From the car book reports, Lexus blew it again. This time the power is better than the Bimmer, but the handling is just not there and, again, no manual transmission. The manual transmission is important as a sign you are serious about sporting machinery. You will only sell a small proportion as manuals, but it tells everybody that you are serious. It is a MUST HAVE for a Lexus given the comfy-car image Lexus has.
The 330i is no beauty and Lexus could have batted that one out of the park in comparison, but they didn't and went ultra-bland, again. Not a car anyone will dream about owning.
The tepid IS250 is a disgrace, by the way. Incredible lack of power, judging by the published 0-60 times.
Finally, I am a huge Lexus fan. We have had an LS400 for 12 years and will get an RX330 this year. Also own a E46 330i, so I know both brands well. Lexus needs to get some serious sporting DNA in their bloodline and the new IS does not look like it will do it.
I sure hope I'm wrong, but I strongly doubt it.
- nopcbs