Lexus IS350 Review
The concept and even term of luxury has been fully understood and exploited by Lexus, even since it’s first models. But “sport'’ has seemingly been just out of its grasp. To be sure, there have been very sporty Lexuses, especially in the form of the GS sedans, but they have always been more luxury-sport than sport-luxury. The IS300 attempted to provide more sport than luxury when it debuted here six years ago, but, while it did well enough, it never quite measured up to the competition from Munich. Lexus is nothing if not competitive, and doesn’t like second place. And so the IS300 has been replaced.
The new version of the IS300, the 2006 IS, practicly has nothing in common with it. other then the name. Although still basically of a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, it’s built on a completely different chassis platform, derived from that of the larger GS. The IS is now a multi-model lineup, comprised of the IS250, all-wheel drive IS250 AWD, and IS350. Gone is the IS300’s inline six-cylinder engine; all new IS models have a V6, of 2.5 liters capacity with 204 horsepower, close to the IS300’s 215, for the IS250 models, or 3.5 liters and 306 horsepower for the IS350. Transmissions are all six-speeds, with a manual standard in the IS250 and the automatic available there standard in the others.
Then new model is a bit biger, in terms of width and hight. Its muscular looks establish an immediate kinship with the GS. It’s design, shape and all other makes the sport-sedan car aim, of this car, seem clear, but being a Lexus the luxury level available, especially for the top-line IS350, is limited only by budget.
Despite its emphasis on sport, there is no shortage of luxury comfort and convenience in a new Lexus IS. It wouldn’t be a Lexus without that, after all. All IS models use the keyless “Smart Entry'’ system, which uses a transponder to allow the driver to open or lock doors and start the engine. The front buckets offer good comfort and support; rear space is reasonable for two medium-sized adults but a high central tunnel and the cushion’s contours make three less likely. Trunk space is reasonable, although the opening is a bit small. Leather is standard in the IS350, as is a power moonroof and 13-speaker premium audio system with MP3CD capability and an auxiliary jack for an external music player.
With 306 horsepower (at 6400 rpm) and 277 lb-ft of torque (at 4800 rpm) from its namesake 3.5-liter V6, the IS350 is one of the most powerful cars in its class.he engine’s torque spread is broad enough, and the transmission good enough, that automatic is the way to go except in extreme high-performance driving.
Allthough not the best example of a sport-sedan car, the Lexus IS350 is probably the best example of a???? sports-luxury-sedan.
Written by admin on June 2nd, 2006 with
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