Lets say if I was to line up with another car and I wanted to race him is there a way to launch off the line? I know it is very possible with a manual transmission but I don't think it is possible with an automatic

 

umm... 250's arent for drag racing... dont waste your money on power mods, go the VIP route, rims/drop/reupholstry those kinda mods. Unless you wanna drag against a hundai (however you spell it) or a kia, but still the answer is, no.

 

Any car can be "launched". The important question is "What is the most effective method for launching an IS250?"

For the most part, you will launch it the same way you launch an IS350. Hold the brake pedal (hard) with your left foot, give it gas with the right foot to raise the RPMs to about 2K RPMs, then release the brake and floor the gas. I expect that it will be much easier to accomplish consistently with a 250 than it is on a 350 since the 350 tends to loose traction very easily.

That said, the 250 isn't going to win against many cars.

 

I've never driven a 350 but, my 250 pulls pretty hard. instead of 204 hp, it feels more like 240 hp.

 

I haven't driven a 250 but I have driven a C230 Sport loaner which also has a 2.5 V6 with similar power and weight and the best way to launch that car was similar to what Gernby suggested. I don't remember the exact RPM, but I power braked the car until just before the rear tires would start to break loose, then I'd release the brake and floor it at the same time. The engine still bogged slightly but recovered pretty fast. It was definaly a better launch than simply flooring it.

 

who cares about how to launch a lexus, lol. Who are you kidding, its not a sports car. I don't get all these people trying to make the car something it isn't. If you want a sports car, buy an M3 or a porsche. If you can't afford anything like that and you want a sports car that bad buy one used.

 

The OP asked about launching the IS250, not what you think about this car's ability to drag race, or what car you think he/she should have bought. Please think before you hit that 'post reply' button. Thanks to those above that have provided the OP with useful information. It's the 'other' replies that often start threads down the slipperly slope of arguing and personal attacks. Everyone's help in keeping our forum a helpful and friendly place to share and gather opinions and information is much appreciated.

Javier

 

wha...? i can barely feel the vvti when it kicks in.. lol

 

you can't cuz i think it's continuous variable valve timing. With VTEC, you can feel it kick in. So with the IS, you get more of a smooth transition. But still, the 250 is pretty fast, in my opinion.

 

Does anyone know what the 250 can do in the 1/4 mile? I saw a 15.X on Dragtimes.com, but it didn't look legitimate.

BTW, if a car is tuned right, you shouldn't feel VTEC or VVTi "kick in".