Just curious to find out what all the G35 faithful feel about this...

Lexus is aiming at a target that Nissan/Infiniti has already hit hard...that is the BMW 3-series. Lexus will "...change the perception of what a performance sedan is all about", according to Denny Clements (Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager).

Which brings me to my point:

On March 1st at the Geneva show, Lexus would unveil its new IS. Some information gathered on is300.net and other Lexus forums as confirmed by Lexus insiders is as follows:

MODELS
IS350 RWD (almost 310+hp)
IS250 RWD (almost 245hp)
IS250 RWD, 6 speed Manual
IS250 AWD, 6 Speed sequential shift Auto.

Std features
Smart Access
Optitron Instrument Cluster
Power Tilt/Telescopic Wheel
Audio, Bluetooth, Voice Activation and Display Controls on Steering Wheel
10-Way power seats with memory for driver and passenger
Wood and Metal trim interior
Dual Zone Auto Climate Control
Mini Plug accessory Connector
Illuminated Scuff Plates on door sills
AM/FM/CD, 13-speaker audio system

Options
Ventilated Seats
Touch Screen-Voice Activated Nav
Mark Levinson
Adaptive Cruise Control
Park Assist
Rain sensing Wipers with Headlamp washers
Power rear sunshade

Other stuff:
The 6mt version of the IS350 might be introduced a year later as they did with the IS300.

From is300.net, I found some pics. These images were released by a very popular British car magazine known as Car for their early subscribers....

 

for some reason it just doesn't look right......

 

I've never been a big fan of the IS. They seem to hold their own on a track fairly well. I don't see competition as a bad thing though. It usually ends up benefitting the consumers the most. As usual, Toyota will likely come out with a great product. Personally though, I find the most spirited cars come from Nissan. I mean Toyota builds cars thet get the job done quite well, but in the end, the Nissans just end up withe bigger fun factor for me. I don't have much experience with BMW's, but I did drive a few BMW 318ti's when I toyed with the idea of getting one a while back. It was a fun drive despite it used some of Bimmer's older technology and their weakest motor. I do wonder what motor they will use. The 2JZ is a buttery smooth motor. I do speculate they will use high RPM's to pull off 310 HP, and it would make sense that they use the I-6 to accomplish this.

 

I think competition is a good thing. The new IS350 is a big step up in terms of horsepower from the current IS300, but clearly they needed it. The exterior styling isn't to my tastes. Kind of boring. At least the current IS300 stands out a bit. By the time this model comes out, I'm sure Infiniti will have increased the output of the VQ35 further. I haven't seen any news of when the IS350 will be out, so maybe the Infiniti G line will already be due for a makeover.

 

The side view looks a little like a G35 that got squashed so it is shorter with a higher beltline. The side windows look too small-not enough height to them.

 

looks like a corolla/civic hybrid

 

I'm not one to hate on Other cars except 5 series Wagons and E series Wagons! lol but I like this car a lot it looks nice, I cant wait to see some high rev pictures, Thanks for the update

 

What I have seen is that Nissan does it first (2nd gen 300ZX twin turbo out in 1990) and then Toyota does it technically better (Supra twin turbo, 20 more hp than the Z, better handling, out in 1993) but even though it is technically better, it looks and feels ugly. To continue the example, the 300ZX is still a classic design, whereas the Supra still looks like a tampon.

But hey, I'm a Nissan guy
Dave

 

looks better than the g35 sedan


__________________
My blue interior lights
https://g35driver.com/forums/lighting/39381-stage-4-done-blue-ac-compass-temp-display.html
'04 TB 6mt nav

 

The IS250/350 is supposed to go on sale this fall. And from what I know, Lexus's new direction is just as BMW....good power, great control/balance/handling and spirited driving. Lexus knew for a long time that their cars were just boring copy-cats of the Germans, and they want to really erase that image by introducing vehicles that challenge convention.
Lexus aims to seriously compete in Europe and gain a good amount of market share from traditional sport sedan brands.

Its really nice to see the Japanese tackle on the European brands. First Nissan, now Toyota...what a great job!!

They might even bring out a V8 version (in a year or two) to take on the next BMW M3/M4.

I really hope the coupe version looks a little like the one that Motortrend magazine speculated some months ago (See below...the one in the background)

 

Don't get me wrong, I love my car and I love the way it looks. But, I have always liked the Toyota/Lexus product. If Lexus were to come out with a coupe version of the IS350 that would compete with the G35C, I would definitely consider it as a replacement when I am ready to get a new car.......but I still love my car.

 

looks like a scion TC with a lexo badge on it, ugly...

 

What is the question?? you begin the thread title with "BEWARE", as if infiniti is going to be screwed.

You honestly believe the nissan looks better than the supra??? Do a poll and I bet more people would rather own a supra.....or better yet look at resale, mostly due to demand, a 96 Supra TT can be had for around $22k and the same 300zx TT can be had around $15k.

 

I'd rather own the supra over the 300zx

 

Looks good to me. I think the current IS is totally boring. I would consider an IS350 as a G replacement down the line.