Most sales, however, will be directed to the six-speed automatic, which is standard fare in both upper-range models; the IS 250 AWD and
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| Most IS sales will be directed to the six-speed automatic, which includes metal-look paddles at the 'three and nine' positions. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press) |
IS 350. Included are metal-look paddles at the 'three and nine' positions, always within reach of the hands, even during enthusiastic driving. Borrowed from the GS, the six-speeder is one of the finest and most intelligent gearboxes I've come across. As if big brother himself were watching, the car knows exactly what you're doing, adapting instantly whether out on the open road, playing around in 'Power Mode', where it holds its gears and downshifts with lightning quick response when called upon, or while lazily cruising along. Hill and slippery
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| VDIM has been modified to react far differently than on any other Lexus models, which is a big step forward for this Lexus - sport, as you may remember, comes first on the IS. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press) |
starts are made easy by HAC, a technology that prevents embarrassing rollback.
The biggest mark against Lexus has been its VDIM system. Known as the "fun-police", it brings quick end to any amount of hooligan-like driving. Looking at the specs sheet, it appears that nothing has changed; the system still governs all safety-minded electrics including VSC stability control, ABS and TRC, and while you can temporarily shut traction control off (only on RWD), there's no way to completely disable VDIM. On the plus side, the program has been modified to react far differently than on any other Lexus models, which is a big step forward for this Lexus - sport, as you may remember, comes first on the IS.
