Don't you all think the new 2006 Lexus IS300 is copying our TL console?? Maybe our TL is setting the trend here.

2006 Lexus IS300 Console



2005 Acura TL Console

WOw.. nice get, where did you find those pics? There are certainly strong similarities... At the risk of sounding bias, I'd say the TL's center console takes the cake w/ the nice brushed aluminum and the nice, large alumunum-esque knobs. I do prefer the IS300 shifter however.

I think you will find that most upscale cars have a similar center-dash design. I don't know if Acura was the first, but it's certainly one of the best. By the way, that's not a TL 05 dash/console, it's an 04.

YOu are right that is a 2004 console. How can you tell that is an 2004 console. What is the difference for 2005???
Oh here is a few more pics of the Lexus interior for your viewing pleasure but I still think the TL looks so much better even though they seem to try to make it look similiar to ours!!







THis Looks so much nicer!!

i believe that the acura symbol on the 05 steering wheel is not painted black..its actually only the chrome piece.

i dont know if you understand what im sayin

don't forget on the 05 there is a side airbag light in the center where the hazard light switch is and in 05 the hazard light switch is half the size to accomodate for this light

TL int looks better

Lol I just noticed it as well, why did they change something little like this...

There's nothing more flattering than someone coping you.

TL is prettier. Copys are never as good.

The TL dash and center looks smoother and sleek. The IS looks kinda cluttered and bulky. Looks like they tried to camp everything into a small area. The dash on the IS is bland and has no character. Aren't the inside of the doors similar to our TL's?

Does anyone have an 2005 console pic to compare the difference of a 2004?

bottom line, they both look better than this

2004


2005

Looks like Lexus if following along with the trend and putting the stupid "Engine Start" buttons in their cars. WHY?!?! Why do auto makers suddenly think people want to have to press a button to start the engine? What was wrong with just inserting the key and turning? This "me too" crap is annoying. I blame Honda for brining this crap back from the dead (S2000).

Anyone else think this is annoying?

BTW - The old IS interior is one of the reasons I didn't buy one. The new interior is much better, but still not up to the TL's

i want a push button starter

Anyone else see the paddles behind the wheel of the IS??? I think the upgrade on this IS is one that would at least make me consider it. I never liked the first gen version, especially for the price. I imagine this car will slot between the TSX and TL but be priced beyond the TL. That is where the TL's value is.

The '53 Lincoln I had when I was in high school had a push button starter.

I have had 5 cars with push-button starters on the dash, and one with the starter button under the clutch pedal. Very retro!

It's like when the TSX guys were saying the new IS copied it.... esp the two big round gauges.... which I don't think is the case (Europeans had it for a while), and the center console, I think it's pretty generic. Maybe it's the navi screen and the aluminum trim that's doing the trick.

The layout may be a trend, but the TL certainly isn't the first.

Although I think the TL was the first to have those guages that illuminate from the center out, don't know for sure tho....

as long as it looks good, right?

The Lexus has a push-button starter because it has the keyless system. Automatic lock when you walk away and unlock when you touch the door handle. Never take the keys out of your pocket.

Works for me. My next car will have this.

Definite similarities between the two. However I chalk it up to being a modified 06 Lexus GS dash. Those have more similarities than the TL. In my opinion.

Well the 2nd gen TL copied the 2nd gen GS, with the wood going up the sides of the console. Or course with fake wood. And Acura has taken the Electro what ever gauges from Lexus.
The new IS does look similar but I am sure it will have real wood, better leather, be rattle fee without a falling headliner. And the push button start/keyless entry, Lexus is 2 step ahead, we stilll have the ridiculously cheap keys with the attached key fob.

And the IS has a true sports sedan 3-spoke steering wheel while the TL has the usual 4-spoke found on every car known to man.

I don't think they're copying. I think that when you have to put a nav system in the middle of the dash and all the other required buttons that sooner or later, every manufacturer is going to have a similar look. And at least the IS doesn't have a useless tape deck. But I really like the wood trim on the IS, much better than the cheap stuff Acura uses.

Not all TLs have a useless tape deck. Mine doesn't even though yours may be useless.