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The detailed rim specs should be out any day now...
The Bridgestone tires on the press release appear to be run-flats as well..
"The POTENZA S001L was designed exclusively by Bridgestone." as found on the LC500h
^^ The above Summer tire run-flats appear to be on the F Sport RWD
On RWD models
Front = 235/40R19 (19x8.5)
Rear = 265/35R19 (19x9.5)
The F Sport AWD model will maybe ? receive a non staggered All Season run-flat set up using Bridgestone Turanza EL450 tires..
Sizes I can't make out.. (Edited)
Potentially P235/40R19 on all four corners.. (19x8.5)
The 18" Standard wheels will come with P235/45R18 on all four corners.. (18x8.5)
We had a 2015 IS350 FSport AWD and now have a 2018 IS300 FSport AWD, so I can safely say we enjoy the IS model.
However, I am disappointed that Lexus did not do more with the 2021 IS. It would have been great if more powerful engine options were available.
I get it that Lexus probably does not sell enough of them to justify the investment. With that said, when our lease is up in a year we will likely look at BMW.
I had an E46 BMW 330i with sport package. It only had 225 HP and 214 ft-lbs of torque. When I would drop off my car for service, I would get 335i sport models with 300 turbo charged HP as loaners. Could not wait to get back my car because it was more fun to drive. I bought a 2015 IS350 F Sport after selling my 11 year old BMW. I did not go back to BMW because I felt that the IS felt sharper and more fun to drive than then current F30 BMW 335i even though the latter was much faster. I owned the IS for four years and 86,000 miles and only had one unscheduled repair which was in sharp contrast with my BMW ownership experience where during that same period, I replaced the radio, various trim panels that delaminated due to Florida heat, control arm bushings (which needs to be replaced every 50,000 miles), window regulators (which need periodic replacement), a solenoid for the engine VANOS system, radiator hose to address overheating. At around 100,000 miles, I had a problem with the security system where the car could not be started and left me stranded at least six times. Each time I had the car towed to the dealer and after the fifth attempt, I told the dealer not to return the car unless they were confident the problem was addressed. They kept the car for six weeks and gave me a brand new 335i sport to drive until the problem was resolved. After, I did not have any unexpected issues but had to replace window regulators, control arm bushings, belts, hoses, water-pump and at a little over 200,000 miles the radiator cracked and started leaking. The E46 is reputed to be one of the most reliable 3 series models. After this ownership experience, I have no desire to buy another BMW and will continue with Lexus as long as they continue to manufacture desirable cars. I now drive a GS 350 F Sport and love it. Though the 2021 IS' may not be faster, the changes (stiffer chassis , lower unsprung weight, improved chassis tuning) may result in a significantly more fun to drive car so I recommend to give it a test drive before leaving for another mark. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Let's just say it as it is : the 2021 design is a home-run and makes the car acutely desirable. Most enthusiasts won't track their car and 311hp is plenty for spirited driving and canyon carving. Considering that the vast majority of compact sports sedan buyers purchase cars around the sub-300 hp level, saying that the 2021 IS350 is lagging the competition is overstating the case. The IS350 is not marketed or priced to go against the M340i or C43AMG or S4. I suspect that Lexus is reserving the IS500 F-Sport for that.
Let's just say it as it is : the 2021 design is a home-run and makes the car acutely desirable. Most enthusiasts won't track their car and 311hp is plenty for spirited driving and canyon carving. Considering that the vast majority of compact sports sedan buyers purchase cars around the sub-300 hp level, saying that the 2021 IS350 is lagging the competition is overstating the case. The IS350 is not marketed or priced to go against the M340i or C43AMG or S4. I suspect that Lexus is reserving the IS500 F-Sport for that.
Speak for yourself. I'll keep my 2008 IS F and be very happy smoking these newer models when they challenge me. Same reason I keep my 1993 Supra...
Let's just say it as it is : the 2021 design is a home-run and makes the car acutely desirable. Most enthusiasts won't track their car and 311hp is plenty for spirited driving and canyon carving. Considering that the vast majority of compact sports sedan buyers purchase cars around the sub-300 hp level, saying that the 2021 IS350 is lagging the competition is overstating the case. The IS350 is not marketed or priced to go against the M340i or C43AMG or S4. I suspect that Lexus is reserving the IS500 F-Sport for that.
We have to look at price. It's not priced like those cars but it is priced like a G70 and Model 3 AWD, and CT4-V at about $50k loaded so the straight line performance is lacking comparatively. I think that's where all the complaints come from. The 2nd gen was much more successful because it was class competitive in terms of horsepower. This matters a lot to enthusiasts who are one of the last remaining market segments that have stayed with sedans during the transition to CUVs. That's why the current sales are abysmal because most of the enthusiasts have left for other brands. I was hoping the newer offering would bring them back but not with the 3.5L. It's a gorgeous looking car but I don't think that's enough.
Does any one know what the tire size is for the 350 f sport 19” bbs wheels? Are they 245/40 or 245/35? I keep trying to read the tires on these reviews but I can’t make it out.
Originally Posted by RageRacerM
Do we know wheel width?
5x114.3 with 60.1mm centre bore and lug bolts.
Non-Staggered Options:
- 235/45R18 on 18x8.5 +45mm
- 235/40R19 on 19x8.5 +45mm
Staggered Option:
- Front: 235/40R19 on 19x8.5 +45mm
- Rear: 265/35R19 on 19x9.5 +60mm
Jeff
Last edited by Jeff Lange; Oct 4, 2020 at 11:59 AM.
My goodness these new IS's look gorgeous! One of the most cohesive designs from Lexus. I can't wait for the embargo to lift on Oct 15th to hear how the new chassis and suspension improvements feel and translate out on the road.