caymandive

iTrader: (2)

I'm still waiting for the aftermarket to start producing some parts for the IS350. I'd love to tighten up the suspension and add a few hp, but there is nothing available yet. I keep telling myself to be patient.

diablo1

Back to the original question... A dealer told me this past summer that all Lexus models will have hybrid versions within 5 years. Also, based on what the company did with the RX 400h, it is clear that the philosophy is to use the hybrid powertrain to bring extra power at the same or slightly better MPG, rather than go all-out and try to get maximum MPG at the expense of power, like the Prius. Given all that, I think it's reasonable to look for something like an IS 450h - good mileage, and a boost in HP too.

caymandive

iTrader: (2)

Well not sure who all has seen this or not, but here are 2 video clips that compare the IS350 with a stock E46 M3 SMG.
I took the video of my IS350 a few weeks ago on a cold 34 degree night at which the summer tires just don't hook up well so the traction control kicks on pretty quick to limit the wheel spin, but also reduces the acceleration a bit. Car is still pretty quick off the line with a 0-60 coming up in just over 5 seconds with traction control kicking on in the beginning and 84mph comes up in about 9 seconds.


PS... if your counting, the car doesn't actually start moving until after the 1 second mark.

Anyway enjoy and sorry about the shaky camera!

I love my IS350

http://media.putfile.com/0-84-mph

For comparison sake here is a video of an SMG M3 doing 0-157mph. We both hit 80mph in almost the exact same time even with my traction control coming on in the beginning!
http://media.putfile.com/BMW-SMG-0-157mph

Chi-town

I read elsewhere that the IS350 weighs in at 3517 -- 3450 for the IS w/options, if true is shocking to say the least.

spwolf

why is that shocking? Please explain, I cant wait to read about it. Difference between IS350 and IS250 is the engine, and thats it. If the difference between 325i and 330i is 200lbs, that means that 325i has 150lbs of sound proofing, and luxury options removed.

IS350spBLK

Wow didn't think there would be so much discussion about the IS350 vs M3... but reading some of these post's I think the only reason there is any argument over the 2 cars is because the posts in favor of the M3 dont seem to understand that all we're tryin to say is that the IS350 WOULD KEEP UP with an M3 on the streets. No one ever said the IS350 would beat it or be a hair away from the M3. But I'm really dieing to see a 1/4 mile video of the 2 going head to head. That'd be realllly nice.

Oh and about the comment I made about it depends on the driver also, I still stick by it. When I had my 03' SI back in the day with only a cat back and intake and a huge box in the back I smoked a manual Jetta VR6... and not because my car was faster but becase the dude in the Jetta was a **** manual driver.

Chi-town

Per edmunds, under specs, the IS350 weighs 3527.

The reason that I would've been shocked about the IS weighing 3450 was because of a recent episode on Speed TV. In that episode, near the end Team Lexus had a cart full of sound deadening material, metal and whatnot that Lexus put in the IS to keep it quite. I would have shocked if it only tipped the scales at 3450 because I was thinking more like 3550-3650.

The IS would be even more wicked if anyone were to ever get the weight under control. Me, I like it the way it is and could care less if I cannot keep within a hairs distance of an M3. IMO 3527 while heavy still isn't that bad. The IS was designed to carry an additional 827lbs of people, gear, etc., the M3...well you know. The IS, on city streets needs to remain in clear perspective of what it was intended for, spirited family transportation. Futhermore, if I wanted M3 fast then I would've bought it , know what I mean?

IS350spBLK

Good Point!

Penforhire

I agree the IS could be redesigned to target the M3 but tweaking the engine is the least trouble. I don't know why so many people figure losing a pure acceleration contest is a big deal. The biggest problem I see is the full suspension revision required to make an IS handle like an M3. M3's are not all about drag racing. Ask any M3 owner about that when he lines up next to a C5 Z06 vette.

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Specs on cars come from a variety of places.If we were to view the specs from 10 different sources we would most likely get 10 different specs.

Here are some manufacturer specs

3,527 lb (IS 350)
3,435 lb (IS 250 RWD A/T)
3,455 lb (IS 250 RWD M/T)
3,651 lb (IS 250 AWD)

3781 lbs- M3 Convertible
3415 lbs-Coupe

Also keep in mind that 50-70 lbs can easily be made up with a few of drivers out there. I know I weigh in 80lbs more than the wifey. A few of you more, others less. Point is weight is important to a degree. The M3 Cab above weight in almost 3781 and that makes a big difference in acceleration, braking, and handling. Of course that is apples to oranges.

spwolf

and since when is IS350 drag racer? the fact that on normal road, IS350 will keep up with M3, for 10-15k less, in luxury, still applies.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

very very well said. the m3 is never just about pure accel, although they have some good pulls. it's all about the balance, the handling, and the overall performance. that's why i never said the m3 is a very fast car, but a very good performance car

and since when is m3 a car geared towards comfort and luxury? you throw out the handling, braking, and balance part of the m3, and throw in the luxury part of the is350. so it's apple to orange now? see my point? comparing apples to oranges is not going to get you anywhere...

NINEZeRO

Well the current M3 is a five year old model and when it first came out it WAS a VERY fast car. There weren't that many cars at a comparable price that could run with the M3 in 2001. Ever since all the automakers started boosting horsepower on almost every single model does the M3 seem "not very fast." When the new M3 comes out with est 380+ hp it will again be a VERY FAST car.
my rough guess

0-60 4.3-4.5

1/4 in 12.8-13.0

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yup, of course. that's why bimmer is kinda ahead of the competition

Penforhire

A 380+ HP M3 will come out at the same price as the C6 Z06 and once again it will have serious sand kicked in its face in any moving challenge. The goals change but the position of the players do not.