davyjordi

yeah, if lexus continues in the direction it's going, i'll definitely be switching to another marque that isn't so stylistically bizarre -- likely audi.

ROYALISF

Congrats on the new IS. I too like the aggressive front end. The Audi also doesn't catch my eye but I guess that's what they have the RS models for

JDR76

Congrats! The IS looks great!

corradoMR2

Thanks! Not to spoil the surprise, but I also signed on an Obsidian '17 RX F Sport we're getting in a month so my sales rep made me an offer on both I couldn't refuse, 3K more than the best trade-in from Audi (I briefly reconsidered an S3)


I disliked the front end's blacked out vents when first unveiled, but it has grown on me. I also have some light mod plans to add my own customizations.


Thanks! As for dseag2, he's a good guy, level-headed, and respectful of opinions and tastes from what I've seen on AudiWorld too.


Thanks! Wow, in 8.5 years, I've gone through all the cars in my signature lol!


Lexus Canada unfortunately stopped selling the V6 RWD IS models from MY '16. I was not interested in the 4-banger Turbo in the IS 200t RWD; after 2 years ownership in the NX, the engine is laggy and idles a little rough at times but otherwise smooth, efficient, with good power above 3K rpm.


Thanks! In Canada, the 350 is 4K more than a 300, like-for-like with the exception of AVS (SS+) and the 51 hp/0.5 s quicker 0-60. I just couldn't justify this premium after the hit from the A4. So I went for the 300 AWD and it's plenty powerful as a daily.


Yeah, not crazy about the amber turn signal. Will be looking into wrap options.


USB 1.0 is my favorite all time color I had on my past '14 IS but for some reason I'm not feeling the slightly darker yet more vibrant 2.0 or I'd have that in my driveway. The last white car I owned was my '91 MR2 a long 10 years ago and was sharp-looking. I see the same potential with my Ultra White IS.


Thanks! (Q5 Bob in AudiWorld?) Great crowd there and although my time there was short, the collaboration was excellent.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

how do you guys evaluate that front end as 'aggressive'? because of the contrast between trim and body? the grill?

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

corrado - congrats... i noticed you referred to the a4 as 'her'. since you see the IS as more 'aggressive' do you also refer to it as her?

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

maybe if the a4 is so boring, that's why CR named it #1

corradoMR2

Thanks! RS looks exactly like mine since I had the S-Line (sport bumpers and side skirts). Only diff is wheels, quad exhaust, and subtle rear trunk spoiler.

Thanks! Nice to be behind the wheel again after the HS and now A4.

Yes, and the angry-looking eyes!

Interesting you point that out and I would have to agree that I do not view the IS as "her" because of its greater aggressiveness!


Isn't CR great at testing appliances, furnaces, and AC units?

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Understood. The IS300 AWD holds an interesting position in the Lexus stable. Priced similarly enough to the IS200t that it offers an affordable AWD IS that is not a 350. At least in current form the 2.0T in RWD application isn't applicable to AWD so detune the 350 and voila. I do like the advantage of the two extra cylinders for a more refined drive.

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

Congrats man, welcome back to the Lexus IS, enjoy it, haven't seen the new updated IS yet surprisingly in NYC! Seeing the A4 it looks good like the new Q7 but just doesn't have the wow me in looks.

corradoMR2

The best value proposition up here is the IS 300 AWD F Sport. It's only 1K more than an IS 200t RWD F Sport like-for-like. I'm still wondering about and searching if it's as simple as an ECU replacement/reprogramming to bump the hp from 255 to 306.

The A4 was classy and dare I say sporty in some angles and color such as in Scuba Blue (like the earlier pic I posted in this thread) but from other angles like purely in side view, my family pointed out how it reminded them of 15 years of past A4s and the Passat with its flat panels and upright greenhouse. I can see where they're coming from. No such complaints with our past '14 IS and neither the new one.

bagwell

"aggressive" isn't the word I'd use....trying waaaay too hard, a hot mess, etc.....

I guess if by 'boring' you mean reliable, safe, understated good looks, good MPG, good performance - then yes, that's why they rated it #1

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

interesting, i didn't know the is300 is using the 3.5 from the is350 - wonder why they'd detune it? maybe they think the awd system can't handle it?

aside: i'm having no luck with the lexus website right now, i get lots of blank sections and broken links down the IS page
http://www.lexus.com/models/IS

JDR76

The AWD system can handle it, because there is an AWD 350 available.

I think this this was simply the cheapest way to replace the AWD 250.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I agree!