No matter what the pundits say (That it is still not as good as a 3-series), AutoSpies.com predicts that within twelve months of its release, the competitors will be wondering what hit them...
It's better looking than the new 3-series or C-Class, fit/finish is outstanding and its performance is excellent.
The unit forecast is over 40k for the first year.
That's more than three times what they sold last year.
And anyone in the car business knows that if you're an executive and you forecast units, you'd BETTER make the number, or you're HISTORY.
All auto execs are famous for being ultra conservative when they forecast (it's called protecting your rear!)so this kind of swagger is unheard of, unless you're POSITIVE you have a winner.
Common sense tells me that if they make the forecast (and we predict they will), then those extra sales gotta come from somewhere.
And that somewhere is from BMW and Mercedes dealerships.
Get ready to see some bloodshed...
2006 Lexus IS-series Review:
I had a chance to check out the new IS at a pre-launch event last week, and I can say with great confidence that the car looks as good in the metal as it does on your computer screen. This is the first vehicle to fully showcase the L-Finesse styling theme, embodying swooping curves, creased fender peaks, and unique angles, tautly stretched over minimal overhangs to produce a decidedly athletic stance. Its surface contortions reflect light in a most dramatic fashion, inspiration from behind a camera's lens. More clearly defined shapes, such as the narrowing grille, triangular intakes on the lower front valance, and 3D surfaced tail lamps bring out in-depth character traits. It's a much more beautiful vehicle than BMW's 3-Series, but then again the Italians, rumoured to have influenced its shape, have long been masters of style.
Inside, quality is just as good, if not better than the GS. Even though this is a less
expensive model, the same high-end matte,soft-touch plastics, burnished metals, and glossy woods have been incorporated throughout so that it feels very expensive. Keyless entry with a push-button start button is standard, and a large, touch-screen LCD display provides the main controls for climate and stereo functions. One original IS hallmark, the chronograph instrument cluster, has been replaced by less confusing Optitron gauges. The doors shut with a satisfying 'thunk', and like the GS or LS, easily mute out the nearby rabble of on-lookers'.
To the surprise of many, initial tests have shown that the IS has a shot against high-powered specialty models. Lexus claims the
automatic IS 350 to take "less than six-seconds" to reach 100 km/h. By comparison, preliminary tests by other magazines have shown it to be far quicker - expect real life figures to reflect low to mid fives! By comparison the V8-powered Audi S4 can reach 100 km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds when equipped with a six-speed automatic.
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