I dont know if I'm late on this or what but I just checked the Lexus website and on the info about the 06 IS is say that the 250 has 204hp and the 350 has 306hp. Just thought I would put this info on. Sorry if this has already been found.

 

The IS will be arriving in showrooms across the country later this year, completely redesigned from the ground up and available in two separate V6 models, the IS 250 and the IS 350. The 2006 IS 250 features a manual transmission rear-wheel drive (RWD) model, as well as paddle-shift automatic RWD and paddle-shift automatic all-wheel drive (AWD) models. The top-of-the-line IS 350 will pack 306 horsepower. Generously sized 17-inch and available 18-inch tires [1] (RWD only) will help the IS handle corners with precision and authority. The available 255/40R18 rear tires’ substantial width and low profile will provide traction to get the power down . Inside all the IS models, the driver will find the engine's push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, available voice-activated navigation system [2] with backup camera [3], and many other luxury features.








http://lexus.com/2006is_preview/inde...ocid=20117#300

Good catch

 

anyone has any gas mileage on these cars?
like to know what magics they pull off with this direct injection technology

 

Thank you for writeing all of that. I didn't have time this morning. But I figured that I would get out that they had updated and the HP.

 

OK, 306 HP for the 350.. I am tempting!!

 

Lexus promises a "substantial" boost in fuel economy for both the IS250 and IS350 compared to the outgoing IS300.

I'm willing to bet both cars will get at least the same economy as the Avalon or GS300, seeing as the Avalon doesn't even have Direct Injection, or a 6 speed.

 

That is amazing horsepower numbers... V6 pumping 304 is great... Lexus has got their hands on an amazing engine...
Go lexus


Mink92890

 

THe IS 300 gas mileage is no better than the V-8s. With direct injection and dual VVTi, expect a 25% lift in economy in the IS 350, let alone the IS 250. I expect the IS 250 to get 30mpg easy. Better technology, less displacement than the 2JZ

 

even though it has a lot of hp that doesn't say anything b/c the 3 series has 255 hp and it goes just as fast to 60...

and even other lexus' have less hp, but are as fast as their competitors..

why is this so?weight?

 

i was really hopin that the IS 250 would have more than 204 hp.......i was hopin as much as the E90 BMW 325....like 215 or more....but o well

 

hot, can't wait for the manual 350 though

 

no it doesnt... 330i goes 0-62 in 6.6 secs, problem with 0-60 is that they use 2nd gear to achieve it... IS will be a lot quicker than 330i in any gear, and it will be easily felt at any speed... It has >20% better weight to hp ratio and weight to torque ratio than 330i.

In reality, 330i is not as fast as its rivals. Maybe if I repeat it gazillion times someone will remember it? C350 is already faster than 330i and IS350 will be even more so.

 

Maybe he was talking about the 6-Speed manual which BMW claims 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. Even the auto they claim 6.3 seconds. But yes, 0.4 second difference between automatics (IS350 and 330 auto) is still a pretty good margine. The IS350 should be faster no matter what. What we will find out soon once we get to test drive or when production magazine tests start to come out is if that slight performance advantage is enough. The IS has the advantage of Lexus reputation of reliability and build quality. The BMW has the advantage of the BMW driver experience and feel and all around sport.

 

i dont think it will be slight - while 0-60/62 is what people look at, it is not what people experience. More than 20% better torque to weight ratio will be felt any time you press the pedal.

Thats why German media by wide margin thinks 330i is relativly slow compared to competitors.

Heck, C350 beat it on THE TRACK. I mean, we are not talking about 0-60 here, we are talking about real performance, not some magazine conjured fantastic numbers that their drivers work 3 days to achieve. We are talking about real performance on real road course.

Now, I personally dont give a rats **** about how fast IS350 (or 220d) is on the track, because I would not buy it for that reason, but that is exactly what performance bragging is all about and not 0-60 numbers.

I think honest truth is that Lexus has upped the game considerably, and if you are an admirer or just a person looking for a good car, you really will have plenty of awesome options in Lexus stable come mid 2006. Even now, I am torn between awesome RX400h and what is looking like really great IS220d, both that can be squezed under my budget.

(p.s. when I looked 3 yrs ago, I didnt not find any Lexus that I would want to spend a whole lot of money at)

 

I agree. In fact, that is why I keep bringing up the whole "I hope Lexus gets the driving feel right" thing with the IS. Most everyone will not feel a difference between 0.5 seconds in real driving conditions. For me, I like what I see on paper with the IS350, but if the driving feel is not there than the car really is not for me. I think a lot of people in that market segment would feel the same way. For me, I rather drive a car that is half a second slower in all performance segments but feels good to drive. That is where so far the BMW wins. Lexus has made a big step with that driver feel in the GS, but it is still far from ideal. The GS430 may be fast and handle well, but it sure doesn't feel as good. With the IS350 it seems like from everything we are hearing Lexus took it even a step further in the right direction. Acceleration is good, handling is good and crisp, interior is a no brainer, but hopefully the steering and transmission can match its paper specs. That is one reason why I choose to buy a used NSX instead of a brand new Corvette Z06 that in the 1/4 mile and 0-60 would spank the NSX. On a track the NSX is comparable and in the real world driving the NSX is worlds better IMHO in terms of driving experience and feel than the Corvette. Right now the IS350 has the power and performance, but we just don't know for sure if it has the feel. IMHO, the people in that sports compact performace car market not only want performance, but they want the feel and as well. That is why I keep saying the 325 sells so well. It is slow as heck, but it sure feels good to drive. The problem with Lexus is that they made a name for themselves because of that ultimate Luxury car ride. That is a good thing in the luxury car segment, but not such a good thing for the sports sedan car segment. If they are trying to get a hold of that sports minded car buyers, they should go all out with the IS. Who cares if it wont have that typical "Lexus" ride quality. That is not what sports sedan/coupe buyers are looking for. Anyway, like I've said before, hopefully a test drive of the real production car when it comes out will put at ease some of my concerns.