When Lexus had introduced the IS 350 with a totally redesigned body, a beefed-up 306 horsepower V6 engine, and striking exterior lines, it is no wonder that people 20-26 years of age have always wanted to get their hands on one of these cars. If anyone drives a Honda Civic, like I do or a Toyota Corolla and wants to step up into something…a little more practical with a bit more “oomph” coming from the engine, the IS 350 is definitely the car for him or her. Since my own car has just a 1.8-liter engine, most of the salesmen at the Lexus dealers keep telling me to get a 250 with the 2.5-liter V6 instead of a 350 because the 350 might be a bit too much “car” for me; come on, I drive pretty aggressively, and the 250 is like driving a BMW 328i. I do not ever want to become a poser; so, I would take the IS 350, thank you very much. I believe that Lexus had done an excellent job in making the IS 350 have the best of both worlds in terms of luxury and performance, as well as having a smooth ride compared to the BMW 335i and the Mercedes-Benz C350. The Lexus IS 350 was a 100% redesign after the boring IS 300 from 2002; the front end has a really aggressive stance, and the rear end with the deck lid on the trunk is not that subtle. Unlike its brother, the IS 250, which comes with both AWD and RWD trims, the IS 350 only comes in RWD in the name of much superior performance. The IS 350 comes with a standard 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 with both block and heads made of 100% aluminum and Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which lets the car’s intake manifold put out as much power as the driver wants it to put out, as well as improve fuel economy. The 3.5-liter V6 puts out 306 horsepower to the rear wheels at 6400 rpm, and 277 lb-ft. of torque at just 4800 rpm. Although Premium octane fuel is required for a car like this, the IS 350 is still considered an Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle according to the Department of Transportation. As far as performance, handling, and driving dynamics go, the IS 350 sprints off the line at just 5.6 seconds; sure, the IS is not really a 335i, but the car has standard paddle-shifters, so I think people would have a better crack at 0-60 mph acceleration tests than 5.6 seconds. The ¼ mile makes the IS stomp the clock at just 13.8 seconds. Thanks to a front and rear independent suspension, with a front double-wishbone with coil Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11
