Thanks for letting me join Club Lexus.

I just put in my order for an IS350 w/ Sport Package and ML audio and noticed that the Canada Version Sports Package IS350 online website (www.lexus.ca) and specs show that there is a limited slip dfferential as part of the Sports package.

I called Lexus Customer Service (US) and several dealers locally and they all give me mixed thoughts of the US version having it. They all refer to the VDIM as being the same thing. As I believe it not to be as I had it on both my Acura Integra Type R and Toyota Supra TT. I hope it does as I know I can't live without it.

Does any one know if its included w/ the Sports Package?

-Ricky
Future IS350 owner.

 

how can VDIM be the same thing as a limited slip rear end? good one

I have the IS350 brochure and I don't see any mention of a LSD in it.

 

They call it electronic LSD because the "slipping" is controlled by VDIM. It's nothing like a mechacial LSD.

 

A salesman told me that only the Canadian version of the IS350 gets a limited slip differential with sports package in addition to the VDIM.

 

Oh Well. I guess you cannot have it all. But you would think for the PRICE it would be included especially in the Sports Package. I just talked to my dealer and he said they cannot add it as an option either.

 

it's still not the same at all. VDIM can only cut power, it cant always "give power" to both wheels if it has an open diff.

 

I'm confused. I know it's not the same. I said "It's nothing like a mechacial LSD."

I'll take a mechanical LSD over an electronic simulated LSD any day of the week.

 

actually, i do believe that IS does have some kind of semi-lsd, few members around here should know more.... It is not "electronical" lsd...

 

I'm not sure about the Lexus but my Audi A4 had an electronic limited slip differental. Bascially it would activate the brake on the wheel that was slipping so the power would then go to the wheel with traction (which is pretty much what a "real" LSD does). If it is done right you would never notice it.

I remember on the website that had the IS350 without any electronic "assistance" there was a picture of two paralllel burnout strips. That would imply some sort of LSD, otherwise you would have just one mark.

Bradman "Burnouts get expensive"

 

This is going to suck. I do want LSD but I do want the new IS350 more. I loved it on my previous cars. Test driving the IS350, made me think it was there. But you can't really tell unless you are in a situation that would test it.

 

hehe

 

My Dodge Ram has a Limited Slip Differential and can tow 12,500 pounds.
I will be happy with whatever the 'car' has!
I think I do remember the pic that Bradman describes, two stripes. I think there may have been one in the IS brochure ? I will look. Them 18 inch tires are not cheap !

If you have to have mechanical LSD, Maybe you can buy a Canadian IS350, get the limited slip and just replace the instrument cluster? Every country likes Good Ol' America Dollars !

what the hell is a kilometer anyhow? Isn't that electricity ?

 

The US version of the IS350 has a semi-LSD. Not sure if Canadian models have the same thing but the semi-lsd does allow the New IS350 put two even tire tracks on the ground.

 

Thanks everyone. A "semi-lsd" is better than nothing.

 

So if it's not electronic, what it is?

Please explain to us how it's not an electronic "simulated" LSD.