Just my .02 but people who say they love MTs but that the Lexus AT made them forget about MTs never "really" loved MTs to begin with. Regardless of performance on paper (some SMGs,ATs being faster than MTs), it is the act and enjoyment of the act which makes people truly love MTs.

No b/c all you people saying you would buy a manual Lexus, would not buy one.
As an owner of a manual Lexus, we just are too far and few between. And honestly Lexus manuals have all pretty much been sub-par or average.

I can see your point as a Lexus is a luxury car and not a car you would want to thrash around streets like a WRX (my last car and first true love which I will own again someday) or EVO. Nonetheless, I would have bought a MT 350 were it available and if the MT box itself was better than your experience with past Lexus MTs (which I have none).

Yeah Lexus is at odds b/c Lexus is still know for luxury first. Hell Lexus could offer a IS 350 with a 7 speed manual and most would just buy a IS 250 auto.

Lexus is trying to shake off that image, not sure they are trying as hard as some of us want. Thing is the brand is so successful, its hard to argue with their formula.

Lexus is very successful but adding a performance line like BMW's M or MB's AMG would only open more markets. Eventhough I may not be able to talk wifey into an IS-F, I am pretty excited to see the final product. I don't think it will have a true competitor besides the CTS-V. The M3 doesn't come in a sedan and the AMG's are a lot more $$$. I am a big fan of the CTS-V though after test driving one. And the come in manual!

If I had a 250, I would want an auto as well. Whats the point of buying a 250MT? It gets poor Gas Mileage, is slower than the 250AT, and isnt even that fun. Which is why it should have been in the 350.