Lexus IS250/350 Announced. Offical Picture Gallery Up

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NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Meh. Looks bloated to me/not an atheletic performer. It'll give the TL / G35 a run for their money, but the new 3 will wipe the floor with it, both in the twisties and in a straight line, mark my words.

**MARKED**
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
Ehhh....to be honest, it seems cheap as even a Toyota model then. I'd have to say my cousin's Corolla feels like it has a better interior than the IS300. (I'm not saying this to try to be a devils advocate here, I really mean that)

And just curious - was the Altezza originally designated to be a Toyota model here in the states?

I guess being a first gen platform, even Lexus has to go through a learning curve. Remember the first ES250? That was a total POS. The previous GS was already the 2nd generation of the product so it probably had a lot of problems ironed out already.
 

RagingBITCH

Lifer
Sep 27, 2003
17,618
2
76
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Ehhh....to be honest, it seems cheap as even a Toyota model then. I'd have to say my cousin's Corolla feels like it has a better interior than the IS300. (I'm not saying this to try to be a devils advocate here, I really mean that)

And just curious - was the Altezza originally designated to be a Toyota model here in the states?

I guess being a first gen platform, even Lexus has to go through a learning curve. Remember the first ES250? That was a total POS. The previous GS was already the 2nd generation of the product so it probably had a lot of problems ironed out already.

All first gen Lexus' were POS. :D I look back at those real early 90's (or late 80's) and god, I laugh at them :)
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Ehhh....to be honest, it seems cheap as even a Toyota model then. I'd have to say my cousin's Corolla feels like it has a better interior than the IS300. (I'm not saying this to try to be a devils advocate here, I really mean that)

And just curious - was the Altezza originally designated to be a Toyota model here in the states?

I guess being a first gen platform, even Lexus has to go through a learning curve. Remember the first ES250? That was a total POS. The previous GS was already the 2nd generation of the product so it probably had a lot of problems ironed out already.

All first gen Lexus' were POS. :D I look back at those real early 90's (or late 80's) and god, I laugh at them :)

Uhh, the first gen LS400 was a landmark vehicle...
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Ehhh....to be honest, it seems cheap as even a Toyota model then. I'd have to say my cousin's Corolla feels like it has a better interior than the IS300. (I'm not saying this to try to be a devils advocate here, I really mean that)

And just curious - was the Altezza originally designated to be a Toyota model here in the states?

I guess being a first gen platform, even Lexus has to go through a learning curve. Remember the first ES250? That was a total POS. The previous GS was already the 2nd generation of the product so it probably had a lot of problems ironed out already.

All first gen Lexus' were POS. :D I look back at those real early 90's (or late 80's) and god, I laugh at them :)

Uhh, the first gen LS400 was a landmark vehicle...

My college roommate's parents had the LS400. That was Bling Bling before Bling Bling was in.
 

merlocka

Platinum Member
Nov 24, 1999
2,832
0
0
Originally posted by: NFS4

B/C the IS300 was never a luxury model. Toyota just put a Lexus badge on it compete with the 3-Series. Sorta like the TSX. That thing doesn't scream luxury either

You think that the IS250 interior "trumps" the TL, but then you say the IS300 interior doesn't scream luxury "sorta like" the TSX?







 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
Originally posted by: merlocka
Originally posted by: NFS4

B/C the IS300 was never a luxury model. Toyota just put a Lexus badge on it compete with the 3-Series. Sorta like the TSX. That thing doesn't scream luxury either

You think that the IS250 interior "trumps" the TL, but then you say the IS300 interior doesn't scream luxury "sorta like" the TSX?

Have you sat in the fake wood version of the new TL? That interior is the ultimate in cheese factor. The leather metal version isn't too bad.
 

merlocka

Platinum Member
Nov 24, 1999
2,832
0
0
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Meh. Looks bloated to me/not an atheletic performer. It'll give the TL / G35 a run for their money, but the new 3 will wipe the floor with it, both in the twisties and in a straight line, mark my words.

**MARKED**


I have a feeling, the only marking will be the new 3 on the bench. But, it will come at a price again.

Will they still sell 120,000 cars with Lexus, Acura, and Infinit offering so much at a lower price? I don't know.

 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Originally posted by: merlocka
Originally posted by: NFS4

B/C the IS300 was never a luxury model. Toyota just put a Lexus badge on it compete with the 3-Series. Sorta like the TSX. That thing doesn't scream luxury either

You think that the IS250 interior "trumps" the TL, but then you say the IS300 interior doesn't scream luxury "sorta like" the TSX?

I'm not quite following? Both the previous generation IS300 and the current TSX are "appeasers" meaning that they were built for a different market.

The IS300 was a Japanese market Altezza with a Lexus badge on it to give Lexus a RWD sedan to compete with the 3-Series in the US.

The TSX is a European/Japanese market Honda Accord with an Acura badge on it to compete in the same sector in the US.

Neither one of them are luxury vehicles. The TSX is the same level as an Accord b/c that's exactly what it is. Just like the previous IS300, the interior is really nothing to write home about.

Now the NEW IS is built using Toyota's new philosphy for Lexus. Lexus is now its own seperate brand in Japan and will be launching worldwide. Lexus models now have their own seperate design stuidos from Toyota (before they were designed together). With this in mind, a Lexus in Japan will be the same Lexus it is in Europe as it is in the United States.

In other words, Lexus models from here on out are built from the outset as being Lexus. Remember, there was no Lexus in Japan until recently.

 

merlocka

Platinum Member
Nov 24, 1999
2,832
0
0
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Originally posted by: merlocka
Originally posted by: NFS4

B/C the IS300 was never a luxury model. Toyota just put a Lexus badge on it compete with the 3-Series. Sorta like the TSX. That thing doesn't scream luxury either

You think that the IS250 interior "trumps" the TL, but then you say the IS300 interior doesn't scream luxury "sorta like" the TSX?

Have you sat in the fake wood version of the new TL? That interior is the ultimate in cheese factor. The leather metal version isn't too bad.

In my opinion, woodgrain should only be in cars that are driven for you. I can't stand it.

 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
Originally posted by: Aharami
sexy as hell

I'm still ticked that all the versions that would appeal to me are not available.

Again. Why no IS350 w/MT? Why no IS350 AWD or IS250 AWD/MT? The IS300 was a joke until it finally came in MT a year or two later.
 

merlocka

Platinum Member
Nov 24, 1999
2,832
0
0
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: merlocka
Originally posted by: NFS4

B/C the IS300 was never a luxury model. Toyota just put a Lexus badge on it compete with the 3-Series. Sorta like the TSX. That thing doesn't scream luxury either

You think that the IS250 interior "trumps" the TL, but then you say the IS300 interior doesn't scream luxury "sorta like" the TSX?

I'm not quite following? Both the previous generation IS300 and the current TSX are "appeasers" meaning that they were built for a different market.

The IS300 was a Japanese market Altezza with a Lexus badge on it to give Lexus a RWD sedan to compete with the 3-Series in the US.

The TSX is a European/Japanese market Honda Accord with an Acura badge on it to compete in the same sector in the US.

Neither one of them are luxury vehicles. The TSX is the same level as an Accord b/c that's exactly what it is. Just like the previous IS300, the interior is really nothing to write home about.

Now the NEW IS is built using Toyota's new philosphy for Lexus. Lexus is now its own seperate brand in Japan and will be launching worldwide. Lexus models now have their own seperate design stuidos from Toyota (before they were designed together). With this in mind, a Lexus in Japan will be the same Lexus it is in Europe as it is in the United States.

In other words, Lexus models from here on out are built from the outset as being Lexus. Remember, there was no Lexus in Japan until recently.

Well, if you want to cut hairs, "appeasers" are basically badge engineering for different markets. So you agree Lexus is badge engineering? :)

That aside, I'm pointing out your comparison between the "luxury" of the IS300 vs the TSX.

Imagine the way you feel about the difference between a IS250 and G35 interior, reverse it, and apply to TSX/IS300.

I've inspected both vehicles, and that's the impression they left. Of course, "luxury" is a relative term, and quite subjective. YMMV.




 

SuperTool

Lifer
Jan 25, 2000
14,000
2
0
The interior is nice. I still like the G35 exterior much more. Overall I am glad this car is coming out, so there will be more competition for the G.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Autoweek is saying the IS350 will be 245HP.

That would suck bigtime.

That doesn't make sense. The 3.0 liter V6 puts out 245HP. Why would they waste the 3.5 liter with 245HP when it makes 280HP in a "lowly" Avalon?
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Originally posted by: SuperTool
The interior is nice. I still like the G35 exterior much more. Overall I am glad this car is coming out, so there will be more competition for the G.

I may be weird, but I prefered the looks of the '04 G35 Sedan over the '05 G35's. Putting the coupe's headlights/bumper on the sedan and changing the taillights just dropped it down at least two notches IMHO :(
 

SuperTool

Lifer
Jan 25, 2000
14,000
2
0
What I don't get is why is Lexus putting a 3L V6 in a higher end GS300 but is putting a 3.5L V6 in a lower end IS350.
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Autoweek is saying the IS350 will be 245HP.

That would suck bigtime.

That doesn't make sense. The 3.0 liter V6 puts out 245HP. Why would they waste the 3.5 liter with 245HP when it makes 280HP in a "lowly" Avalon?

Maybe because the GS makes a lowly 245HP also and isn't slated to be upgraded until next year? Dunno. Maybe they'll market the IS not by HP but performance metrics like 0-60. A 245HP car doing 0-60 in the mid 5s probably isn't bad.

BTW, off topic but I saw a silver Lotus Elise in downtown NYC today. Looks like a mini race car.
 

SuperTool

Lifer
Jan 25, 2000
14,000
2
0
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: SuperTool
The interior is nice. I still like the G35 exterior much more. Overall I am glad this car is coming out, so there will be more competition for the G.

I may be weird, but I prefered the looks of the '04 G35 Sedan over the '05 G35's. Putting the coupe's headlights/bumper on the sedan and changing the taillights just dropped it down at least two notches IMHO :(

I felt that way about the taillights, simply because I felt there were too many round lights out, and G35 had unique looking LED lights before. But the new look has grown on me, it looks more sporty and dynamic. The rounder shapes better match the overally appearance of the car, IMO. The previous version looked cool, but in a more conservative way.
 

dawheat

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2000
3,132
93
91
Hmm exterior seems Acura bland- I would have hoped that Lexus?s new design studio could come up with something edgier while still being elegant. Interior looks Acura/BMW good, though materials should be a 1/4 cut better even with Acura?s improvement the last couple years (and much better than Infiniti with all their updates).

The 315hp, 6speed, RWD variant looks like the winning combo- though hopefully their tranny/clutch combo gets improved quite a bit over the current IS. It?s disappointing that their 330 fighter won't have a manual for a year (at least), but at least it lines up with the 3-series coupe release and when I?d be in the market again for a car.

The humble roots of the engine raises a few flags- will it be as responsive and rev-happy as BMW's 3L I-6, much less the updated engine in the new 3. Will it sound as good?

Will the brakes be up to BMW level?

Will a ?sport? package will be an option with upgraded tires and a LSD at minimum.

If yes to all of the above, then might be a worthy competitor to the new 3 and a good choice once its time to give up my S2000.

BTW- it?s great to live in California where there's no need for the extra weight and inevitable understeer of AWD (Evo8 excluded).
 

merlocka

Platinum Member
Nov 24, 1999
2,832
0
0
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: SuperTool
The interior is nice. I still like the G35 exterior much more. Overall I am glad this car is coming out, so there will be more competition for the G.

I may be weird, but I prefered the looks of the '04 G35 Sedan over the '05 G35's. Putting the coupe's headlights/bumper on the sedan and changing the taillights just dropped it down at least two notches IMHO :(


Agree 100%. I've seen some 2003's with under 30k miles for low 20's, and it's tempting. Dk blue with the 17" and black interior. Interior and AT are only things holding me back, well, that and more IS details!

 

b0mbrman

Lifer
Jun 1, 2001
29,470
1
81
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Autoweek is saying the IS350 will be 245HP.

That would suck bigtime.

That doesn't make sense. The 3.0 liter V6 puts out 245HP. Why would they waste the 3.5 liter with 245HP when it makes 280HP in a "lowly" Avalon?
I agree. They're not going to detune the 3.5...
 

bozack

Diamond Member
Jan 14, 2000
7,913
12
81
the sheer fact that it looks strikingly like a Scion would make me not buy it...but people are badge whores and will most likely eat it up.

Good thing around here Merc and BMW wipe the floor with lexus...I even see more Saabs...
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
2006 Lexus IS 250

What Is It?
2006 Lexus IS 250

What's Special About It?
Introduced to the world today in Geneva, the all-new 2006 Lexus IS sport sedan's homing device is clearly beaming on the hearts and minds of one vehicle's buyer: the BMW 3 Series. And the rest of the entry-level luxury market can go rot as far as Lexus is concerned.

The IS 250 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 218-horsepower V6 (there's also a 2.2-liter diesel V6 offered in Europe) and possesses its own four-door-coupe-looking profile ? nothing derivative in this shape. The IS 250 is available in rear-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive. Lexus offers buyers the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or an all-new six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

In Europe, the Lexus VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management ? currently available only in the new GS sedan) stability system comes standard, as do 10 airbags, including kneebag for the driver and front passenger.

Word on the street in Geneva indicates that the United States will get a more powerful IS 300 with the same 252-hp, 3.0-liter V6 that just debuted in the new GS 300. And the same word from the same street tells us that the VDIM system that got hammered so hard in our recent comparison test of Japanese sport sedans will be retuned for the IS to allow a higher degree of hard-core driving before kicking in the stability controls calling a timeout.

The 2006 IS 250 offers wider and longer dimensions, more rear legroom, sweeter amenities and more safety features over the current IS at a price that's comparable.

What's Edmunds' Take?
Well, somebody is going to kick the baby Bimmer out of the Winner's Circle. Someday. The fact that few people are going to be thinking Toyota (and nobody is going to be thinking Mercedes-Benz) is an excellent start for a brand that is still finding its feet on the world stage. The need for Lexus to relaunch in Europe ? starting with the IS ? could be the best thing that ever happened to enthusiast drivers in the U.S. ? Richard Homan

-Edmunds