But enough of this glorified press release jargon. Let's talk about how it felt on the track. Lexus invited us to drive all the models at the Willow Springs International Raceway, famous for its last turn, which can easily make the novice driver pee in their pants. On the track, the IS 250 with the six-speed manual transmission was very responsive. Off the line, however, the reaction is mediocre and you won't feel any life changing G-forces, but once you reach the higher revs, the IS 250 accelerates like a champion. The IS 250 AWD version provides the driver with more confidence when zigzagging through the turns and it was easier to control, but it only comes with the slower 205hp 2.5L motor. The IS 350, with the bigger displacement and power, was the best of them all. The rise in acceleration was quick, it got you from point A to point B at an alarming rate, and it definitely makes you feel like you have bigger balls (instant pimp factor) behind the wheel.
The clutch on the manual transmission was nice and heavy, and the uptake was smooth and progressive. The paddle shifters for the automatics took some time to get used to, though it was definitely cool to go around a racetrack without letting go of the steering wheel. The tachometer also added to the cool factor, emitting an orange LED light that prepared you for redline then turned red telling you to shift before you cause the engine to throw up a rod.
And, of course, all of this is topped off by the iPod hookup in the center console, sweet 13-speaker sound system, and optional touch-screen navigation system. Most importantly, it's a butt-freaking Lexus! You can't butt-freaking go wrong with that.
That New Car Smell
The Ride
'06 Lexus IS 250 AWD/250/350
The Sticker
TBD
Under The Hood
2.5-liter DOHC V6 (IS 250 and IS 250 AWD); 3.5-liter V6 (IS 350)
The Power
204 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque (IS 250 and IS 250 AWD); 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque (IS 350)
Scale
Tipping 3,455 lbs to 3,527 lbs
Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (IS 250 and IS 350); Front-engine, all-wheel drive (IS 250 AWD)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or 6-speed electronically controlled automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
Stiff Stuff
Double wishbone suspension with high mount upper arms and stabilizer bar (front); multi-link with high-mount upper arms and stabilizer bar (rear); gas-filled shocks; coil springs
Rollers
17x8 10-spoke aluminum alloy with 225/45VR17 all season tires
Stoppers
Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
At The Pump
TBD
The Pack
Audi A4; BMW 3 Series; Infiniti G35; Mercedes-Benz C-Class; Volkswagen Passat
Deep Thoughts
The IS 250 AWD took the turns and chicanes like a champion, while the IS 350 is more powerful than the Incredible Hulk on steroids.