2006 IS350 road test and numbers
 

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...leId=106455#15

IS250
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1...50.prf.500.jpg

IS350
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1....f34.2.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1...50.r34.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1...etail4.500.jpg

From this review, it sounds like it'll be a nice sporty sedan, instead of a true sports sedan. They really need another model between the 204 hp IS250 and the 306 hp IS350. Makes sense to offer the 245 hp GS engine, but they dont for whatever reason.

looks like a glorified Scion Tc.

I think they look great. It's not my kind of car since I'm more of a minimalist when it comes to cars, but I think it'll be more successful than the IS300 was.

the rear's a bit chunky, but overall i like it!

should kill the TSX easily in comparison tests since it's RWD :D

Don't be so sure, the TSX drives and handles remarkably well. But I agree overall, it "should" win out in most comparisons.

now that u mentioned it Mugatu it does look lke a Tc

With the 350 putting out 306 hp, I wonder how nissan will respond, since they seem determined to be the hp leader in every class.

All they would have to do is wedge their V8 in the G35 :p

I'm not feeling it

one word: GTR :eek:

That's not a word :p

Maybe the 3.5 IS will kill a TSX but probably a better match with the 2.5 version and TSX. A better apple to apple comparison.

The 3.5l version would match up nicely with the TL.

Next year's mag entry Lux comparo should be interesting, with the new IS, new BMW 3, revised G35, etc.... :)

Behind those engines are new six-speed transmissions. A true manual transmission, you know with a clutch pedal, is only available on the base rear-drive IS 250. If shifting isn't your thing, a six-speed automatic with a manual mode is optional

That's where they lost me.......man...I love Toyota products...but even when they try to be aggressive, they are conservative......oh well...

Looks like a TL and is probably aimed right at the TL

RIP 2JZGE :(

I just read that they want to sell 40k a year, 40% IS250, 40% AWD 250, and 20% 350. They expect 5% will be manual tranny, which is available only on the 250 RWD.

My thing is, how hard would it be for them to beef up the tranny and offer it on the 350. Even though I dont particularly care for the car, I can admit that 306 hp, RWD, and a 6 speed manual sounds like a sweet combo.

that was a wonderful engine, I hope the new V6 will be just as smooth as that!

I like the power it's putting out. I just hope it's in the low 3000 lbs range. It probably wouldn't be hard to notch up that kind of power with minimal upgrades. Whew, I'm glad it's still a RWD :D

Along with my RX-8, I still own a SC300. Whenever it was in the shop they would lone me a automatic IS300 and it was awesome. When the manual IS300 came out, I was looking forward to it but my test drive was somewhat disappointing. It didn't seem all that quicker and having my two hands on the steering wheel of the auto at all times gave me much better control.

Yes, I liked the auto better.

My biggest dissappointment (not that I am really in the new car market) with the new IS is the whimpy 250 model with AWD and formibble 350 model with over-protecting computer intervention. Neither car really does what it is supposed to.

Now a turbo-charged 250 AWD ... <drool> ... Looks like Toyomoto will still have an aftermarket market for the new IS as well.

-Mr. Wigggles

i think they're pretty nice...they look a bit better in person. Saw it at NY auto show. Not sure it can dethrone the 3 series in terms of performance, but style wise its not bad i guess. the big ? to me is the price...if the 350 eeks towards 40K i'd say thats too much for me....I'd think it'd have to float mid 30s to be competitive (and knock off potential TL buyers) ...i view the 350 as more of a TL-3 series fighter as oppsoed to TSX league...

I like the styling. It's a handsome looking car, although at some angles, the large rear quarter panel makes the rear wheel look smaller than it is. It'll be interesting to see what the performance numbers are (skidpad, slalom, etc) when they test it two weeks from now; and then compare them with the IS300.

Lexus should of had
IS350 3.5 V6, 6 speed automatic, all wheel drive
IS300 3.0 V6, 6 speed automatic, rear drive.
IS250 2.5 V6, 6 speed stick, rear drive.
and start the IS250 at $25

I think it looks pretty bad ass. Should be a hot seller for Lexus, especially the 2.5 model in AWD. Once again the guage cluster is pretty cool.

Talking about the TL, My wife just bought one with Nav. I'll post a pic below! The car accelerates good. The handling is good, but I guess you can say great for a Sedan. Especially since I'm driving the 8 and then switching to the TL when we go into DC for dinner or a show(Cause the Nav is a big help). The 8 just feels light and it always wants to hold on to the corner the whole way through, no matter what speed your going. The TL is good until you hit a certain point and then it just feels soft, like it wants to give up. Kinda like it wants you to slow down so I can hug the corner more. :D I walked into the Lexus dealership the other week while I was checking out the new Eclipse. The new IS350 is sweet! I like its Front but the Rear has to go out the window. The interior looks cheap and too simple for me!

Anyways, heres the pic of our New TL W/Nav