To deliver poise and pose on the track, the ride on IS models is available with numerous upgrade packages featuring a sports tuned
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| The sports tuned suspension with 17-inch wheels on low profile tires is remarkably firm - but in a good way. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press) |
suspension and 17-inch wheels on low profile tires is remarkably firm - but in a good way. Road noise and minor imperfections are filtered out to a reasonable degree, but major potholes are transferred through the cabin. It's no worse than an Audi A4 or an Acura TSX by comparison, but it's a little surprising to experience this in a Lexus. Thankfully, as speed increases the quality of the ride does as well; the stretched wheelbase and liquid-filled bushings doing a superb job at preventing what might otherwise be a fidgety ride. On cars that have regular 16-inch wheels and softer-tuned springs and dampers, the ride is supple.
On
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Lexus has created a cabin that's a statement of style and quality. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)
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the subject matter of interiors, Lexus has created a cabin that's a statement of style and quality. The shape is slightly more organic than the German competition, minimizing gaudy accent trim, but for all of its waves and curves, the gaps line up with impeccable precision, while the materials all look, and feel just as good as those used in more expensive cars.
Like L-Finesse, the interior also features its own unique look: a strong, forward motion. In the cabin, this is indicated through sweeping arches that mimic the Lexus 'L' logo - the door grips, the manual gearlever's chrome splash all have that distinctive canted look.
