RoadWired

spinning off topic a bit here but... the IS350 has so many options to shift, you would not be dissapointed: the paddle shifters and the auto stick. I'm constantly baffled by the "must have manual" drivers. I've driven manual cars for 15 years and they don't hold a candle to the transmission in the IS350. Jees, leaving the car in Auto- PWR mode is breathtaking and I can nearly guarantee this car can shift by itself much better than any driver. Need engine braking, then downshift, I do it all the time when I'm coming up quick on someone or about to hit a corner. Who needs a clutch??? back on topic, when I test drove the 250AWD and was dissapointed, drove much like the TSX, not much fun IMO. Again this was the AWD model, 0-60 in 8.3 seconds is NOT a peppy car. I had a Prelude with lower HP and Torque numbers than the 250, and THAT was a fun car to drive, this is not. Luxurious- YES for sure. If you want the IS for fun, you need to get the 350. DO NOT be a AUTO hater. I also had a Prelude VTEC, before my BMW... probably the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned.... that VTEC was a rocket. Back on subject, I promise I am not an "auto hater"... I just happen to like rowing through the gears, and I suspect I am not alone in that preference ;-)

Thanks much. Yes, its Obsidian Black, with the XE (18" 5-spoke) OEM option, aliminum doorsills and pedals, and a few other things. It is a joy just to open the door ;-)

Benzo, thanks so much for the "lead." I went to their site but they do not show anything there. Is it a special order kind of thing? A few more questions if you have the time: 1. Do you have one in your car? 2. if so, how difficult/easy was it to install (I am good with cars but dont want to screw around with my brand new engine beyond a certain point of reasonbleness) 3. No problems with the car once installed? 4. And the biggest question of the day... is it worth it? What I am looking for is a little more "seat of the pants" feel in the acceleration. No need to win any races or beat any times, but if I could just get back the little kick I have been missing, for a reasonable price and reasonable installation, I'd be a happy camper!

This week I traded in my beloved BMW 323 for a new 07 250 6M/T with 18" XE package. BMW has just blown it (IMHO) in terms of design/styling and value in this category, and the Infinitis (except for the G35 coupe) and Acuras just bore me. I never thought a Lexus would interest me, but the IS is absolutely gorgeous--nothing else in the category comes close to the looks of this car (like what BMW 3 *used* to be)--and I can't imagine a car that gives you more for the money. The features and quality just never end. BUT.... after driving it for 2 days I do have to admit that--although the engine and weight are comparable to my former Bimmer, there is definitely a slight compromise in terms of pep and road feel. Problem is, I will not buy an automatic transmission car, and the IS 350--ridiculously--does not come in M/T. If it did, it would have been a no-brainer. I love this car, have no regrets and hope/assume that I will just get used to it, but at least for now (only 2 days, as I said), I am jonesing a bit for that good old Bimmer sport performance. I am also hoping that I can find an aftermarket power chip for the 250 to give it just the little more oomph that it needs, but so far I have not heard of any. Hopefully one of the mod companies will catch on and make one for us, as there is clearly a big market/demand for it (if anyone has first-hand knowledge/experience with one that might exist, *please* let me know!). another 20-30 HP (which is what most of the good chips will boost other cars) should give it enough of a pickup improvement (or at least the feel of it) to make those of us who really love to drive happy. Finally, I will say this... the IS250 M/T seems to "like" 2nd and 3rd gears the best. 1st gear is fairly lame (which is why we won't win many stoplight showdowns), but it definitely wakes up in the next 2 bands. Unfortunately you can't stay in 2nd or 3rd forever, but enjoy them while you are rowing through ;-)

Just picked up an 07 IS 250 6 M/T with 18" (XE) upgrade (photo at left taken when it was 12 hours old ;-). The 5 spoke wheels that come with that package are gorgeous.

Also just got a new one this week (2007 IS 250 6 M/T pictured at left). I have been a loyal BMW owner, but I hate the new bimmers, and I could not find any car even close to the looks, value and features of the IS. I love it. My only minor "gripes" are that the power/torque/handling are a touch below BMW (I wish the IS350 would come in Manual... don't know what they are thinking!), and I do agree with you that the clutch takes some getting used to. I guess in my case that is to be expected after so many years of driving German cars. My first challenge is to see if there is an aftermarket performance chip available for this car that will give real HP/performance increase without !Removed! up the electronics. If I could get just a little more pickup out of it this car would be 110% perfect. All in all very happy with the purchase after 2 days :-)