If they build it...I will likely buy
03-29-2005, 06:33 PM
#1
My dog thinks I'm Elvis!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Santa Barbara,CA
Age: 69
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
1 Post
If they build it...I will likely buy
As much as I love my TL A-SPEC, I've been checking out the 2006 Lexus IS 350. http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/050324-2.htm It's a good looking ride very similar to our TL. One could say it's a TL with RWD. As I understand it the IS 250 will come with a 6MT but not the IS 350 which drives me nuts! I hope they change their mind…because if they build it (the IS350 with 6MT)…I will buy. 
03-29-2005, 06:39 PM
#2
Safety Car
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 3,631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yeah looks like a great car, but i would not get it either without a 6MT either. something that is suppose to be on the sportier side just seems like it needs to be a manual tranny. i know automatics nowadays are getting to the point where the are just as good if not better than a standard manual. but there is just something extra fun about having the modulate the clutch and manuever the shifter.
03-30-2005, 11:02 AM
#6
Racer
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Streamwood, IL
Age: 55
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The May 2005 issue of Motor Trend says the IS350 will only be available in a 6-speed auto with paddle shifters. That is really ashame because it would be a hot car with a manual.
Lexus has really resisted manual transmissions. It took them an extra year or two before they put on in the IS300 and this is their only car offered with a manual. For cost and certification reasons alone, I wouldn't be surprised if they stick with the auto slushboxes.
Lexus has really resisted manual transmissions. It took them an extra year or two before they put on in the IS300 and this is their only car offered with a manual. For cost and certification reasons alone, I wouldn't be surprised if they stick with the auto slushboxes.
03-30-2005, 11:37 AM
#7
'06 750Li Sapphire/Creme
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 61
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SBTL
As much as I love my TL A-SPEC, I've been checking out the 2006 Lexus IS 350. http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/050324-2.htm It's a good looking ride very similar to our TL. One could say it's a TL with RWD. As I understand it the IS 250 will come with a 6MT but not the IS 350 which drives me nuts! I hope they change their mind…because if they build it (the IS350 with 6MT)…I will buy.
Isn't the IS a MUCH smaller car? I mean, one of the reasons I bought the TL is because it's about the same size as the BMW 530i with more HP. If you were considering moving to the Lexus, isn't the GS a better match size-wise?
Trending Topics
03-30-2005, 11:40 AM
#8
'06 750Li Sapphire/Creme
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 61
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by carguyrob
The May 2005 issue of Motor Trend says the IS350 will only be available in a 6-speed auto with paddle shifters. That is really ashame because it would be a hot car with a manual.
Lexus has really resisted manual transmissions. It took them an extra year or two before they put on in the IS300 and this is their only car offered with a manual. For cost and certification reasons alone, I wouldn't be surprised if they stick with the auto slushboxes.
Lexus has really resisted manual transmissions. It took them an extra year or two before they put on in the IS300 and this is their only car offered with a manual. For cost and certification reasons alone, I wouldn't be surprised if they stick with the auto slushboxes.
This IS has the paddle shifters too, sounds like a good plan for a small car
03-30-2005, 11:47 AM
#9
Intermediate
Join Date: Jan 2005
Age: 51
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by ndabunka
Isn't the IS a MUCH smaller car? I mean, one of the reasons I bought the TL is because it's about the same size as the BMW 530i with more HP. If you were considering moving to the Lexus, isn't the GS a better match size-wise?
03-30-2005, 12:51 PM
#10
Racer
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Streamwood, IL
Age: 55
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by ndabunka
You guys are missing the boat on the tranny issues. The AMG Benz's all come with a SS auto tranny and spank M3's with manual's ALL DAY LONG. You don't NEED to burn out clutches at high RPM drops to get performance with a tranny that is built right. Give me the Benz auto over the TL 6MT ANY day! This IS has the paddle shifters too, sounds like a good plan for a small car
This IS has the paddle shifters too, sounds like a good plan for a small carI agree that MB makes a great auto transmission with very fast shifts, but I would still take a manual. No matter how good an auto transmission is, you are still not engaged in the whole driving experience. Anyone can get behind the wheel of an AMG MB and stomp on the gas to nearly match the acceleration times in the car mags. Driving a manual transmission properly shows skill, not just a heavy right foot.
03-30-2005, 01:20 PM
#11
My dog thinks I'm Elvis!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Santa Barbara,CA
Age: 69
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by ndabunka
Isn't the IS a MUCH smaller car? I mean, one of the reasons I bought the TL is because it's about the same size as the BMW 530i with more HP. If you were considering moving to the Lexus, isn't the GS a better match size-wise?The new 2006 IS will be 3.5 inches longer and 3 inches wider with a wheelbase of 107.5 (TL=107.9) length of 180.1 (TL=189.3) and width of 70.9 (TL=73.2) so it may be almost equivalent in interior room with perhaps a smaller trunk. We'll see.
03-30-2005, 02:06 PM
#12
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Age: 70
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by golferboy1862
The front looks great but the rear of the car looks like a bad G35.
Don't suppose anyone has any idea what the pricing on the new Lexus will be?
03-30-2005, 02:07 PM
#13
Ak Ting Up
Originally Posted by SBTL
According to http://www.autobytel.com/content/sha...cle_id_int/451
The new 2006 IS will be 3.5 inches longer and 3 inches wider with a wheelbase of 107.5 (TL=107.9) length of 180.1 (TL=189.3) and width of 70.9 (TL=73.2) so it may be almost equivalent in interior room with perhaps a smaller trunk. We'll see.
The new 2006 IS will be 3.5 inches longer and 3 inches wider with a wheelbase of 107.5 (TL=107.9) length of 180.1 (TL=189.3) and width of 70.9 (TL=73.2) so it may be almost equivalent in interior room with perhaps a smaller trunk. We'll see.
I saw those pics and agree the new IS 350 a major step forward.
However, it still doesn't look as good as a 04 TL. Has anyone seen the car at a car show yet ? I did consider the IS before Acura came out with the new TL, but 210 HP made me wait for somthing else.
03-30-2005, 02:51 PM
#14
VTEC HoooA
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Longwood Florida
Age: 55
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Competitive markets are truly a wonderous thing! It looks like Lexus finally realized that the abysmal interior of the previous IS was not working. I always thought it was a nice looking car on the outside, but the first time I looked in the window of one I laughed out load and ran away!! I guess the question is what will Honda/Acura do to combat this??
With the TL sales being what they are, and the fact that Honda is absolutely steadfast in their ways, I don't think they will do anything!
The simple fact that this car offers RWD or AWD and the TL offers neither is a major issue in my book. Honda absolutely refuses to listen to the market demand for production of RWD vehicles, and with the exception of the RL they are not widely adopting AWD......yet!
Lexus may have a winner here. The funny thing is that the interior looks to be nearly identical to that of the TL in layout and design (although I still give the nod to Acura). I do imagine this vehicle will poach sales of TL's (especially the younger buyers who want a combination of both performance and luxury). I love the TL but I grow tired of fighting the steering wheel as it tugs left and right during spirited driving (due to the FWD layout). In addition Honda will never be taken seriously in performance circles when all the cars that show up to the party are FWD. Nissan/Infiniti has learned this, Toyota/Lexus has learned this...Honda just doesn't care!?
The TL with RWD would be a perfect car! It would have a more balanced weight distribution which would contribute to better handling, it would be more fun to drive, it would more than likely perform better than the existing model, and most of all the LSD would not effect handling the way it does in the existing model!! It would SERIOUSLY challenge BMW and Infiniti in the automotive press, and in the eyes of the buyer. I know many people that specifically bought infiniti and BMW vehicles due to the drivetrain layout (all other things being secondary considerations). I guess Honda is not interested in challenging these players.
The sad part is that this car has SOOOOO much potential to be more than BMW. It offers performance (see comments above), luxury, AND reliability! The germans are slipping in more ways than one, but alas I am probably wasting my breath as Honda prefers to spend R&D money on engineering pickup trucks!!
With the TL sales being what they are, and the fact that Honda is absolutely steadfast in their ways, I don't think they will do anything!
The simple fact that this car offers RWD or AWD and the TL offers neither is a major issue in my book. Honda absolutely refuses to listen to the market demand for production of RWD vehicles, and with the exception of the RL they are not widely adopting AWD......yet!
Lexus may have a winner here. The funny thing is that the interior looks to be nearly identical to that of the TL in layout and design (although I still give the nod to Acura). I do imagine this vehicle will poach sales of TL's (especially the younger buyers who want a combination of both performance and luxury). I love the TL but I grow tired of fighting the steering wheel as it tugs left and right during spirited driving (due to the FWD layout). In addition Honda will never be taken seriously in performance circles when all the cars that show up to the party are FWD. Nissan/Infiniti has learned this, Toyota/Lexus has learned this...Honda just doesn't care!?
The TL with RWD would be a perfect car! It would have a more balanced weight distribution which would contribute to better handling, it would be more fun to drive, it would more than likely perform better than the existing model, and most of all the LSD would not effect handling the way it does in the existing model!! It would SERIOUSLY challenge BMW and Infiniti in the automotive press, and in the eyes of the buyer. I know many people that specifically bought infiniti and BMW vehicles due to the drivetrain layout (all other things being secondary considerations). I guess Honda is not interested in challenging these players.
The sad part is that this car has SOOOOO much potential to be more than BMW. It offers performance (see comments above), luxury, AND reliability! The germans are slipping in more ways than one, but alas I am probably wasting my breath as Honda prefers to spend R&D money on engineering pickup trucks!!
03-30-2005, 03:17 PM
#15
VTEC HoooA
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Longwood Florida
Age: 55
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe they should start listening!!
http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/...e_20050330.htm
With the new competition from Infiniti, and Lexus expect the TL numbers to start dwindling as well (the TL is the reason for the increase in sales)!
http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/...e_20050330.htm
With the new competition from Infiniti, and Lexus expect the TL numbers to start dwindling as well (the TL is the reason for the increase in sales)!
03-30-2005, 03:31 PM
#16
Brother Sum
Join Date: Mar 2005
Age: 49
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The IS300 really falls in the TSX range of vehicles where the TL falls in line with the GS300.. right? the IS350 is totally different, segwaying into a different class closer to it's bigger brother the new GS430. I love my TL, my loyalties reside with Honda.
03-30-2005, 08:39 PM
#20
Racer
I'd definitely consider buying the IS if I didn't buy the TL in December. But there isn't anything about it that would make me consider a trade. I'll just take more of a wait and see approach for my next car purchase.
03-31-2005, 09:50 AM
#23
Racer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Cali
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This new IS350/250 will out sell the TL without a doubt. It is suppose to get phenominal gas mileage too. Seems like a total package to me. And Lexus is the most reliable and has the best service too. I can surely tell you this will probably be my next car. RWD is a must for me on my next car purchase.
03-31-2005, 04:58 PM
#27
Awesome to the Max
Join Date: Oct 2004
Age: 42
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by DOUBLE_M_I
LOOKS LIKE A MAZDA 3 ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM 
When it does come out you are going to see alot of peeps buying a Mazda 3 debadging it and buying lexus symbols on ebay to put on their 3
When it does come out you are going to see alot of peeps buying a Mazda 3 debadging it and buying lexus symbols on ebay to put on their 3
that's what I said..
03-31-2005, 05:16 PM
#28
My dog thinks I'm Elvis!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Santa Barbara,CA
Age: 69
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
1 Post
Say what you will...
The 2005 Mazada 3 is a great looking car.
The 2006 IS 250/350 is a great looking car.
The 2005 TL is a great looking car.
I don't think any one will confuse the first two and if they do who cares. I thought TL drivers were not status consious, otherwise you would have bought a BMW or Mercedes. You guys sound like BMW and Mercedes drivers knocking Japanese imports... only now it's one step removed and the Japanese sport/luxury sedan (TL) driver is knocking the new Lexus because it looks like a cheap Japanese import (Mazda 3).
I understand your feelings that TLness is next to godliness but spare me.
Common sense is indeed an oxymoron.
The 2005 Mazada 3 is a great looking car.
The 2006 IS 250/350 is a great looking car.
The 2005 TL is a great looking car.
I don't think any one will confuse the first two and if they do who cares. I thought TL drivers were not status consious, otherwise you would have bought a BMW or Mercedes. You guys sound like BMW and Mercedes drivers knocking Japanese imports... only now it's one step removed and the Japanese sport/luxury sedan (TL) driver is knocking the new Lexus because it looks like a cheap Japanese import (Mazda 3).
I understand your feelings that TLness is next to godliness but spare me.
Common sense is indeed an oxymoron.
03-31-2005, 11:01 PM
#32
Racer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Cali
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by subframe3
Yeh, those things had torque steer bad.
yeah I know. That pic is soooo true..
My next car is definitely a RWD car.
I love how the IS350/250 look. Might get that.
04-01-2005, 07:04 AM
#34
Licking Platters Clean
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Richmond, VA
Age: 52
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by gsrthomas
Here is the truth about FWD.
Love my TL, still hate FWD. I suspect Acura is damn lucky the new IS wasn't out two years ago in '04.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mugen TSX
Eastern Canada
0
09-16-2015 09:52 PM