Will the new IS350 come in AWD in the future?
03-01-05, 02:54 PM
#1
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Will the new IS350 come in AWD in the future?
Does Lexus plan to see how successful the AWD IS250 and AWD GS300 sell before they commit to making the IS350 AWD? I would probably not consider getting the car unless it had AWD offered. I do remember that Lexus said that all their models would have the AWD option. Does this mean only select models across it's lineup? I would think they offer AWD on the IS350, and even GS430 in the future so they can compete w/Audi, MB, etc.
03-01-05, 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Nas
Does Lexus plan to see how successful the AWD IS250 and AWD GS300 sell before they commit to making the IS350 AWD? I would probably not consider getting the car unless it had AWD offered. I do remember that Lexus said that all their models would have the AWD option. Does this mean only select models across it's lineup? I would think they offer AWD on the IS350, and even GS430 in the future so they can compete w/Audi, MB, etc.
BMW and Audi and Benz to make AWD with their bigger engines, and we can throw the Suburu Legacy in there as well. But they don't sell very many AWD cars let alone AWD big engine models.
Lexus is a business and the business case for AWD and the big engine was not strong enough to support it. Also, fitment together maybe a problem as weight.
So for now, only the IS 250 with AWD. Which at least is better then what we previously only had, a RWD offering.
03-03-05, 08:43 AM
#6
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S4 is sweet
The IS350 may not need AWD after all since it can have VDIM. The GS430 is easier to drive in the snow than the GS300 AWD in my test. The AWD has an advantage in straight ahead traction and acceleration off the line but the GS430's VDIM will step into action at the first sign of trouble in the curves.The IS350 should benefit from this Lexus exclusive technology. The S4 owners I know love their cars yet will typically trade them as they approach the warranty deadline because they know it will cost them dearly to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
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03-03-05, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by blacksc400
more power loss with equiped with AWD, Buddy, Unless driving in snow condition, AWD don't do many good, unless they has the similar system like R34 GTR.( Power Shift 100% to Rear wheel during hard acceleration 
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03-09-05, 05:45 PM
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You're smoking dope if you think the GS430 is better in snow.
I took out the GS300 AWD and the GS430 in the RAIN, and the AWD handled much better. I pushed it hard and couldn't get it to shake loose. The 430 was kicking in the VDIM continually - sure it did more or less what it was supposed to do but the car did fish tail slightly before regaining control.
Both cars were equipped with snow tires.
This road test only confirmed that I want AWD.
I took out the GS300 AWD and the GS430 in the RAIN, and the AWD handled much better. I pushed it hard and couldn't get it to shake loose. The 430 was kicking in the VDIM continually - sure it did more or less what it was supposed to do but the car did fish tail slightly before regaining control.
Both cars were equipped with snow tires.
This road test only confirmed that I want AWD.
03-13-05, 08:01 AM
#12
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Rain and Snow are different problems for VSC and VDIM
The AWD with VSC has a very secure feeling to it and my first test drive review was an AWD with Bridgestone Potenza Summer 18's and it was on dry pavement. I couldn't shake it either. There are so many advantages when you add VDIM that I can't wait until it is a standard feature on the AWD too. The VDIM will save your butt if you get a little careless in the snow. The 2nd generation GS430 would not be a good car to go to the corner store with in the snow. I can break loose the AWD a lot easier in the snow than the new GS430 with VDIM. Try them both again in the snow yourself when you get the chance. Of course the GS430 has enough torque to break the rear wheels loose in the rain and it quickly recovers. Since you live in a snowy climate zone the AWD would probably be a better choice because of its superior traction on uphills and standing starts. Snow specific treads would be another counter measure. If I had an IS350 with VDIM and Snow specific tires then only heavy accumulation would cause a problem. Since ground clearance would be needed at that point an SUV or a vehicle that can raise itself would be required as an antidote. I am adding IS350 AWD with VDIM to my wish list........
Last edited by Rockville; 03-13-05 at 08:14 AM.
03-13-05, 11:03 AM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by rominl
yeah i don't think they are going to sell a lot of awd anyway. it's good for the east, snowy places, but in most general areas most people wn't really justify it. i wonder if they have it just as a "cool" factor option
Now.....I agree that it is not for everyone. it is NOT for those who want to drift and powerslide through corners (which is risky on public roads to start with), nor for those who want a pure and undiluted steering feel, nor for those who don't want the extra service involved in more underbody boot and CV joint inspections and fluid changes for more differentials.
03-17-05, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by HemantS
You're smoking dope if you think the GS430 is better in snow.
I took out the GS300 AWD and the GS430 in the RAIN, and the AWD handled much better. I pushed it hard and couldn't get it to shake loose. The 430 was kicking in the VDIM continually - sure it did more or less what it was supposed to do but the car did fish tail slightly before regaining control.
Both cars were equipped with snow tires.
This road test only confirmed that I want AWD.
I took out the GS300 AWD and the GS430 in the RAIN, and the AWD handled much better. I pushed it hard and couldn't get it to shake loose. The 430 was kicking in the VDIM continually - sure it did more or less what it was supposed to do but the car did fish tail slightly before regaining control.
Both cars were equipped with snow tires.
This road test only confirmed that I want AWD.
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