Hey guys i own a 2002 IS300 5speed. I havnt been following the second generation IS all that much. I was wondering if ayone has heard of Lexus releasing the IS350 with a 6 speed manual transmission in the future? Im really interested in picking one up, but only if it will be offered in 6speed manual. I remember reading something about it before, but havnt seen anyhting recently. Anybody have any info on this?

 

Nope, no plans that we know of

 

I don't think so, due to the IS500 in 2008

 

At this point, no.

 

Doubt it...

 

even it is happened, i wouldn't buy it.

 

I agree. Since Lexus is saying the IS-F, or IS500 (Whatever it is called) will have an 8-Speed auto, I doubt any 6-Speed manual will be released on the IS350.

 

in the southern area the demand for the is250 with manual is so low, they arent even builing any except for special order.

so, to answer your question, i seriously doubt it.

 

Me neither.

 

I think it can happen, the IS500 is supposed to have a twin clutch SMG type transmission, something like the VW GTI tranny.
I do not see why that tranny cannot be transplanted to the IS350.

 

Judging by the demand (very little) and knowing a bit something about how Lexus/Toyota operates. I would say not a chance.

 

really? i have heard the is-f will have an 8-speed auto trans

 

I talked to the regional Scion rep last August at an event. He said they had to beg and plead with Toyota Japan to get the tC with a manual transmission in the US. They didn't want to do it.

If they had to work that hard for a car selling in numbers like the tC is - I have no hope there will ever be a manual gearbox of any kind for any IS.

 

honestly, I never thought I would ever buy an automatic -- ever. but after driving the IS350 (in sport mode) I have never looked back. lexus has figured out how to do it right so that you'll never need to question having a manual again

 

I disagree on two counts.

First, I hate the Lexus implementation of their "manumatic" auto. The paddles and shifter should control the gear that the car is NOW, not the maximum permissible gear. I have no problem with an automatic upshift at redline or blocking a downshift when it would cause the engine to over-rev, but beyond that, I want the car to go directly to the gear I've selected -- as quickly as possible. Audi's tiptronic is a great example of this; unless you tell it to do something that would be harmful, it shifts where you tell it - when you tell it. The one in my Lexus brings me nothing but frustration. It is like having sex while wearing about 20 condoms. (Not that I've ever tried that. ) After playing with the paddles for a while, I now just leave the car in "Drive".

Second, even if the implementation were better, I still doubt that I'd get the same driving pleasure from a manumatic (or even from an SMG auto) that I enjoy from a true manual. There is just something exhilarating about running through the gears the old-fashioned way.