Its 3.0-liter, DOHC, VVT-i, inline 6-cylinder engine puts out an impressive 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 218 lb/ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. The smooth power unit is mated to an equally smooth 5-speed driver-adaptive electronic automatic transmission. Up/down shift buttons are located on the steering wheel, making quick shifting easy - benefiting enthusiastic driving as well as safety. This is one competent transmission, but one has to wonder how many pureblooded sport sedan buyers are turned away because of the lack of a manual transmission (let's hope Lexus has a 5 or 6-speed in store for the near future).
Braking power leaves little to be desired as well. The 4-disc, 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS system with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) brings everything to a standstill in seconds, giving its driver confidence when at the limit. The Lexus TRAC (traction control) system puts the mind at ease as well (a feature especially important in rear-wheel driven cars).
Climbing inside, the first thing I noticed was the chronograph watch styled instrument cluster. What a great looking package, and it's relatively easy to comprehend as well. Other points of brilliance are the gorgeous aluminum pedals and slick aluminum shift knob. The interior on the whole however, was not nearly as attractive as the sum of these few parts. Unfortunately the IS suffers from over design. That which could have been kept simple while still exciting is over-styled, cheapening the overall effect. There is no problem with the actual quality of materials and workmanship, all of which is above grade. It's in the execution that I was left wanting. The IS 300 appears cluttered with too many patterns on the dash plastic, console and seats, multiple colors (especially with the tan suede interior) throughout the rest of the cabin and jellybean shift indicators in green and red plastic. Strangely out of place was the afterthought of a single slab of wood veneer affixed to each door panel. What would appear normal in any other sedan was completely out of character in the IS 300, especially considering that there isn't any wood to be seen on the dash, console or shifter.