Question out of curiosity - why no IS350 AWD and no M/T?
02-09-11, 09:37 AM
#1
Question out of curiosity - why no IS350 AWD and no M/T?
I just purchased my IS350 two weeks ago and am very happy with it. I didn't know much about the IS prior to my purchase but since I've gotten on these forums I've learned a lot. One thing I'm still curious about is why for the 2nd-gen IS did Lexus not offer either AWD or manual transmission on the 350? I assume it's not to do with the extra power, since 300 vs 200 hp wouldn't seem to be a huge enough bump to make an AWD or manual transmission system unusable, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm sure Lexus had a reason.
Just curious. And I think someone's pointed out that for 2011 there will in fact be a 350 AWD?
Just curious. And I think someone's pointed out that for 2011 there will in fact be a 350 AWD?
02-09-11, 09:46 AM
#3
Yeah as of 2011 there is an AWD IS350. Came out around September of 2010. As far as the MT goes, more cars are switching to auto to be easier on the driver. I love driving stick, but most people prefer automatic, especially on their luxury car.
Hope this helped.
Hope this helped.
02-09-11, 10:15 AM
#4
The AWD is350 just came out in september as a 2011 model. As for MT, there will not be enough sales to justify lexus R/Ring to make a MT for the is350. In reality, only a very small percentage of people would actually buy a MT is350; remember the average age of a lexus driver is 59.
02-09-11, 12:46 PM
#5
Sticks offer inferior performance, inferior mileage, and 95% of buyers pick automatics anyway.
So why the heck would they spend the $ to develop a manual for the 350?
The only reason the 250 has one is they were able to cheaply re-purpose a small tacoma manual for it
So why the heck would they spend the $ to develop a manual for the 350?
The only reason the 250 has one is they were able to cheaply re-purpose a small tacoma manual for it
02-09-11, 01:07 PM
#7
So I guess the manual was offered on the 250 because it was the cheaper and therefore more mass-market of the two cars and it could be repurposed cheaply from another Toyota model and didn't have to incur high R&D costs. So that makes sense.
But why AWD only on the 250 and not the 350? (and I know they're now offering it on the '11 models, I'm asking why not for the first 5 years)
But why AWD only on the 250 and not the 350? (and I know they're now offering it on the '11 models, I'm asking why not for the first 5 years)
Last edited by calvin2376; 02-09-11 at 01:11 PM.
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02-09-11, 04:57 PM
#11
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MT would have been my choice also. This is my second consecutive car that I would have opted for a manual transmission if available. I wanted the cars, bought them. and I've adapted. I've always preferred a MT. Personally, I see no need for a AWD IS Lexus.
02-09-11, 08:56 PM
#13
If I could have the IS350 with the 6MT from the IS250, I'd still buy it.
The RA62 isn't nearly as bad as people make it out to be.
If the RA60 can take the same torque as the 2GR-FSE puts out behind a 4400lbs vehicle (FJ Cruiser), I'm sure it could take it in a 3500lbs car like the IS.
Most issues people have reported with the RA62 setup in the IS are clutch/flywheel related. Internal issues are relatively rare (I know the Camaro guys have some troubles, but I've seen very few of them on Toyota/Lexus models). People seem to have an issue with the way the shifter feels as well, meh. It's not as nice as a lot of other cars, but it doesn't frost my wagon either. I've had a lot of fun driving my M/T, zero regrets (yes I can hear the throwout bearing, that's fine).
I'd take an RA62-equipped IS350.
Jeff
The RA62 isn't nearly as bad as people make it out to be.
If the RA60 can take the same torque as the 2GR-FSE puts out behind a 4400lbs vehicle (FJ Cruiser), I'm sure it could take it in a 3500lbs car like the IS.
Most issues people have reported with the RA62 setup in the IS are clutch/flywheel related. Internal issues are relatively rare (I know the Camaro guys have some troubles, but I've seen very few of them on Toyota/Lexus models). People seem to have an issue with the way the shifter feels as well, meh. It's not as nice as a lot of other cars, but it doesn't frost my wagon either. I've had a lot of fun driving my M/T, zero regrets (yes I can hear the throwout bearing, that's fine).
I'd take an RA62-equipped IS350.
Jeff
Last edited by Jeff Lange; 02-09-11 at 09:04 PM.
02-10-11, 02:54 AM
#14
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I drove a under 200 mile, never titled, 2008 IS 250 RWD MT at my local dealer back in May. Nicely equipped and great price. I was undecided and held off, hoping the price would come down. I figured the reason it never sold was due to the MT. I had zero issues with the 250 or MT. I checked online and most were very negative regarding the MT and most said go 350 vs 250. While checking weekly for a better price, the vehicle sold. I'm glad I waited for the 2011s.
02-10-11, 05:05 AM
#15
Fact- computers shift faster and operate more smooth than humans. They dont care about manuals anymore. They forgot one thing though. Auto is freaking boring to drive, some people drive manual just because you have to be more engaged and its more fun to drive