dappy

iTrader: (13)

I agree that Lexus could've gained a larger market share of the luxuary sport sedan segment had they developed an AWD IS350 to compete against the A4s, 330xis and C350s.

http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news...spy?artid=72821

cspec

That would be too expensive though... People could have just gone for the GS with AWD.

r1lee

I would've bought one still! Not a fan of big cars....

TorontoIS

I too would have paid more to have an AWD version of the IS 350. I can afford the AWD GS but didn't like the size of the GS.

ISbb

For IS RWD is a selling point... IS250AWD was just fill the gap for those who like the IS but can't live with RWD so the AWD model not really a model for everyone!!

Bichon

The GS is less fun to drive than the IS. Plus, even with the GS you can't get the biggest available engine with all wheel drive. I'll go even further than the author of that piece and say that Lexus should have made both AWD and the manual transmission available in the IS350.

NovaIS350

I agree..A car with sport as a selling point, must employ an rear wheel drive platform.

Ramon

Well nobody is saying to NOT make the RWD, just to ADD a RWD option to the 350. I dont see how that would take any "sport" away from the RWD model since it would be untouched.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The price would be too high if they were to add an AWD system to their cars with the biggest engine. Not to mention, It's not like they can stick in AWD. If the drivetrain doesn't allow an easy integration of AWD, then most likely lexus wont add that.

Ramon

The GS350 has an AWD option. Same engine as the IS350 and the IS is simply a shortened GS platform. The integration wouldn't be a problem. Cost might be, but not it's implimentation.

Cornellian

One reason for not having an AWD is because with the current setup under the hood and you cannot produce power as much as the RWD. What happens than? Well....people will start talking about getting more power on AWD. So, no matter what we can't get EXACTLY what we want.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

That's true, but I somehow doubt there is enough room in the IS to do that. The GS seems like it's a much bigger car. Anyone have picture of the undercarriage of both the GS350 and the IS350 RWD?

TorontoIS

I think that having a AWD version of the IS 350 available this car would increase sales in the snowy parts of the continent. Many people up here will either buy the AWD version or go to a FWD car.

Ramon

That MIGHT be an issue, but doubtful that seeing that they can cram a 5 liter V8 in there.

hrmax

You are kidding right? I had a WRX and I miss AWD everyday I get in my IS. An AWD car is much more stable than RWD and provides the driver a much greater margin for error. The 911 Turbo comes in only one configuration ... AWD. I wouldn't have even considered the IS350 RWD if they offered a AWD.