Topic: CTC Review: 2007 Lexus IS350

[MKII]

The CTS offers a manual but good luck finding one, they are hard to get.  The others as well... minus the BMW.  The USA is the reason for no manual.  Typically americans don't care for manual it's a small percentage of sales.

Is the IS350 sold in the Euro market, and if so, with a manual?  I realize it would be a small percentage of sales, but (imo) the others have taken the right approach by offering a manual, for that percentage that does want it.  It might be hard to find, but I imagine those that really want the manual are not quite so impulsive, and will wait for the right car.  *shrug*

Financially, probably a good move.  And given Lexus' emphasis on luxury over sport, not terribly surprising.  But disappointing, nonetheless.  But I'll manage...  a manual IS250 with a twin turbo sounds mighty tempting... 

IS350 is not offered in the Euro market, only the IS250 and IS220d 2.2-litre common rail powerplant.
 The IS 250 is available in four model variants, the entry level IS 250, the IS 250 SE, the IS 250 SE-L and the IS 250 Sport.
 The IS 220d is available in four model options; the entry level IS 220d, the IS 220d SE, the IS 220d SE-L and the the IS 220d Sport. 

[AVToller]

Newbie here.  I'm a traffic engineer and here's my big idea to clear the roads : outlaw automatics !!!! 

Welcome to the Forum.

What a useful comment.  I drove nothing but manual transmission cars for the first 37 years of my driving career, but switched to automatic due to medical concerns. I guess I should have been banned from driving instead. I appreciate your input. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I'll have to fiddle to see if I can get my footwell lighting to stay on... I looked quickly and don't think so. I like the effect, especially with LEDs or colour mood lighting.

The styling is far from boring. It's at once simple, clean lines, sporty flair, agressive stance with short overhangs, and tailored expensive. Being all things to me is what makes it exciting.

If I didn't have a need for more room, it'd surely top others in segment for me.

I hope you get snow to report back on driving in it. At least you can turn some of the traction do-daads off now.

[speed12sil]

very nice car. Too bad it's being driven alot by asian ladies going to the local TNTs.

You can't possibly be serious right??

FWIW Asians buy myriad of nice cars, ranging from Ferrari/Lambo down to the plain MB/BMW/Audi/Lexus. As such you might as well not buy ANY of the cars available on the market 

[mdxtasy]

very nice car. Too bad it's being driven alot by asian ladies going to the local TNTs.

You can't possibly be serious right??

FWIW Asians buy myriad of nice cars, ranging from Ferrari/Lambo down to the plain MB/BMW/Audi/Lexus. As such you might as well not buy ANY of the cars available on the market 

It was a stupid comment....not worth the time of day.  Lots of people from all different ethnic backgrounds buy nice cars. 

[Railton]

<You know, I really enjoy this gig I've got going here, especially when I step out of something like the Acura RDX (which was a fantastic little CUV) and into something even more fantastic: the Lexus IS350.  

Nice pic james. 
Pitty about the snow fence though...
Railton

[tpl]

Newbie here.  I'm a traffic engineer and here's my big idea to clear the roads : outlaw automatics !!!! 

Welcome to the Forum.

What a useful comment.  I drove nothing but manual transmission cars for the first 37 years of my driving career, but switched to automatic due to medical concerns. I guess I should have been banned from driving instead. I appreciate your input. 

Of course not Avt.  But
It would probably improve the technical driving skill of North Americans if all of them who were physically able had driven /could drive a manual transmission and passed a driving test on one even if they then chose not to own one or ever drive one again.   On second thoughts, if all NA people had to pass the french or German driving test that would do it as well.

It used to be that MOST cars, even biggies from the big 3  had a base model with " 3 on the tree"  and automatic as an option...which everybody bought.   Soooooo  if, somewhere in the world the, for example, Lexus 350, is made with a manual why can I not see it as an option at some price that is economic for the mfr..maybe they would not sell many in which case it would be expensive. And BTW I would not expect this to apply to all cars...just those with pretentions be looked at as a BMW alternative if you see what I mean.

before an arguement starts: I would consider the DSG and SMG to be manuals even if they are used in full auto mode as there is always a solid connection between the engine crank and the driven wheels.

[safristi]

Bzz ..bzzz buss buzzz,,,, NO oNE is listen ta ya  Tpl....see the steeple..sheesh!!!!

[UmroAyyar]

tpl, interesting undertaking it would be, passing the driving test with the manual transmission. Agree with that.
I never drove an automatic transmission vehicle before coming to Canada. I had only seen one a 1996 Corolla 'luxury edition' with auto trans in Pakistan. Currently, I'd prefer to drive an automatic for my regular daily commute vehicle (I've driven standard in worse and lawless traffic). Special purpose vehicle can be a standard.

SMG, DSG, you don't have a manual clutch there, do you? You just play with gas and brake pedals and drive the thing like a manu-matic. right?

[coldcase]

I have too say the IS is a nice car indeed but the new G35 is a better buy and at a lower cost.  Plus you can get the 300 HP with the AWD in the G35x where in the Lexus you're stuck with the "small" engine.

That car is nice but I wouldn't buy it.

[tpl]

tpl, interesting undertaking it would be, passing the driving test with the manual transmission. Agree with that.
I never drove an automatic transmission vehicle before coming to Canada. I had only seen one a 1996 Corolla 'luxury edition' with auto trans in Pakistan. Currently, I'd prefer to drive an automatic for my regular daily commute vehicle (I've driven standard in worse and lawless traffic). Special purpose vehicle can be a standard.

SMG, DSG, you don't have a manual clutch there, do you? You just play with gas and brake pedals and drive the thing like a manu-matic. right?

yes so it is close enough to a torque converter automatic for all practical, purposes. 

[tpl]

Bzz ..bzzz buss buzzz,,,, NO oNE is listen ta ya  Tpl....see the steeple..sheesh!!!!

steeple... pulpit I think and of course no one will listen why should they... maybe  we need a start rant and end rant smiley ?

[safristi]

  RENT ON

[SY]

To those who responded to my question about price difference between US and Canada - thank you :-) Just wanted to point out that it was rhetorical question or just a rant, if you wish. And yes I read many many topics about it and I mentioned it in my post too. My point is that even after reading all you want about it and knowing exactly why price difference is so huge - it is still amazes me every time I do a comparison.

[airbalancer]

WHere the heck is day 3 & 4

[wing]

Dude, some people take breaks from work

Day 3 will be tonight, Day 4 Monday night as per usual.

[Loudpedal]

Dude, some people take breaks from work

I suppose Ottawa is close enough to Quebec to coat tail on their 5 day work week...

[airbalancer]

Dude, some people take breaks from work

Day 3 will be tonight, Day 4 Monday night as per usual.

I thought your reviews were your pride & joy and not work

[ABMP]

Buyers on  BMW and Audi  underatand the difference.  Different buyers of Lexus/toyata then the eurpean cars.  99% respondents from europe say Lexus is nice/conforable etx but BORING.  The styling just does not do it.  Each cars has there tarbet market. For purist, the Toyata lexus / Nissan Infiniti/ Honda Acura and all the like are trying and meed the needs of many.  But for purist there is no substitute, and those in the know understand. 
Character can not be imitated says it all.  Look at the 911.  no comparison. driving and understanding the experience only few can appreciated, just like fine wine, good food and culture.  Lexus and all the copies will only be copies hoping and following while those who lead will continue to lead.   

[coldcase]

Buyers on  BMW and Audi  underatand the difference.  Different buyers of Lexus/toyata then the eurpean cars.  99% respondents from europe say Lexus is nice/conforable etx but BORING.  The styling just does not do it.  Each cars has there tarbet market. For purist, the Toyata lexus / Nissan Infiniti/ Honda Acura and all the like are trying and meed the needs of many.  But for purist there is no substitute, and those in the know understand. 
Character can not be imitated says it all.  Look at the 911.  no comparison. driving and understanding the experience only few can appreciated, just like fine wine, good food and culture.  Lexus and all the copies will only be copies hoping and following while those who lead will continue to lead.