JAPANESE WARRIOR STEPS BACK INTO THE RING

IN 2000, Lexus introduced the original IS—the 215-horsepower IS 300—as a Japanese alternative to the BMW 3 Series. While it never beat the BMW head to head, the first-generation IS was nonetheless a success for Lexus, establishing a sporty, compact, rear-drive car for the brand, which in turn brought younger customers into the showrooms. Fast-forward six years, and Lexus is once again trying to knock the 3 Series off its pedestal. Lexus has come equipped with the right weapons this time around. Case in point: the 306-horse IS 350, which outguns its BMW rival, the 330i, by 51 horsepower. Equipped with a standard six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles (a six-speed manual is available only on the 204-horse IS 250) the IS 350 ripped from 0 to 60 in 5.3…

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MotorTrend (Digital) - 1 Issue, January 2006

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