frankie@work

They had all of their models there for sampling on small test tracks (large parking lot with cones). Curious was the fact that they had competitor cars there from BMW, but NOT AUDI.

Most interesting was the new IS 350 which are not yet at dealerships. Having driven it back to back with a new 330i, my impressions are pretty much the same as the magazine articles I've read. The IS 350 is very fast and handles great, but you don't have the same feeling of "connected-ness" as you do with the BMW.

The Lexus was noticeably faster than the 330, and the interior felt and looked more "luxurious" than the Bimmer. Inasmuch as this is a very subjective criteria, I'd add that the quality of the materials seemed higher in general. Also subjectively, I liked the overall styling better than the BMW.

My time in both cars was relatively brief and I will surely take both cars out for proper test driving when I am closer to making a decision (Audi lease up in May). But based on my initial impressions I think I'd favor the Lexus. I'd get more value out of having a quicker car than the extra handling edge/feel that the BMW offers. This will be especially true if Lexus undercuts BMW pricing as I suspect they will (pricing will be announced any time now). Fyi, I will not need AWD in my next car since I purchased a new CR-V last month. The Honda will service me through crappy weather and will allow me to lease a smaller, RWD car for less miles a year. The IS 350 and the Bimmer are at the top of my list.

no.radar

Clearly teh Lexus direct marketing folks have lowered their demographic sights!

frankie@work

I got into the event as the guest of a friend whose brother-in-law works at a dealership. I had previously signed up on the Lexus IS micro site as being interested in updates, AND I'm also on my local dealer's list for a call when the cars come in. Still, I was not on the "guest list".

no.radar

Maybe they know you frequent THIS place!

Press

I'm going to that event here in Chicago in October....

April

Thanks for the report. I guess the trick would be to drive an A4 3.2 immediately after the event

frankie@work

...after registration. The lines got substantially longer as AM turned into PM. It's a fun morning. Figure on 2 hours tops unless you feel the need to drive ALL of the models.

5speed6 v.2

I first drove the GS 430. The new body style is an improvement over the previous GS. The cars ride does have some life to it now. The 430 was equipped with 18" wheels and tires. Body roll was still there. The interior was nice.

Then I drove the E500. Big mistake on Lexus's part to have that car there. The Merc was sitting on 17" wheels and tires. Through the turns I was able to push the car harder. The ride was comfortable and then agressive in a split seconds time. Interior was terrific.

Two thumbs up to the E500. And yes, April, I was desiring to have an A6 with the 4.2 to try right after the both of those in the same setup.

IS350...nice, nice, nice all around. They brought the interior up a notch. Powerfull, well.. 300HP should be. I could live with that car if my A6 was not around.

BMW 330...doesn't need anything, except more power to be equal to the IS350. Steering, IMO, you can't beat it!

The only other car which would be a good comparison in that class is the S4, but price-wise it's way out there from the others.

Two thumbs up to the IS350.

hemants

Or an S4 to get a more comparable performance ;-)