Author Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD  (Read 36091 times)

Offline rcy

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #20 on: April 05, 2016, 01:48:14 pm »
Too bad more manufacturers don't have a package that deletes fog lights.  Useless in most conditions and asshat drivers that have them on in all conditions.

Offline Noto

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #21 on: April 05, 2016, 02:30:18 pm »
I'm having a tough time opening up to this generation of IS.  I agree that the whole detuned motor thing is irritating - MB did it in the last C-class and I didn't look fondly on that, either.  To up-tune is one thing, but de-tuning is ballsackery.

I'll also mirror that premium manufacturers have to adapt in the face of content wars in the lesser markets.  Heated rear seats and backup cameras aren't "luxury" anymore.  Now it's a focus on fit/finish and providing new tech that is exclusive to your line.  MB has done a far better job of this.

Offline Triple Bob

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #22 on: April 05, 2016, 02:33:31 pm »
I'm having a tough time opening up to this generation of IS.  I agree that the whole detuned motor thing is irritating - MB did it in the last C-class and I didn't look fondly on that, either.  To up-tune is one thing, but de-tuning is ballsackery.

I'll also mirror that premium manufacturers have to adapt in the face of content wars in the lesser markets.  Heated rear seats and backup cameras aren't "luxury" anymore.  Now it's a focus on fit/finish and providing new tech that is exclusive to your line.  MB has done a far better job of this.

I've never thought about heated rear seats TBH.  Is this something that people specifically look for?

I agree that back up cameras are handy, although I can never fully trust that wide angle lens.


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Offline dirtyjeffer

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #23 on: April 05, 2016, 02:52:10 pm »
I'm having a tough time opening up to this generation of IS.  I agree that the whole detuned motor thing is irritating - MB did it in the last C-class and I didn't look fondly on that, either.  To up-tune is one thing, but de-tuning is ballsackery.

I'll also mirror that premium manufacturers have to adapt in the face of content wars in the lesser markets.  Heated rear seats and backup cameras aren't "luxury" anymore.  Now it's a focus on fit/finish and providing new tech that is exclusive to your line.  MB has done a far better job of this.
agreed.
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Offline Sir Osis of Liver

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #24 on: April 05, 2016, 03:02:26 pm »
I'm having a tough time opening up to this generation of IS.  I agree that the whole detuned motor thing is irritating - MB did it in the last C-class and I didn't look fondly on that, either.  To up-tune is one thing, but de-tuning is ballsackery.

I'll also mirror that premium manufacturers have to adapt in the face of content wars in the lesser markets.  Heated rear seats and backup cameras aren't "luxury" anymore.  Now it's a focus on fit/finish and providing new tech that is exclusive to your line.  MB has done a far better job of this.

I've never thought about heated rear seats TBH.  Is this something that people specifically look for?

I agree that back up cameras are handy, although I can never fully trust that wide angle lens.

With kids being in booster or car seats, I don't know if it's a big deal for people or not.
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Offline quadzilla

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #25 on: April 05, 2016, 03:21:40 pm »
Don't think people shopping the IS are worried about the people sitting in the back seat.

Offline mmret

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #26 on: April 05, 2016, 03:35:32 pm »
I'm having a tough time opening up to this generation of IS.  I agree that the whole detuned motor thing is irritating - MB did it in the last C-class and I didn't look fondly on that, either.  To up-tune is one thing, but de-tuning is ballsackery.

I'll also mirror that premium manufacturers have to adapt in the face of content wars in the lesser markets.  Heated rear seats and backup cameras aren't "luxury" anymore.  Now it's a focus on fit/finish and providing new tech that is exclusive to your line.  MB has done a far better job of this.

I agree. This generation is a refined variant of the last generation. But it simply does not advance the species in the way that the C-Class and new A4 are trying to. I'll leave the BMW out of it since it came out a while ago.

Perhaps the best example is that if you compare the new C-Class to the old, or the new Q50 to the old G37, you can see a lot of changes and upgrades and attempts to push the boundaries. With the IS350 its mostly cosmetic changes.
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Offline johngenx

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #27 on: April 05, 2016, 03:52:06 pm »
Toyota moves at glacier speed (say glacier speed from 1900, not 2016...) in terms of model changes.  Even when they change platforms, they're likely to keep existing drivelines if they're working well.  Change for the sake of it isn't their thing.  For some consumers, this is awesome, and for some, they don't like it at all.

Then there's a massive "middle ground" that don't really know and don't care.  They look at the exterior, the interior, and go for a drive.  Even in the expensive segments, this is true.  If you drive an IS350 or GS350 you just know the engine pulls amazingly well - I doubt many buyers care about when the engine went into production.

There is an underlying strategy here.  By keeping proven tech even into new models, it keep failure rates low and CR ratings high.  This is the backbone of Toyota's sales strategy - rock solid cars that last, last, last and retain resale.

Offline roundupready

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #28 on: April 05, 2016, 04:15:46 pm »
I think if you compare the competitions (e.g. BMW 3), it seems to make sense:


  • 200T <-> 320
    300   <-> 328
    350  <->  335/340


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Offline dirtyjeffer

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #29 on: April 05, 2016, 04:37:13 pm »
There is an underlying strategy here.  By keeping proven tech even into new models, it keep failure rates low and CR ratings high.  This is the backbone of Toyota's sales strategy - rock solid cars that last, last, last and retain resale.
also a very good point.

Online rrocket

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #30 on: April 05, 2016, 05:09:34 pm »
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.

You don't need to go the GTE route.  The GE will handle nearly as much power as the GTE.  There are many 600+HP GE Supras running around.
How fast is my 911?  Supras sh*t on on me all the time...in reverse..with blown turbos  :( ...

Offline Jaeger

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #31 on: April 05, 2016, 05:23:45 pm »
There is an underlying strategy here.  By keeping proven tech even into new models, it keep failure rates low and CR ratings high.  This is the backbone of Toyota's sales strategy - rock solid cars that last, last, last and retain resale.
also a very good point.

Indeed.
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Offline Triple Bob

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #32 on: April 05, 2016, 07:03:14 pm »
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.

You don't need to go the GTE route.  The GE will handle nearly as much power as the GTE.  There are many 600+HP GE Supras running around.

Really? You should get one.  ;D

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #33 on: April 05, 2016, 07:06:39 pm »
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.

You don't need to go the GTE route.  The GE will handle nearly as much power as the GTE.  There are many 600+HP GE Supras running around.

Really? You should get one.  ;D

I've been trying to put a turbo kit on IQs car forever, dude.

Offline Benhaze

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #34 on: April 05, 2016, 07:25:02 pm »
I'm having a tough time opening up to this generation of IS.  I agree that the whole detuned motor thing is irritating - MB did it in the last C-class and I didn't look fondly on that, either.  To up-tune is one thing, but de-tuning is ballsackery.

I'll also mirror that premium manufacturers have to adapt in the face of content wars in the lesser markets.  Heated rear seats and backup cameras aren't "luxury" anymore.  Now it's a focus on fit/finish and providing new tech that is exclusive to your line.  MB has done a far better job of this.

+2

I test drove a IS350 F-Sport that was still missing a bunch of fairly common options nowadays. It felt nothing special (very dull) until I had a chance to open it up on the highway and then was truly impressed by the transformation. The not-detuned 3.5L can be a gem but you can't drive your car (and should not have to) all the time at WOT to enjoy it. The IS350 on a track must be a blast.

But the biggest deterrent for me is that darn so ugly dash. I just can't get over the dysfunctional and disjointed design. No matter how much I love the outside design I could never stare at the inside for a few years.

I am not a big fan of the GS interior design either but I can see the appeal of a used GS over a new IS.

Offline NormT

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #35 on: April 05, 2016, 09:18:16 pm »
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.

Lexus charges top dollar for old engine and transmission technology.

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #36 on: April 05, 2016, 09:19:11 pm »
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.

Lexus charges top dollar for old engine and transmission technology.

Lexus' 8 speed tranny and D4S direct injected engines are still as good or better than others.

Offline mixmanmash

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #37 on: April 05, 2016, 11:19:06 pm »
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.

Lexus charges top dollar for old engine and transmission technology.

Lexus' 8 speed tranny and D4S direct injected engines are still as good or better than others.
Again, though, that 8 speed is only on the RWD models...

I'm with you on the D4S and overall engine tech.  It's only in the last few years that most of the competition has caught up.
« Last Edit: April 05, 2016, 11:20:48 pm by mixmanmash »

Online rrocket

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #38 on: April 05, 2016, 11:28:39 pm »

Again, though, that 8 speed is only on the RWD models...


Also available on the RX and LS AWD models.

But yes...currently 8 speed only on RWD F-Sport...which is best model IMO.   ;D

Offline CSH

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Re: Test Drive: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
« Reply #39 on: April 06, 2016, 08:28:58 am »
Quote


I've been trying to put a turbo kit on IQs car forever, dude.

so whats the hiccup?
Engine availability? Mechanic Availability? Something else?
Just asking because it will be awesome if you do it. It will also kinda validate if the build quality of the IS is similar to the supra (chasis and other mechanical components handling the extra power)