blue looks GREAT. Why does lexus detune the 3.5V6 on the awd some 30-40HP and why do they use the 6 speed auto still?

 

Isn't the detune because they don't offer the 2.0T with AWD (although that is another question of why not?) and they want to offer a price point below IS350 AWD, which retains the top HP numbers.

Lexus in that gen had some funky stuff for AWD. The LS460 had 360 HP in AWD vs 386 or so in RWD, but at least it still had the 8AT.

 

i didn't know there's an IS350AWD also, so the IS300AWD detune is just to offer a lower cost model. And good point, why isn't there an IS200T AWD.

 

The AWD LS has a straight log exhaust manifold while the RWD exhaust manifold has curved pipes going to the cat. Whether or not that accounts for the full 30hp/tq power difference is unknown.

 

High quality real world photos

Instagram

View this post on Instagram

 

The transmissions are not quite identical and the gearing/final drive is somewhat different...the gear ratio is about 6 percent shorter

 

More specifics regarding chassis improvements. There appears to be significant improvements to chassis rigidity and a large reduction in unsprung weight. Pete Harvey will be pleased to note that ride quality may be improved as well:


One of the first things engineers targeted was enhancing body rigidity. This was done in key areas such as reinforcing the radiator side supports, increasing the number of front-side-member weld points, and optimizing reinforcement structures from the C-pillars to the sides of the roof. The increased rigidity not only helps reduce unwanted noise and vibration, but it also helps improve riding comfort and driving performance with enhanced response to steering input.

engineers took rigidity enhancements one step further by employing lighter weight hub bolts to secure each wheel to the new IS. The use of hub bolts allows for improved fastening strength and therefore an increase to rigidity to further enhance braking and handling. What’s more, the move to hub bolts sheds approximately 2 pounds of total unsprung weight.

Complementing the enhancements to overall rigidity, multiple refinements were made to the suspension setup. For starters, engineers targeted a reduction in unsprung weight. The new IS features coil springs that are 20 percent lighter than the outgoing model. New A-arms are employed as well that feature a forged aluminum material versus the outgoing steel composition, resulting in an 18 percent weight reduction. Engineers also opted for a new material for the suspension stabilizer bar to optimize the diameter and thickness to provide a 17 percent weight reduction.

With unsprung weight reduced, engineers equipped the IS with new swing-valve shock absorbers equipped with ultralow-velocity valves in their pistons to manage oil flow in response to the most minor of road irregularities. Even when the stroke speed of the shock absorbers is low, the new velocity valves provide excellent responsiveness to apply appropriate damping force on all varieties of road surfaces. The result is consistently even ride quality. New bound stoppers are also employed to help manage the sprung weight more effectively for enhanced ride comfort.

In addition, the DHP also includes lighter 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels finished in matte black. Not only are they impressive looking, the 19-inch BBS wheels are approximately 4 pounds lighter per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch F SPORT wheel.

The RWD F SPORT models with the DHP are equipped with a Torsen® limited slip differential (LSD) that improves handling and performance thanks to enhanced traction when cornering or exiting turns. The LSD helps maintain straight-line stability as well.

 

In this day and age, who buys a 4 door car with such cramped rear seats and head space?

 

Form over function. Not everyone wants a land barge as a car. The IS350 is a sporty size and I didn't mind the seat space. I think it fulfills it's mission nicely. If you want more size there is the GS...oh wait

 

Tons of people. Not everybody needs a big backseat area.

 

IS in orange. Love the color, not too sure about the bodykit:




:

 

wow looks even better in real world photos. The proportions and stance are spot on ! Good job Lexus 👍

 

Agreed. The IS250AWD, for years, was a BIG seller in my area. I don't have the hard numbers, but, just from my casual observations each day, it was easily outselling the RWD version.

 

Does the Non-F Sport and the F Sport have the same front grill in 2021? It sure looks that way.

 

Ultrasonic will always be the GOAT Lexus color to my eyes.

​​​​​​However that lower dashboard trim and center armrest area in red is a bit much and cheesy. Usually that area is of harder plastic too.

Add some white accents somewhere for that patriotic look.