Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD

[Autos_Editor]

Updated engine choices improve Lexus' sport sedan line.
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[ChaosphereIX]

nice they are updating the engines for this

cant get past the styling, however - the whole over-emphasized samurai ninja-star anime look really doesn't speak to me

[quadzilla]

I think I would look for a 2-3 year old GS over the IS.

[wing]

Love the car, hate the name haha.  Always think IS300 is the old style.

[mixmanmash]

I think I would look for a 2-3 year old GS over the IS.

Same.

[mixmanmash]

I think Lexus is going to have to step their engine choices with Infiniti offering a 300hp and 400hp version of the new V6 TT engine in the forthcoming Q50.

Would be nice if Lexus would offer a manual transmission, even if only with the base 2.0T.  And they need to add a couple of gears to the auto transmission on AWD models.

[mixmanmash]

Love the car, hate the name haha.  Always think IS300 is the old style.

I liked the old IS 300.  Especially one in manual with a 2JZ-GTE swap.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

3.5L V6 under the hood, now putting out 255 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque

That's pretty underwhelming output for a 3.5L compared to minivans and geriatric cars like the Taurus.

[tortoise]

So, is this just a detuned version of the 3.5L in the IS350?

Seems like a play to charge more for less (not that I blame them).

[greengs]

All 3 engines in this lineup are way behind competition in terms of power and fuel economy now.  The IS200t is slower than a Honda Civic 1.5T 

[EV Dan]

3.5L V6 under the hood, now putting out 255 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque

That's pretty underwhelming output for a 3.5L compared to minivans and geriatric cars like the Taurus.

What's even more depressing here, as the article mentions, is Toyota's time proven port injected 3.5 V6 as found in Camry, Lexus ES, and other cars, SUVs and vans, generates more power (near 270hp IIRC) without the complexity of direct injection or reliance on premium gas.   

If they wanted a de-tuned 3.5 they should have just run it in Atkinson cycle which would result in lower power numbers but better FE than ever before.

[garytam]

no reason for Lexus to put a detune 3.5 V6 in the IS, should have just offer two model, 200t or 350.

[Jaeger]

3.5L V6 under the hood, now putting out 255 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque

That's pretty underwhelming output for a 3.5L compared to minivans and geriatric cars like the Taurus.

Agreed.  But you can get over 300hp from the same 3.5l displacement in the IS350.

Basically, this de-tuned 3.5 replaces the old and seriously underpowered 2.5l V6 of the now-defunct IS 250 and it is a MUCH more appealing option, IMO.

Of course you can now also get a 2.0T, but not with AWD. 

[johngenx]

All 3 engines in this lineup are way behind competition in terms of power and fuel economy now.

I'd take the D4S 3.5L in the IS350 ahead of pretty much anything else.  It makes good power that is delivered superbly (especially through the RWD 8spd) and it's full of tech that might be "old" around Toyota but is ahead of the game - specifically the D4S injection system.  Bonus is that as it's old, it proven, and lasts forever.

[SaskSpecV]

Is that trunk spec - 310L - right?  If so, that is tiny.  I know the ATS is smaller yet, but aren't the 3-series and A4 well over 400L now?

I still like the IS, but does anyone else question putting the top-line "sports" features on the middling (or base) trims?  I get that Lexus makes more money by "F-sporting" everything, and more choice is better for the consumer and all, but putting an aero kit and 18" staggered tires (with 40/35 aspect ratio!) on the relatively  unsporting IS300 seems odd to me.  Not only because it doesn't suit the character of the car (in this trim, not a burner or canyon carver), but because it kinda dilutes the exclusivity and specialness of the top dog RWD IS350 - which is a true sports sedan.

But I realise every MNFR will tart up ANY vehicle, because consumers demand it and it'll makes them a few extra bucks...

[mixmanmash]

All 3 engines in this lineup are way behind competition in terms of power and fuel economy now.

I'd take the D4S 3.5L in the IS350 ahead of pretty much anything else.  It makes good power that is delivered superbly (especially through the RWD 8spd) and it's full of tech that might be "old" around Toyota but is ahead of the game - specifically the D4S injection system.  Bonus is that as it's old, it proven, and lasts forever.

Except it doesn't appear you can get the IS300 or IS350 in RWD with the 8 speed auto in Canada anymore.

[Jaeger]

All 3 engines in this lineup are way behind competition in terms of power and fuel economy now.

I'd take the D4S 3.5L in the IS350 ahead of pretty much anything else.  It makes good power that is delivered superbly (especially through the RWD 8spd) and it's full of tech that might be "old" around Toyota but is ahead of the game - specifically the D4S injection system.  Bonus is that as it's old, it proven, and lasts forever.

Agreed with all of this.  That motor is sweet, smooth and surprisingly strong.  I sure didn't come from my test drive of the GS thinking "gee, this could really use some more power".  The motor revs up to redline so quickly and eagerly that at WOT you are into the hello officer zone VERY quickly around town.  And there's much to be said for buying a proven and thoroughly well-sorted motor even if it makes less power than its boosted competitors.

[Triple Bob]

3.5L V6 under the hood, now putting out 255 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque

That's pretty underwhelming output for a 3.5L compared to minivans and geriatric cars like the Taurus.

Agreed, that is pretty poor.

[Minou]

So $46740. (Premium Package) is the lowest one shall pay to get a back up camera, without "F-Sporting" it or $51190. with FSport Series 2.
Doesn't Lexus know that the back up camera is standard on lowly Corollas at less than half the price of this?

This is why I hate so called premium manufacturers and reason why I'll never splurge for one of their cars. 

[Jaeger]

^^^ No question it should be standard throughout. But its absence seems a rather absurd reason to "hate" all premium manufacturers and avoid their products in perpetuity.