IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Let it snow let it snow!

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Old 12-05-13, 06:16 PM
  #16  
Slimjimlim
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Originally Posted by hoosier1
Glad that the AWD does well in the snow with the factory tires. We are getting up to 1/2 inch of ice followed by 5 - 8 inches of snow by Saturday. Even more snow is on the way next week. Did you use the snow mode? If so, could you tell a difference?

The IS has a low profile, so it may be difficult to avoid plowing snow and damaging the front of the car.
I did have a chance to see the differences with snow mode on and off. Think It has a lighter response to gas paddle and maybe high gear reving when stopping. Like a engine brake? But if I could recommend something take the trac control off and go have fun! This machine will put a grin on ur face the whole time!!!!!
Old 12-20-13, 08:00 AM
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redcupr
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We got about an inch of snow in the Seattle are this morning, so I got o use Snow Mode for the first time. The only difference I could tell is that the transmission doesn't downshift as aggressively (as in braking and going down a hill).

Throttle response felt the same, I had it in Eco Mode so throttle response was tame anyway.

But I was pleased with the cars performance in our typical wet slimey snow, and the stock All-Season tires worked very well.
Old 12-20-13, 09:04 AM
  #18  
CtSFox
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Originally Posted by redcupr
We got about an inch of snow in the Seattle are this morning, so I got o use Snow Mode for the first time. The only difference I could tell is that the transmission doesn't downshift as aggressively (as in braking and going down a hill).

Throttle response felt the same, I had it in Eco Mode so throttle response was tame anyway.

But I was pleased with the cars performance in our typical wet slimey snow, and the stock All-Season tires worked very well.
There may be additional characteristics to snow mode, but one is that it starts the car out in second gear. When going down a steep in icy/snowy conditions, I prefer to use manual mode, which to me gives me the most control of the car. I agtee that the 3IS AWD behaves very competently in snow with the all seasons.
Old 12-20-13, 09:16 AM
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SonyHome
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Anyone try RWD in snow with winter tires?
Old 12-20-13, 04:23 PM
  #20  
Randre19
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Originally Posted by SonyHome
Anyone try RWD in snow with winter tires?
I have 17 inch blizzaks on my RWD 350 and it drives great. Haven't had a problem at all
Old 12-20-13, 04:30 PM
  #21  
SonyHome
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Originally Posted by Randre19
I have 17 inch blizzaks on my RWD 350 and it drives great. Haven't had a problem at all
Good to hear. Were you using snow mode? I'll be using the factory wheels with X-Ice Xi3 tires. Based on other peoples' comments about RWD with winter tires we should be ok.
Old 12-21-13, 01:23 PM
  #22  
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Cool

Went up to Massanutten in North West Virginia and woke up to this last weekend...

Johnny
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2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM
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Old 12-21-13, 06:53 PM
  #23  
Randre19
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Originally Posted by SonyHome
Good to hear. Were you using snow mode? I'll be using the factory wheels with X-Ice Xi3 tires. Based on other peoples' comments about RWD with winter tires we should be ok.
In areas that were not plowed very well I switched into snow mode but on the main roads I was fine without it. The Blizzaks have great grip and I have heard the X-Ice Xi3 tires are great as well. You should'nt have any problems.
Old 12-24-13, 07:04 AM
  #24  
gocubs08
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I agree this car is amazing in snow!! I had a blast driving up north to Wisconsin last weekend! I literally was plowing snow with the front end driving down some roads. Stock tires and AWD = much, much better than my RWD IS350 with Blizzaks. I was always getting stuck in Alleys and ice with RWD. Now its so nice to know I can go drive whenever I want and not let the weather control me!
Old 12-24-13, 09:12 PM
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afdavey
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Originally Posted by gocubs08
I agree this car is amazing in snow!! I had a blast driving up north to Wisconsin last weekend! I literally was plowing snow with the front end driving down some roads. Stock tires and AWD = much, much better than my RWD IS350 with Blizzaks. I was always getting stuck in Alleys and ice with RWD. Now its so nice to know I can go drive whenever I want and not let the weather control me!
Ahhh be wise 'grasshopper', Mother Nature will control you, she only let you think you had an advantage.
:-)
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