.
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Mar 13, 2005 08:29 AM
