TopGun32

it is a boring night.. and I thought I make this board a bit more lively...

From browsing through their forum, trying to understand all the hype about the car. A buddy of mine has one, and he really thinks it is the M3 of Lexus.

From some of the magazine tests, the best I have seen is 5.1 /13.7 at around 104mph

just a tad bit slower than the worst time of a C32.

The best time of a C32 from a major publication was MT at 4.7x and 13.2 and trap speed of 107 MPH.


well take a look of what an Is350 ran... there is something fishy about the trap speed. Either it does not have enough top end HP or the gearing is really tall.

For a car running 13.3xx I would assume the trap speed should be around 106+

take a look for your self..
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197927

sdsilverm3

It's great that he ran that time but I'm a firm believer of run what you brung as-is. When you start stripping stuff out of a luxury car it really defeats the purpose of why the car was bought in the first place. Spending $40k+ on a FULLY LOADED car to strip everything out?? I hope I don't come off as a hater or anything but just why? I could understand if it was an M3 used for road courses but a Lexus IS350 as a drag car?

ProjectC55

A good launch can sometimes show up as a low mph at the end of the 1/4 mile.look at my mph at the end of the 1/4 at the bottom of my sig.

Fikse

impressive times.... the ET and MPH line up fine.... I ran 13.4 @ 104 quite a few times in my C32 at the same track...

what did he say he took out? if he took out all of the interiror and passenger seats, then, yea, no big deal..... if he took out the spare, switched to a lighter battery and such, then fine...

TopGun32

well his best 60' time was at 2.0xx seconds, therefore it was not the greatest launch, but good nevertheless.

He goes to explain that he modified some parts underneath the car (reposition the exhaust, removed weight, and probably intake for the engine)


The only thing this car needs is a true manual transmission... and you know TRD will make a supercharger for this car. It will be a very good sleeper with alot of Tuner potential.

One good thing about a TRD supercharger, it will be under factory warranty.

I thought I share that with the members, soon you will see IS350's challenging C32 and C55.

m3_eater

I must say that I am somewhat impressed. I have to wonder though - will that power be all at high revs, like most asian cars? One decided advantage of the C32/55 is TORQUE.

Glasgow Gold

Probably will be most powerful at higher revs, but IS350 still a hot car. Considered waiting for it but bought the used C32 instead and am very happy with it. Where the IS350 will steal some market share is with the famous Toyota reliability. Reading these threads one has to be a bit concerned about the AMGs' ability to stay out of the shop!

Having said that, Lexus product marketing still deperately needs a clue. What's with the underpowered IS250? And why is that the only model with all wheel drive? Wow.

TopGun32

I would take a C32 over an IS350 anyday...

but if they had the TRD supercharger available, I would be all over the Lexus as a dialy driver.

But I would keep an AMG (current C32 or future E55) in the garage as week-end car.

I hate to admit, but Lexus does make some reliable vehicles.

sdsilverm3

Very true.

My sister just got an IS250 2 weeks ago and though it is very nice inside the car drives funny. I can't really explain it but you'd have to drive one to know what I mean. Feels very twitchy compared to my car. Maybe it's just me.

Honestly, if I didn't have a C55 I would have been all over the IS350. It is worth the money.

jpog

I drove one a few weeks ago, and was very underwhelmed. The 300 hp must have been hiding somewhere, because it felt extremely sluggish. Fit, finish, NVH, etc were exemplary as is expected. Steering was a bit disconnected and light though, like driving a bumper car. I'll keep my C55 until the E55s get a bit cheaper.

JPOG

MBNorCal

my c350 runs neck to neck with my co-worker's is350. he has 18 inch oem tires and i have the ****ty 17 inch continentials. with stickier tires, heck i think i will take him.

the sad part is that he got that IS over a c55! we all work at a Mercedes dealership and we all give him a bad time driving that Toyota....ummm I mean Lexus. :p

e1000

Nice, I was getting a little scared of lining up with an IS350 but I guess I can at least give it a good run

TopGun32

I say if you have the 7 speed transmission you will have a good shot... but you might run out of steam on top.. after all the Lexus does have more HP on top... 306 is rated under the new standard, so its more like 315+

but if you have a 6sp manual, then it would be up to the driver.... if they know how to properly launch the car...

Even with my C32 modded, if I have too much wheel spin, I will loose. From a roll, they won't be able to keep up.

MBNorCal

the 7 speed auto is not fast as a 6-spd manual. trust me. as a matter of fact, i think the 7 speed 0-60mph is in the low 6 second range while the 6 speed is in the mid 5 second range. reason is the the auto transmission shifts way too slow and tries to smooth out the transition.

i launch at 1500...tires spin to redline with esp off. even a rookie driver can rip the tires in second gear shift. yes.....it's that easy. for those who haven't driven a 6spd c350 sport, try it...you be amazed how this thing performs.

c32used

guys I dont own a C32 yet to compare but i did own a IS350 and boy was it fast and very smooth. I felt like I could take on anything. I sold it only cause I go a stroke and can't drive(family first)now I am looking 4 used higherend cars like the C32 and 2001 UP M3's at a lower premium to save some money. I can't say nothing negative on IS350.

MCOUPIN

Not to be rude but what?