I was wondering why Toyota did not borrow from there Lexus line of cars when the wanted to bring back the Supra. Lexus makes some really great cars.
For 20 years now, the Lexus IS-series has served as a BMW 3 Series fighter of sort and, like its competition, the range has grown. Today’s IS comes in multiple guises, including rear- and all-wheel drive plus turbo and naturally aspirated power. And there are sporty variants, too.
Our latest tester was the IS 350 fitted with the F Sport package. First, the basics: The IS 350 gets the 311-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. The all-wheel-drive version gets a six-speed automatic, while the rear-driver gets eight speeds.
The F Sport package doesn’t increase output, but it does add a Torsen diff on the rear-drive cars plus 18-inch wheels, optional Adaptive Variable suspension, “LFA-inspired” instrumentation, sport seats and a few other frills.
Remember how I wasn’t super-thrilled with the shift action on the RC F, the brand’s super coupe? The IS 350 F didn’t do that. Instead of being a bit laggy and quick to spoil the fun, the IS’s gearbox delivered quick shifts, even in standard mode.
That little thing made the car a joy to drive. In a world where everything’s becoming some kind of ute, the IS reminds us that a proper sedan still works so well. No, it’s not a race car, but it’s a perfect daily and also a fine machine for gobbling up the highway miles. I’d call it quick, comfortable and competent.
Need even crisper action? Turn the Sport knob.
The F Sport package doesn’t turn it into an aggressive monster, but it adds the right dash of sportiness. The seats are bolstered but not too bolstered. The ride was smooth. I didn’t need much of the Torsen while driving to work, but it was nice knowing that it was back there.
I was wondering why Toyota did not borrow from there Lexus line of cars when the wanted to bring back the Supra. Lexus makes some really great cars.
I think a lot of enthusiast forget that Lexus still makes RWD sedans. IMO the 3 series looks better; but, at least you know this thing will run forever
dean1484 said:I was wondering why Toyota did not borrow from there Lexus line of cars when the wanted to bring back the Supra. Lexus makes some really great cars.
YES! Such a baffling move to partner with BMW on that. It would've made more sense to just slap a Supra badge on the LC. Put in cloth seats and knock $5k off the price.
It's sad that the GS is gone but at least the IS is the same weight now. 
Now that BMW has forgone manual transmissions and any pretense of being a "drivers car" on their non-M machinery, I don't see any reason to buy one over this. I've driven several IS350s, and they are darn good business-person commuters.
The Cylon-inspired grill will look 100% normal in another few years.
What the... I didn't realize these had wishbones in front. When did that happen? I better get one now! :D
And there's no more GS?! Man, I have a lot to learn about modern Toyotas.
I really liked the ISF I drove a few years ago. Considering BMW doesn't make a manual 3-series anymore, I don't see why one would buy a BMW over this. I guess the front grill is quite ugly to my eyes, so there's that. I admit, I haven't driven them back to back tho.
And who really cares what I think since I am WAY out of the market for either car.
Displaying 1-7 of 7 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
