Lexus L-Finesse design-First full Lexus that employs it?

Lexus Entertains Guests with jacksoul, Brassaii Cuisine and the New 2006 IS

Thanks, Lexus. No, not for the free food. Not even for the chance to experience an exclusive acoustic performance by jacksoul. Rather, I thank Lexus for L-Finesse. For the LF-A, LF-C and LF-S concepts. And now for the IS. The IS is the first model to be designed from start to finish, exclusively with the principles of L-Finesse applied to every detail and the sum of the whole.

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DiamondJim - 9/29/2005 2:03:58 PM

+1 Boost

i went to a Lexus event last weekend to test drive the new IS. i was surprised to find that lexus had the competing models of BMW and Mercedes on hand to drive. i come at this with a pure heart never having driven either the new Lexus IS or the new BMW 330.

My turn was up after an hour wait, got into the Lexus IS, felt a bit cramped but maybe it was the seat setting, the interior was so gorgeous, the brakes were a bit grabby, but it didnt matter. i get up to the guy with the greenlight flicker and he tells me to have a fun drive. i smile and accelerate like never before, my heart starts to pump like i have never felt it pump. man the IS 350 has some power! i get around some twisties with no problem and man does it feel amazing! i get to the checkered flag and say to myself, "again!" but i reminded myself to check out the 330 before i drove the new IS again (sadly, time ran out on me and could only drive the 330 next.)

the line isn't as long for the gold standard in driving, BMW. unfortunately because they didnt have as many 330's (only 2) as new IS's (3 or 4), the wait was just as long to drive the 330. i get into the 330 which the lexus announcer repeatedly says costs $46 as it is presented with navigation and a few other options. first thing i do is put my hands on the wheel, omg, that steering gives you such a sense power, like you're connected with the car. i feel a bit less cramped, but again, that might have just been the seating position left by previous drivers. i approach the guy with the greenlight flicker again, this time he asks to see my wristband (some jerk almost closed down the event by driving off course and doing things that bent the rules of physics) i show it to him and he gives me the nod of approval. i step on the accelerator......vrooooom....... omg, is this the BMW that is known as the ultimate driver's machine? the roar -even though it wasn't too loud- of the engine was music to my ears. i handle the twisties again with no problem and minimal body roll as i hold on to that rubber steering wheel. i come back to the checkered flag, and realize they will be closing soon. i get out of the car, glance over to the starting position of all the cars and gaze at the new IS right behind the new 330. Man is the IS gorgeous compared to the 330. L-finesse, yes!

i'm no professional driver, just an avid car fan like most people on here so maybe i'm not experienced enough to figure out the nuances of each car's suspension, but i can tell you there was no discernable difference to me. perhaps the bmw 330 was just a slight bit sportier in suspension, but the acceleration of the IS 350 was faster than the 330, and it's way more stunning in person!