Then again, although perhaps attributable to the slushie's learning
curve and my twitchy foot, the box also had its moments when it seemed almost human and it would execute a jerky, somewhat violent shift into second gear, followed by massive spinal adjusting forward force, like all two hundred and seventy-some-odd pound-feet of torque got dropped on the flywheel. Now that's fun.
So I wonder, when they come out with the IS 500 that has been floating around the rumour mill we call the internet, will it have a manual transmission? At that level, and no doubt price, shouldn't a driver have a right to fudge things up for him or herself if he or she so chooses? My own 'victory' seemed slightly hollow knowing I wasn't the one releasing the clutch. When it comes to driving, there's nothing like a perfect shift into second gear. Nothing? Okay, maybe there is, but it has nothing to do with cars, although that may be attributable solely to my lack of experience. And that is something you'd never get to experience in the 350: the thrill, reward and satisfaction of the perfect shift. Clicking a paddle just won't do.
In a way, that is the fine line the IS dances along, and while many will find it the right balance, when you get right up to that indefinable ledge, the Lexus net springs up and you are reminded that it will set your limits for you no matter your desire to explore. Then again, you'd be exploring well beyond the limits of the law most likely, so it's something of a moot point on populated roads.
Up until now, I've focused on what makes the IS 350 a spectacular
sports sedan, with its requisite personality traits that are a joy to some and a bane to others. Now I have to discuss the IS as a Lexus, because another core mission the IS has is to represent Lexus in its efforts to conquer the luxury world. And while some people consider the big barges (7-Series, S-Class, A8, LS, etc.) flagships as the most likely candidates for this job, I like to be a contradiction and think of a company's best selling model as its flagship. Granted this makes for some weird comparisons in my mind (like the F-150 going up against the Camry). Where the afterthought IS 300 was a slow seller, the New IS (caps intended--like the New World back in its day) will inarguably represent Lexus in the public eye when they begin to populate the roadways in cities and countries the world over, just as the 3-Series is the quintessential BMW. Yeah, I know the LS 460 L will have an eight speed transmission, an ottoman for rear seat passengers and a speaker plugged right into your skull (just kidding about that last feature), but in the real world, people younger and older might opt for the sport sedan over the luxo-barge anyway, if not for its lower price point alone, and, other than the recently remade ES 350 and ever-popular RX 350 (also updated for 2007), the IS will be the one we will see everywhere.
And the IS is the perfect ambassador of the "New Lexus", in all its L-Finesse contemporary luxury glory. Lexus started with a clean slate and brought to life a design that will reach a whole lot more people than its old Japanese-market Toyota Altezza conversion. An aggressive profile and razor-sharp angles and folds in the hood and grille and tail are balanced with large smooth door panels and liquid curves in the rear three-quarter panel. It has just enough simplicity to keep it anchored and allow it to appeal to the masses, but it also has a subtle but unmistakable challenge to the powers that be in its appearance.
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| Neck-snapping force of V6 delivered through six-speed automatic with paddleshift. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
So I wonder, when they come out with the IS 500 that has been floating around the rumour mill we call the internet, will it have a manual transmission? At that level, and no doubt price, shouldn't a driver have a right to fudge things up for him or herself if he or she so chooses? My own 'victory' seemed slightly hollow knowing I wasn't the one releasing the clutch. When it comes to driving, there's nothing like a perfect shift into second gear. Nothing? Okay, maybe there is, but it has nothing to do with cars, although that may be attributable solely to my lack of experience. And that is something you'd never get to experience in the 350: the thrill, reward and satisfaction of the perfect shift. Clicking a paddle just won't do.
In a way, that is the fine line the IS dances along, and while many will find it the right balance, when you get right up to that indefinable ledge, the Lexus net springs up and you are reminded that it will set your limits for you no matter your desire to explore. Then again, you'd be exploring well beyond the limits of the law most likely, so it's something of a moot point on populated roads.
Up until now, I've focused on what makes the IS 350 a spectacular
 |
| Those angles, just look at those angles! No more organic shapes for Lexus. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
And the IS is the perfect ambassador of the "New Lexus", in all its L-Finesse contemporary luxury glory. Lexus started with a clean slate and brought to life a design that will reach a whole lot more people than its old Japanese-market Toyota Altezza conversion. An aggressive profile and razor-sharp angles and folds in the hood and grille and tail are balanced with large smooth door panels and liquid curves in the rear three-quarter panel. It has just enough simplicity to keep it anchored and allow it to appeal to the masses, but it also has a subtle but unmistakable challenge to the powers that be in its appearance.