It appears the IS350 will not have manual tranny... at least not in its first year (a la IS300). So, OK! What is the point of a performance model exactly if it is not offered w/ MT!?!
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If this proofs to be true, the IS350 is off my shopping list.

 

Lexus is too afraid to hurt their stellar reputation by providing a manual tranny with a 300+hp engine. Too many problems with idiots that don't know how to drive a manual.

 

Nissan/Infiniti seem be the only ones who get it at the moment.

 

I know the rumors are that it will have a 300hp 3.5, but i really doubt it. I'm thinking more like 3.5 265hp. Remember, were are talking about Toyota corp....

 

well, i got my money waiting for the IS350, better be good or G35 here I come!

 

on the positive side, you can get a IS300 for cheap.

 

toyota knows some people would want 6 sp manual but can't wait a yr or 2

so they will end up buying whatever toyota throws at them first and end up trading it in when the real deal comes out later

sells more car that way

food for thoughts: Never buy anything of version 1.0

 

But the G35 sedan was released Auto only... later adding the manual.

 

You really think they'll detune this very same engine used in the new Avalon that makes 280 hP?

 

Maybe...

But they are turning away potential buyers and tarnishing the car's sporty image at the same time. The current IS300 is more known as a blvd-cruisers for spoiled kids and middle age moms.

They turned me away 5 years ago (I took my deposit back after I drove the pos tranny w/ cheap interior) and they are on the verge of turning me away for the 2nd time.

Would it kill the 3rd largest car manufacturer in the world to build one - just f'in ONE - true to form sporty car?! Man... I am fuming!! [/sorry for the rant] Serenity now... Serenity now...