I dont know if a 6spd manual would have helped the IS350. The auto transmission that it has right now already shifts damn quickly. You also have the paddle shifter to help downshift.
While I do acknowledge that anything is possible, I am very skeptical on this one, unless TL-S runs with different suspension tuning than the US version.
If the track is a tighter, slower speed setup, horsepower should be playing second fiddle to the suspension. My problem is that I have driven the US-spec TL-S and found it to be on the soft side (compared to my Lex and to a 2001 Nissan Maxima). Someone posted a link with a video of a comparo some time ago between a G35, BMW 335, IS350, and maybe something else - there was a ~1 second time difference between BMW 335 (1st) and G35 (2nd), although, probably on a different track. I have a hard time believing that a TL-S can hold its own against a 335 (which this result hints at) without substantial suspension upgrades (and an LSD).
Does anyone know if J-spec TL-S is different from US?
I think the problem, Vlad, is that you're arguing against hard factual data with your personal impressions and beliefs. This result will be difficult for many of the members here to swallow who think that any RWD car is inherently superior in every performance way imaginable to any FWD car.
Despite BMW's brilliant marketing as "the ultimate driving machine", a low-end car like the 335i is not going to set many performance benchmarks. Yes, I realize the 3-series is held up as the gold standard for small performance sedans, but in many ways the G, TL, and IS have surpassed it--the enthusiast magazines just haven't let go of their own built-in biases yet.
And, given that Acura is not available in Japan (and the driver was sitting on the right side in those photos), it's probably safe to say it's the US-spec version.
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1. Kudos to Acura, they simply make some of the best FWD cars EVER. The TL-S is clearly no joke.
2. I am sure a standard TL would be slower. This is the upgraded model. Clearly a IS-F would slaughter it.
3. Again, the IS 350 does well and shows it is a sports sedan, even with an auto.
4. While the 1st gen G35 surprised many, the new one is midpack in the segment. The competition has gotten better.
5. How many of you go to the track
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1. Thanks for being "fair and balanced", Mike. I know you're not a huge fan of Acura or FWD cars in general, so it's especially refreshing to see you give credit where it is due.
2. Yes, and an IS250 would also be slower. We'll see how the IS-F does when it comes out, but now we're comparing cars with a huge price difference.
3. The IS350 is also no joke--here's the proof! But can anyone tell in those photos if the TL-S was even a stick? For all we know it may have been an automatic as well.
4. Bingo.
5. True, but how many of us DRIVE like we're at the track when we're on regular roads?
1. Kudos to Acura, they simply make some of the best FWD cars EVER. The TL-S is clearly no joke.
2. I am sure a standard TL would be slower. This is the upgraded model. Clearly a IS-F would slaughter it.
3. Again, the IS 350 does well and shows it is a sports sedan, even with an auto.
4. While the 1st gen G35 surprised many, the new one is midpack in the segment. The competition has gotten better.
5. How many of you go to the track
2. How much more do you need to pay for a IS-F to slaughter the TL?
Nice find Mike! I will have to admit, the TL Type S is a great package for a FWD. Obviously i'm biased to the IS350 but if I had a choice, the TL-S would be my choice over the G.
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Cool!! I always liked this generation TL. Havent driven the TL-S, but driven many TL A-spec models and they drive exceptionally well. And the manual tranny TL's are to die for!! They absolutely have amazing feel!!
A 2 second gap is pretty big around a track. Surprised that both were so far back. Wonder why they couldnt keep up.
Further proof that Lexus can build sporty cars.
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1. 07 TL-S vs. #2. 07 IS350 vs #3. G35 at Willow Springs Racetrack.
Havent driven the TL-S, but driven many TL A-spec models and they drive exceptionally well. And the manual tranny TL's are to die for!! They absolutely have amazing feel!! 
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