A quick review on IS300h
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
I used to be Toyota dealer, I kind of have experience with these things. Not that it would lower the car when empty - lowering tire psi would have in this case.
We once had German Rav4 come in - 6 months old and owner complained about harsh ride and we found that they didnt take his block out of the springs and he drove like that for 6 months thinking it should be like that.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
The new car has a deeper front bumper. Basically, its higher so it can clear road humps without catching the front bumper on kerbs and bumps for example. Look at the stones in front of the wheels. A typical speed hump or kerb is twice the height of that. If the car was lower, it would catch the front bumper.
I never lowered it because my parking spaces all need that and i also sometimes need to park up on sidewalks, so have to climb up the curb with the car.
But this height - difference between 2IS and 3IS - it is purely due to over-inflated tires that happen with shipping and before pdi is done.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 9
From: West Yorkshire
I dont think he is talking about the ride height. I think he means the gap between the wheel arch and the tyre itself which has nothing to do with tire pressure. Besides, tire pressure would barely add a quarter of an inch to the ride height because its running on low profiles. With a bigger profile it would make about half an inch.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,602
Likes: 89
From: Singapore
Just came back from my test drive of the new IS today. I test drove an IS250 F-Sport which comes with the F-Sport AVS adaptive variable suspension and an IS300h with standard passive suspension.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
Last edited by natnut; Jun 30, 2013 at 11:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: SE
I'm not surprise that you like it. Since you already like it very much before the test drive. 
We obviously drove the car differently since our opinion are totally different. There are people that think CT200h is sporty. I'm not surprised. We all have different taste.
We obviously drove the car differently since our opinion are totally different. There are people that think CT200h is sporty. I'm not surprised. We all have different taste.
Last edited by UpSideDown; Jun 30, 2013 at 01:46 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 10
From: ON, Canada
Just came back from my test drive of the new IS today. I test drove an IS250 F-Sport which comes with the F-Sport AVS adaptive variable suspension and an IS300h with standard passive suspension.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 6
From: SG
Just came back from my test drive of the new IS today. I test drove an IS250 F-Sport which comes with the F-Sport AVS adaptive variable suspension and an IS300h with standard passive suspension.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
Currently visiting Europe driving rental diesels. Golf 7 diesel is a really good car. But I still prefer a hybrid.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
Just came back from my test drive of the new IS today. I test drove an IS250 F-Sport which comes with the F-Sport AVS adaptive variable suspension and an IS300h with standard passive suspension.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
I have to disagree with the OP here. Even with stock suspension, the IS300h felt really connected and responsive compared with the F-Sport IS250 in its sportiest Sport S+ mode. The only time I felt lag/hesitation was when the car was moving off from a standstill : the initial stab of the accelerator pedal when there was a noticeable 1/16th second delay between stepping on the accelerator and initial movement of the car. Note that I was driving in Sport mode.
After that, it was the IS300h all the way demonstrating its superior responsiveness.
In gear acceleration and drivetrain responsiveness was exemplary.It felt metaphorically and literally electric especially during overtaking and filtering in busy traffic. Due to the IMMEDIATE drivetrain responsiveness, i was able to exploit the smallest gaps in traffic and filter easily. I think the operational speeds I was driving at were between 40-80km/h.
Even though the IS250 F-Sport felt stiffer and had less body roll due to the F-Sport and its Sport S+ suspension mode, the IS300h felt much more manoueverable due to the instant-torque-on-demand.
Also the lighter inline-4 cylinder engine in the nose of the car improved turning and cornering compared to the heavier V6 petrol 2.5L engine in the IS250.
The simulated engine noise somehow works wonderfully especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode.I felt like a go-cart racer weaving in and out of traffic. The IS250 felt positively sluggish and lazy in comparison and I would not have the confidence to perform the same overtaking manoeuvres in the IS250 that I did in the IS300h.
I'm going to make a prediction now :
the IS300h will be a game changer for Lexus in Europe and many other countries, transforming it from a small volume player to a significant volume seller in the mid-luxury market.
It has the instant torque to challenge a small turbo-diesel engine, the refinement and quietness in drivetrain that a diesel can only dream of having and the lightness in the nose of the car due to the light and compact inline 4 engine makes the car an incredibly responsive car to steering inputs.
Being a Lexus, the reliability and ease of maintenance combined with the new found outstanding driveability should make it a VERY compelling alternative to the usual Germans.
How much do I like the IS300h? If forced to choose, I would pick a bog-standard IS300h with passive suspension over an IS250 F-Sport with adaptive F-Sport suspension and the F-Sport body-kit (which I LOVED btw.)
Happily, I don't and I foresee an IS300h F-Sport in Ultrasonic blue in my near-future.
PS : the IS300h really demonstrates the one facet of superiority an electrified drivetrain has over a normal internal combustion engine, even the most sophisticated turbo/supercharged engine : Instant, literally electric, engine response from zero revs onwards.
PPS : I don't know what Lexus USA is thinking, not having the IS300h in its market. If you think the IS250 is going to sell well for Lexus USA, they would have to barricade the showroom doors to keep the masses storming the showroom if the IS300h were in stock. It's SO much obviously the pick of the litter in the IS range.
I expect IS300h, with 42hp instant turbo to behave like you say it does.
People might get disappointed if they do 0-200kmh in the car, but this car is not built for that... If all you care is just stomping on the gas pedal on the highway, then this car is not for you. But drive it in small back roads, cities, and it should be far superior to anything else.
And 50/50 weight split for hybrid means superior handling. It also means, to me at least, that car has been built as IS300h being one of the most important models.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
GS300h has been announced... it will also get some new things like LED fogs for Europe. GS is heavier than IS, so might be fair share slower.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: SE
this is what i was talking about as well... to me, GS250 when i tried it was very sluggish car, to the point that even I, big lexus fan, would never get one.
I expect IS300h, with 42hp instant turbo to behave like you say it does.
People might get disappointed if they do 0-200kmh in the car, but this car is not built for that... If all you care is just stomping on the gas pedal on the highway, then this car is not for you. But drive it in small back roads, cities, and it should be far superior to anything else.
And 50/50 weight split for hybrid means superior handling. It also means, to me at least, that car has been built as IS300h being one of the most important models.
I expect IS300h, with 42hp instant turbo to behave like you say it does.
People might get disappointed if they do 0-200kmh in the car, but this car is not built for that... If all you care is just stomping on the gas pedal on the highway, then this car is not for you. But drive it in small back roads, cities, and it should be far superior to anything else.
And 50/50 weight split for hybrid means superior handling. It also means, to me at least, that car has been built as IS300h being one of the most important models.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: SE
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
did you actually drive the GS?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 9
From: West Yorkshire
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: SE
I like it too. It's smooth and quiet, almost hybrid-like. It suit the car well. The sound tube sounds like F-sport intake for 2IS. I actually like it better than 300h. It's a shame that we don't get GS350 and IS350.