Topic: Who thinks it is a good plan for Lexus to sell a IS300 in Canada?

[JSCC]

I say yes, to better compete with 328i, C300 and bridge the 100HP and $10,000 gap between the IS250 and IS350.

[Ex-airbalancer]

In July there was 416  IS sold.
Do you think have a have a IS 300 would increase sales that much.
I do not think it would be worth the marketing  cost

[JSCC]

So the IS sales is no where close to the 3 series and C class?

[Bullet Blue]

If they make a stick available, then sure. You can only get a stick with the less powerful engine

More choice and more competition is never a bad thing for the customer.

[EV Dan]

My family in the US has the IS 300 and it is a pretty sweet car i would love to be able to see this up in canada i think it would do very well. I also agree more competition and choices is always a good thing for the comsumer.

It would do OK but not as good as if they made a budget stripped down Toyota ver. of 3.0 liter Lexus with a Supra badge on it. I hope they are saving the name for smth worthy..

[initial_D]

Isn't the IS300 a first generation model? The current second gen cars have the IS250 & IS350 models? Does Lexus/Toyota still use a 3.0L engine currently? 3 model & Trim levels for a low volume car seem unnecessary and create more confusion.

[G35X]

If Toyota makes the IS-250 hybrid, I will buy it immediately. Toyota has a hybrid version of the Crown model(RWD, larger than the IS) in Japan. A friend of mine bought one and said its driving feel is surreal and acceleration is jet-like.

[Bullet Blue]

Isn't the IS300 a first generation model? The current second gen cars have the IS250 & IS350 models? Does Lexus/Toyota still use a 3.0L engine currently? 3 model & Trim levels for a low volume car seem unnecessary and create more confusion.

Maybe that's the problem, why it's low volume. There's no mid grade model.

[Wolfe]

I say yes, to better compete with 328i, C300 and bridge the 100HP and $10,000 gap between the IS250 and IS350.

I'd say no. If they're concerned with competing with the Germans then IMO a better thing to do would be to make a manual transmission available with the 3.5L. That would probably cost less than adding a new engine option too.

Interestingly there's big difference in fuel consumption listings for the 2.5L engine depending on the transmission choice. With the automatic transmission it's listed at 9.8L/100KM and 6.7L/100KM while 2.5L with the manual transmission is listed at 11.6L/100KM and 7.6L/100km.

[JSCC]

Isn't the IS300 a first generation model? The current second gen cars have the IS250 & IS350 models? Does Lexus/Toyota still use a 3.0L engine currently? 3 model & Trim levels for a low volume car seem unnecessary and create more confusion.

I mean putting a 3.0L V6 with 230HP~250HP in the current generation.

[initial_D]

Isn't the IS300 a first generation model? The current second gen cars have the IS250 & IS350 models? Does Lexus/Toyota still use a 3.0L engine currently? 3 model & Trim levels for a low volume car seem unnecessary and create more confusion.

Maybe that's the problem, why it's low volume. There's no mid grade model.

Maybe if Lexus had an image like the Ultimate Driving Machine, rather than a Reliable Luxury Boat, then maybe more 'image oriented' yuppies will show up at the Lexus showroom and buy.

[Bullet Blue]

Isn't the IS300 a first generation model? The current second gen cars have the IS250 & IS350 models? Does Lexus/Toyota still use a 3.0L engine currently? 3 model & Trim levels for a low volume car seem unnecessary and create more confusion.

Maybe that's the problem, why it's low volume. There's no mid grade model.

Maybe if Lexus had an image like the Ultimate Driving Machine, rather than a Reliable Luxury Boat, then maybe more 'image oriented' yuppies will show up at the Lexus showroom and buy.

I don't think Lexus needs to copy anyone else's slogan or philosophy of their cars to sell more of them, just provide steady competition, as I said before. Not everyone buys luxury brands for the badge.

[initial_D]

Luxury cars, accessories, ... are part of the Image Industry. A lot of people spend money to acquire materialistic things to present an Image. BMW and Lexus both do very well in that department, the IS just doesn't appeal to enough people in the targeted market, according to the sales numbers. 

[Bullet Blue]

Exactly, so bringing in another trim level to add some appeal would not be a bad idea IMO

[locutusx]

Interestingly there's big difference in fuel consumption listings for the 2.5L engine depending on the transmission choice. With the automatic transmission it's listed at 9.8L/100KM and 6.7L/100KM while 2.5L with the manual transmission is listed at 11.6L/100KM and 7.6L/100km.

What the heck. Did they forget to make 5th gear "overdrive" on the manual tranny version?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

No, wouldn't be worth it IMO. Powertrain would not be substantially different and don't think the Lexus buyer cares as much. Lexus could do other less expensive things to promote/move IS's.

[vdk]

Interestingly there's big difference in fuel consumption listings for the 2.5L engine depending on the transmission choice. With the automatic transmission it's listed at 9.8L/100KM and 6.7L/100KM while 2.5L with the manual transmission is listed at 11.6L/100KM and 7.6L/100km.

What the heck. Did they forget to make 5th gear "overdrive" on the manual tranny version?

I thought it was a 6sp... it's probably a close ratio tranny anyways...

[safristi]

..I've always been of the opinion that a little extra trim never hurt anyone.....

[safristi]

  No Hmmmmmmmm...is fer TURBOS........... is fer Diesels.....

[averagejoe]

Well it seems like i have read different views about adding the IS300 and i would be all for additional vehicle choices for Lexus. I cant ever going into a dealership knowing exactly which car i wanted i always like to shop around especially between brands so having more options could never hurt dealers with sales.