priced 60K
View Poll Results: What should Lexus focus on for the next generation Lexus IS?
Better engines and/or transmission choices
63
63.64%
Hybrid Option
1
1.01%
Interior Quality, Features, Fit and Finish
12
12.12%
Exterior Styling
1
1.01%
Audio/Nav/Entertainment
18
18.18%
Color/Trim Choices
1
1.01%
More interior space
3
3.03%
Voters: 99. You may not vote on this poll
What should Lexus focus on changing/improving for the next generation Lexus IS?
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: GA
Hey @ jay90011 I test drove several BMWs (also Audi & Benz & GS350 FSport), and everyone agrees BMW engines are more powerful, constantly surging, and YES it's perplexing Lexus hasn't caught up to European counterparts in terms of gas mileage, however in my test drives I try to FEEL the car, taking into consideration how well all components work in conjunction with each other, and ended up with a IS350 FSport RWD with AVS and 18" wheels.
Sure, the engine isn't as powerful as some BMWs I drove, but the IS350 FSport just felt better and more confident cornering under acceleration > the car just plants itself in every angle/bend of turns encouraging you to step on the pedal whereas BMW just feels old school now. AVS working in synch with the transmission is awesome, agility, nimbleness, and of course reliability over the long run, are all wins. Power is there when ya want it, especially going around ~95 +/- on highways FEELS WAYyyy BETTER than BMW, and I disagree with folks who might diss IS350 steering. Dunno... BMW's drive and enjoyment of it thereof are just kinda boring these days, same ole hum drum, whereas the IS350 FSport gives ya something fresh and new to experience.
Sure, the engine isn't as powerful as some BMWs I drove, but the IS350 FSport just felt better and more confident cornering under acceleration > the car just plants itself in every angle/bend of turns encouraging you to step on the pedal whereas BMW just feels old school now. AVS working in synch with the transmission is awesome, agility, nimbleness, and of course reliability over the long run, are all wins. Power is there when ya want it, especially going around ~95 +/- on highways FEELS WAYyyy BETTER than BMW, and I disagree with folks who might diss IS350 steering. Dunno... BMW's drive and enjoyment of it thereof are just kinda boring these days, same ole hum drum, whereas the IS350 FSport gives ya something fresh and new to experience.
Thing is, I'd imagine enthusiasts would pick the IS 350 as the handling choice, alongside something like the ATS, not the stop-light-drag-race-winning choice, like the BMW 340i or the Jaguar XE 35t. But you at least agree better gas mileage and more widely-available 8-speeds would be nice, yes? That's why the drivetrain needs a refreshing.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
Hey @ jay90011 I've been driving Lexus for 15+ years, and for the longest time, as well as just recently wanted AND THOUGHT I'd buy something different. I test drove several BMWs (also Audi & Benz & GS350 FSport), and everyone agrees BMW engines are more powerful, constantly surging, and YES it's perplexing Lexus hasn't caught up to European counterparts in terms of gas mileage, however in my test drives I try to FEEL the car, taking into consideration how well all components work in conjunction with each other, and ended up with a IS350 FSport RWD with AVS and 18" wheels.
Sure, the engine isn't as powerful as some BMWs I drove, but the IS350 FSport just felt better and more confident cornering under acceleration > the car just plants itself in every angle/bend of turns encouraging you to step on the pedal whereas BMW just feels old school now. AVS working in synch with the transmission is awesome, agility, nimbleness, and of course reliability over the long run, are all wins. Power is there when ya want it, especially going around ~95 +/- on highways FEELS WAYyyy BETTER than BMW, and I disagree with folks who might diss IS350 steering. Dunno... BMW's drive and enjoyment of it thereof are just kinda boring these days, same ole hum drum, whereas the IS350 FSport gives ya something fresh and new to experience.
IMO Audi & Benz also beat out BMW but then you're getting up there wrt pricing, of course again the reliability aspect over the long run, and don't forget Lexus gives ya RED SEATS!! I'm surrounded by neighbors parking beside me with premier BMW 3xx's, 5xx's, Benz, GS350s, and my IS350 FSport is often the subject of car enthusiasts' inquisitiveness ~ you should see their faces lol Anyway, just ranting 2 cents!!
Sure, the engine isn't as powerful as some BMWs I drove, but the IS350 FSport just felt better and more confident cornering under acceleration > the car just plants itself in every angle/bend of turns encouraging you to step on the pedal whereas BMW just feels old school now. AVS working in synch with the transmission is awesome, agility, nimbleness, and of course reliability over the long run, are all wins. Power is there when ya want it, especially going around ~95 +/- on highways FEELS WAYyyy BETTER than BMW, and I disagree with folks who might diss IS350 steering. Dunno... BMW's drive and enjoyment of it thereof are just kinda boring these days, same ole hum drum, whereas the IS350 FSport gives ya something fresh and new to experience.
IMO Audi & Benz also beat out BMW but then you're getting up there wrt pricing, of course again the reliability aspect over the long run, and don't forget Lexus gives ya RED SEATS!! I'm surrounded by neighbors parking beside me with premier BMW 3xx's, 5xx's, Benz, GS350s, and my IS350 FSport is often the subject of car enthusiasts' inquisitiveness ~ you should see their faces lol Anyway, just ranting 2 cents!!
I am sure many forum member here would agree that the Lexus is a more cohesive driving experience, especially when it comes to handling vs. feel, compared to a new 3-series, but that doesn't mean the engine couldn't be replaced with something equally well-engineered but more efficient/powerful. Many auto publications agree - the IS doesn't need more power to be fun, but it does feel like the IS 350 isn't the ultimate level of performance the car could handle, not to mention the competition's level of acceleration.
Thing is, I'd imagine enthusiasts would pick the IS 350 as the handling choice, alongside something like the ATS, not the stop-light-drag-race-winning choice, like the BMW 340i or the Jaguar XE 35t. But you at least agree better gas mileage and more widely-available 8-speeds would be nice, yes? That's why the drivetrain needs a refreshing.
Thing is, I'd imagine enthusiasts would pick the IS 350 as the handling choice, alongside something like the ATS, not the stop-light-drag-race-winning choice, like the BMW 340i or the Jaguar XE 35t. But you at least agree better gas mileage and more widely-available 8-speeds would be nice, yes? That's why the drivetrain needs a refreshing.
PS >>> one more point > unless we get free & clear country or mountain roads, or go to a track, how often can we actually push our cars to 120 mph, 130 mph? Similar applies to folks driving around in $60k Corvettes, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc.
Last edited by LaZeR; Jul 27, 2017 at 05:25 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Originally Posted by gbgary
smaller side mirrors (lol) and better handling. keep the size...don't want it to become a gs.
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Hey @ jay90011 I've been driving Lexus for 15+ years, and for the longest time, as well as just recently wanted AND THOUGHT I'd buy something different. I test drove several BMWs (also Audi & Benz & GS350 FSport), and everyone agrees BMW engines are more powerful, constantly surging, and YES it's perplexing Lexus hasn't caught up to European counterparts in terms of gas mileage, however in my test drives I try to FEEL the car, taking into consideration how well all components work in conjunction with each other, and ended up with a IS350 FSport RWD with AVS and 18" wheels.
Sure, the engine isn't as powerful as some BMWs I drove, but the IS350 FSport just felt better and more confident cornering under acceleration > the car just plants itself in every angle/bend of turns encouraging you to step on the pedal whereas BMW just feels old school now. AVS working in synch with the transmission is awesome, agility, nimbleness, and of course reliability over the long run, are all wins. Power is there when ya want it, especially going around ~95 +/- on highways FEELS WAYyyy BETTER than BMW, and I disagree with folks who might diss IS350 steering. Dunno... BMW's drive and enjoyment of it thereof are just kinda boring these days, same ole hum drum, whereas the IS350 FSport gives ya something fresh and new to experience.
IMO Audi & Benz also beat out BMW but then you're getting up there wrt pricing, of course again the reliability aspect over the long run, and don't forget Lexus gives ya RED SEATS!! I'm surrounded by neighbors parking beside me with premier BMW 3xx's, 5xx's, Benz, GS350s, and my IS350 FSport is often the subject of car enthusiasts' inquisitiveness ~ you should see their faces lol Anyway, just ranting 2 cents!!
PS >>> WHY does BMW put dual exhaust on the SAME SIDE?? Not sure about engineering or technical details but staggering this on each side looks so much better...
Sure, the engine isn't as powerful as some BMWs I drove, but the IS350 FSport just felt better and more confident cornering under acceleration > the car just plants itself in every angle/bend of turns encouraging you to step on the pedal whereas BMW just feels old school now. AVS working in synch with the transmission is awesome, agility, nimbleness, and of course reliability over the long run, are all wins. Power is there when ya want it, especially going around ~95 +/- on highways FEELS WAYyyy BETTER than BMW, and I disagree with folks who might diss IS350 steering. Dunno... BMW's drive and enjoyment of it thereof are just kinda boring these days, same ole hum drum, whereas the IS350 FSport gives ya something fresh and new to experience.
IMO Audi & Benz also beat out BMW but then you're getting up there wrt pricing, of course again the reliability aspect over the long run, and don't forget Lexus gives ya RED SEATS!! I'm surrounded by neighbors parking beside me with premier BMW 3xx's, 5xx's, Benz, GS350s, and my IS350 FSport is often the subject of car enthusiasts' inquisitiveness ~ you should see their faces lol Anyway, just ranting 2 cents!!
PS >>> WHY does BMW put dual exhaust on the SAME SIDE?? Not sure about engineering or technical details but staggering this on each side looks so much better...
I was on the fence about getting rid of it for something with more power (Challenger SRT, Camaro SS 1LE or Mustang GT. Been itching for a V8) But the Lexus just feels much better on the twisty's though the Camaro almost had me sold until i sat in one for a week and appreciated the interior of the Lexus more. Keeping the car maybe another year or two in hope that the 4th gen IS comes with a turbo 6. If not a heavy Rc-F will be the next car after.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
What highly rated, long term RELIABLE brands/models, have turbo 6 cylinder engines right now? And, priced around ~$40k+/- ? THANKS!!
Last edited by LaZeR; Jul 28, 2017 at 03:22 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
What highly rated, long term RELIABLE brands/models, have turbo 6 cylinder engines right now? And, priced around ~$40k+/- ? THANKS!!
Still can't find many affordable & reliable cars with turbo AND 6 cylinders right now! lol Anyone?
EDIT:
The Toyota JZ Engine is pretty much the most reliable turbo six of the modern era. Then there is the Ford Ecoboost 3.5L V6, which is very good and pretty durable, and the BMW N54/N55. Those are the big three.
Last edited by LaZeR; Jul 28, 2017 at 04:45 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 325
Likes: 11
From: Florida - Tampa Bay
Must have: Android Auto / Car Play
I won't buy another car without Android Auto / Car Play. No more expensive, slow, obsolete-when-purchased and unfriendly "built in" navigation or infotainment systems for me. Lexus take note: You want my continued business? You need to get with the program.
Android Auto, now with Waze!
https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/26/1...gation-carplay
Android Auto, now with Waze!
https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/26/1...gation-carplay
Last edited by LeapFrog; Jul 29, 2017 at 06:01 AM.