All this to turn off the traction control? What's wrong with a "traction control" button like most other pseudo-sports cars? In a BMW you just hold down the DSC button for 3 seconds.

This is just another reason to avoid the IS if you want a sports sedan. You can't easily turn off the traction control, there's no manual transmission in the 350 model...Makes me wonder what else is missing?

Reply

↓↑report

I'd give lexus some time, this is a first year model, and you can't rule out turning off traction control and a manual in the IS350 in later model years.

Reply

↓↑report

Almost right. It was: up up down down left right left right B A start.

You could use select start at the end to choose two players (in games that supported it, like Contra.)

Own your geekyness. Own it.

Reply

↓↑report

WARNING TO LEXUS IS OWNERS:
Do not attempt to turn off your traction control while driving!

Reply

↓↑report

For all its geekiness, the IS 250/350 is just another very good looking SUB-COMPACT. Sort of a 2/3 scale Lexus for the buyer who's always wanted a Lexus but couldn't afford one.

Reply

↓↑report

Those are some pretty serious omissions to play the "1st year model" card.

I agree with Mick. It's a nice car, but Lexus is definitely showing they aren't seriously interested in taking away the 3 series crown as best sports sedan.

Buyers that want a Lexus to start with, will probably be happier with the IS than a 3 series.

Reply

↓↑report

that would be VWVortex, not vortech.

Reply

↓↑report

#5, that's just not so. That's like thinking that a BMW 3-Series is only a BMW for people who can't afford a 5, or an A4 Quattro buyer just can't afford an A6. Believe it or not, some people prefer the responsiveness and fun a bigger, heavier Lexus just can't bring to the table.

Reply

↓↑report

Good point, #4. Y'all at autoblog better be careful about reporting stuff like this without a disclaimer.

Reply

↓↑report

Its seems pretty clear to me that between the lack of a manual tranny and inability to easily (ie. push a button) turn off the stability control, this is not a car targeted for driving enthusiasts, which makes no sense because the best seling luxury car, the three series, is. Also, they allready have the ES for those who just want a cushy interior and a nice sound system and are less concerned about driving dynamics.

Oh, and if you are stupid enough to try and do this while on the road, hopefully you will crash into a tree and remover yourself from the gene pool.

Reply

↓↑report

Come on people, how many people out there will use all the power and handeling limits with it turned off? Look around you, so many people do not know how to drive as it is. The only real time you will need to turn it off is if you are racing, which isn't that often.

Reply

↓↑report

Alex, stability control becomes intrusive well before the handling and traction limits of the car are reached. If you want to push the car at all and have a little fun doing it, the VDIM would need to be turned off.

But you are right, most of these drivers will typically use about 30% of their cars capabilities.

Reply

↓↑report

Alex, what if someone wants to take it to their local autox/solo2? The option should BE available, this is a Lexus. How much does it cost to wire in a button. You sound like Sony justifying their root kit (it's ok if they don't know!)

Reply

↓↑report

is there a cheat code for the idrive? kekeke not to bash BMW, but the learning how to use the idrive is no stroll in the park, heck, if you have trouble using a vcr, youd probably crash your bimmer.

i am sad tho see its so hard to turn off the IS traction control. what happen to japanese egronomics? oh well. im wondering... how about reactivating the tc? is it another series of brakes and parking brake procedures?

Reply

↓↑report

I am not justifying Lexus in not putting in a little button, but that as a tipping point seems a little silly. People are making such a big deal over a simple little thing that gets desiabled only very few times. You know there will be an after makret kit that does this.

BTW I am very against sony for that. I am a computer software engineer and frown upon that stuff.

Reply

↓↑report

I think it was Autoweek or another auto mag who pitted the IS against the 3 series. The 3series won by one point even though they almost crahsed it. The ABS system malfunctioned on the 3 and caused them to almost lose control of the car at a 70MPH braking test (this should have disquailified it in an instant). I would rather be unable to turn it off than to lose control at freeway speeds.

Reply

↓↑report

I agree with Alex. The vast majority of BMW/Audi/Lexus owners will never drive aggresive enough to make VDIM a problem. It's there to keep the occasional idiot who's late for something and driving way over his head while talking on the phone from rolling the car into the ditch. It shouldn't be defeatable.
For the select few who race their IS I have one question: How can you possibly afford it? If Lexus suspects your racing, there's no way they will honor the warranty and have you seen how much service costs nowadays?!

Reply

↓↑report

i've driven the IS350 at a test event. drove it pretty hard.

it does not have very communicative steering or brakes or throttle for that matter and well being based on the GS platform, it isn't even all that much lighter (I think its maybe 200 pounds less than a GS300 if that).

It also very very cramped inside. I was well really disappointed.

Reply

↓↑report

Alex, it was in the latest issue of car and driver. see here: http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=9993&page_number=10

Reply

↓↑report

thanks for the correction, john, my fingers were obviously moving faster than my brain.

Reply

↓↑report