TOM'S does up the IS350
Although the upcoming IS-F has got many a Lexus enthusiast's blood boiling, those that are already content with their IS350 can benefit from one of Japan's top Toyota tuners: TOM'S.
The aftermarket firm specializes in all things ToMoCo, including campaigning a number of vehicles in Super GT, Formula Nippon and Formula 3. As with all good tuners, that extensive motorsports experience filters down to its consumer-grade products and has served, up until the introduction of the IS-F, as Toyota's unofficial M and AMG tuning house.
[Source: Nihon Car and Bike]
The TOM'S version of the IS350 benefits from a mild tweaking of all the performance related components of the stock vehicle, with a revised ECU, new air filter and cat-back exhaust. In order to control and halt the 3.5-liter's forward momentum, TOM'S can outfit the IS350 with new brakes and lines, as well as a number of custom suspension setups -- from the mild spring/strut combos, to the full-bore coilovers, strut bars, sway bars and lower body reinforcement braces. Throw in one of their LSDs and you've got a streetable whip that can take to the touge with ease.
As for rolling stock, TOM'S gives its customers the options of three different wheel styles, all measuring in at 19 inches, along with some exotic rubber that we won't see here in the States. Exterior styling is subdued with some minor changes to the front and rear bumpers, plus the addition of a diminutive trunk lid spoiler.
Most of TOM'S wares aren't available Stateside, but with the rise of certain aftermarket suppliers, there's a good possibility that you may see a TOM'S massaged IS before you see its V8-powered big brother.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Baapo 5:40PM (3/28/2007)
I love the styling clues; very subtle but extremely stylish; unlike the cartoon look bestowed on the IS-F with its bulging hood and side walls...
Certainly does justice to an already good looking car...
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stefan 5:41PM (3/28/2007)
TOM''s is one of my favorite tuning company's and they have done a good job on the IS. They olso have a tuned version of the LS460 http://www.nihoncar.com/news-459-Lexus+LS460+by+TOM%27S.html.
But my favorite TOM's car is still the toyota X540 chaser.
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Dave 5:44PM (3/28/2007)
I never understood the appeal of a Lexus? Japanese cars are for people who hate driving. Why would you buy a boring japanese vehicle when the germans have such a superior offering.
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grumbles 1:05AM (3/29/2007)
One might choose the IS over the 3 series if they're seeking a small luxury car. The 3 series' overly cheap/spartan interior and ridiculous price doesn't quite lean towards luxury, well, at all.
I realize that it's difficult for some of the narrow-minded bmw floggers out there to understand, but different people just might want different things once in awhile. Like luxury.
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stefan 5:56PM (3/28/2007)
Whats boring about Japanese cars, pleas talk for your self.
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Takeo 8:15PM (3/28/2007)
You're a moron Dave,
You've never driven an SW20 MR2, a Supra or an S2000 have you? On top of everything else I don't have to deal with BMW cracked cylinder heads, Audi/VW electrical problems and Merc-Benz overall reliability issues. The Germans have a good driving product when they can keep them on the road.
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Sam 6:12PM (3/28/2007)
Yup, looks better than the IS-F, also take a look at the LS460, SC430 and the GS http://www.tomsracing.co.jp/e/comp/lexus/index2.html
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STELLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 6:13PM (3/28/2007)
I think they are boring and have zero imagination as for their style. They are appliances, functional pieces of metal with a motor and pedals. They should install a refrigerator under the trunk and a portable toilet behind the passengers seat, and call them street cars.
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Bryan 6:25PM (3/28/2007)
It is still so boring. Nothing can make this thing pretty. I agree with Stella and Dave. Appliances with no appeal except to people who do not like driving. It's like a piece of jewelry to people because of how much it costs and while it makes them feel superior and smart, they couldn't tell you how it worked if they tried. When Japanese and Koreans make cars, they either copy American design to try to make their vehicles appealing, or they do it on their own and fail miserably with me too, hideous, and/or forgettable styling.
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mlucas2006 6:32PM (3/28/2007)
@Dave:
Lexus has created boring vehicles if you keep them in stock form, but a couple of them can be made very fun with a little work (namely, a turboed IS300 or SC300). The real reason TOM'S isn't available in the US is because Toyota/Lexus never gives us the good cars. Imagine this--instead of a n/a straight 6 or a mushy V8 in the 1st gen Lexus SC coupe, the Japanese version got the 2jzgte and 6 speed out of the Supra. Call that a car for non-drivers if you want...
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DPC car videos 6:39PM (3/28/2007)
Very good looking car, if IS-F will never hit the US soil then this is a great alternative. But I think Lexus should have a product in the US that can go toe to toe with the BMW M3 and The Audi RS4.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
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Harry 8:05PM (3/28/2007)
To Dave, Bryan, and Stella:
How can you say all Japanese cars are boring. What about all the naturally aspirated Hondas that put out 100Hp/Litre. Or rally cars like the Evolution or the Sti.
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DOS 7:21PM (3/28/2007)
Everyone has their own opinion about cars. I like pretty much all cars and every kind of car has it's weak points. For European, most have horrible reliability, especially Mercedes. This doens't mean it's a bad car. People may like the prestige. In the case of Lexus, it's the similar class of prestige and a lower price point. Both Japanese and Europeean cars have sporty models and not so sporty.
Tom's is a Toyota specific tuner and they do great stuff. I personally look forward to this car and hope we can get those parts available in the US.
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jj 7:22PM (3/28/2007)
Yay, more power.
Still handles like a yacht. Hey, toyota, remember the MR2? How bout the celica? Some things that were fun to drive beyond stoplight go-go, yes?
Lost cause I know. Camrys are profitable.
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Maxim 9:44PM (3/28/2007)
@DPC: the IS-F *is* coming here.
And to all that keep calling this car soul-less and boring, this looks much better than the new 3er, new C-Class, and A4. The new G35 is close, but the IS is simply the most elegant of the bunch. Funny how the Japanese have better styling than the Germans these days. And those that insist on saying it handles like a yacht... have you ever driven it? I'm a proud owner of the IS300, and can't get enough of its go-kart-like handling. The 350 is just as good, but with much more power. Ya, it's the "cool thing" to diss on Lexus. But the Lexus of today is a far cry from the experiment launched almost 20 years ago. Case in point: a possible IS-F Evo - stripped down pure racing machine. So much for a people mover...
http://my.is/forums/media-news/324633-stripped-down-faster-f-works.html
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owen 8:45PM (3/28/2007)
To Dave, Bryan, and Stella: did mulally get rid of all his lexuses and toyotas he had before he started working for ford?and how come he did not buy american?i will tell you ,they are all BULLSHIT
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Dan 4:05AM (3/30/2007)
3. I never understood the appeal of a Lexus? Japanese cars are for people who hate driving. Why would you buy a boring japanese vehicle when the germans have such a superior offering. ????????
First off i Own an IS and Well as an LS 400 Sedan.
And I wouldnt every give up driving them. and would never buy anything not close to Lexus and Toyota quality and standards.
You keep your german cars that drop price values like files while i still be able to sell my lexus higher then any other bmw audi or benz.
Plus you pay crazy amounts of lease of finance the car comes with nothing and every thing extra while lexus offer the most option.
So enjoy german cars while i enjoy saving gas and riding in style.
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whofan 9:45PM (3/28/2007)
Looks like Who ever designed the Hyundi Sonata is now working for Toyota.
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paul34 10:27PM (3/28/2007)
They need to do a tranny swap...
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Jason 1:57AM (3/29/2007)
The IS is one of the best kept secrets. Elegant, modern, sporty, efficient, affordable, and reliable, all in one package. There is no shame in this car. But the name, "Tom's" has got to go. Have some class. May as well be named "Biff," etc.
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