So i finally got a chance to check out the not yet released IS350 pre production models that they claim is the very same cars magazines used in their test drives. I was really impressed with the numbers and the look of the car, the interior was definetly better than our cars. Its also was very quiet and dosnt rattle like our cars. Thats about where my compliments ends though.

The exhaust is very muted, not sporty at all. I floored the gas and it didnt have the same punch as my car... I dont know why that is, considering it has more toruque and 8 more hp... maybe its because of the weight? or because my car is a manual and the IS350 was automatic? Anywho there was also a lot more body roll during cornering and the steering response generally felt a bit slower. I stepped into the car feeling really impressed, and came out of the car feeling not so impressed. I think its a great car for another type of driver who wants a sporty feel but prefers a smooth and luxurious ride over performance. Its definetly more luxurious and have a more high class feel than our cars. Ohh and I temporarily broke one of their IS350s, I pushed it very hard and floored the gas just like they told me to, but at the end, there was soap water all over the hood and engine bay of the car... I think the windshield fluid container broke or something.. they had to take the car to the back after I drove it.

Then I tried the SC430, which i thought had 300+ hp with a 4.3L V8, but it turned out that it only had 288. The handling was not on par with IS350, and the accleration wasnt that great either considering it weighs 3800+ pounds.
I can see a rich housewife would love this car though, but i doubt anyone young would like it. It also looks kind of wierd to me... sort of like the bastard child of a 350Z and a porsche Boxter...

Lastly I drove the bmw 330i, which totally impressed me and I like it a lot. I can honestly say that overall it handles better than my car, and much better than the IS350. The steering response was definetly better than my G35 coupe. The engine might not have the same punch as my car and the IS350, but it felt very responsive. The max torque comes at around 2700rpm instead of 4800 like G35 and IS350. I walked out of that car extremely impressed.... until I saw the stick price starts at 37k+... which i think is way overpriced.

It was a great day, and they had tons of food and entertainment and even ESPN golf pros giving tips on your golf swing. I dont think the IS350 is that great, but its definetly a step in the right direction to give Lexus a sportier image.

ohh and I saw a couple of G coupes in the parking lot, did any of you guys go today?