We told you about the sole Japanese luxury wagon available on the American market back in February.
The Lexus IS300 SportCross is the vehicle in question; it is a very capable and nimble vehicle that, in some aspects, outperforms the BMW 325xi that we examined on April 1.
Yes, but those are simply wagons; they only represent a small portion of the IS300 market and a far smaller portion of the 3 Series BMW market.
The real money is in the sedan segment of the market, so Lexus added a five-speed manual transmission to its IS300 sedan in an effort to attract more of the serious sports-sedan crowd, which typically buys BMWs but might choose a Lexus instead due to the Japanese manufacturer’s renowned build quality.
Okay, so it’s good and shrewd to display manual gearshifts when moving sporty cars, but don’t be deceived by the manual introduction. The image gain is enormous, but very few brands actually sell enough standard-shift vehicles to really justify the cost. For Lexus to be seen seriously in this market, it required the traditional gearbox, plain and simple.
In This Article...
Lexus IS 300 is it automatic?
Rear-wheel drive, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, eight-speed automated transmission power the IS 300 RWD.
Is Lexus manual or automatic?
At the moment, Lexus doesn’t produce any car models with manual transmissions. The final models produced with an available stick shift were the IS 250 and IS 250 C from 2012 and 2013, respectively.
It was often believed that unless one could operate a stick shift or manual transmission, one had not completely mastered the art of driving. But those times appear to be long gone, as manual transmissions are now only found in around 1% of the cars made in the United States.
Did the 2003 Lexus IS300 have a manual transmission?
- The twin cam 2JZ-GE straight-six engine for the IS300 was directly transferred from the larger GS300. This engine had aluminum heads, variable valve timing, and hypereutectic pistons.
- The N/A Supra MK4 has the same engine, which is also present there. When the turbos are removed, it is NOT the same engine as the twin turbo Supra (common misconception). There were numerous internal variations between the 2JZ-GE (naturally aspirated) and 2JZ-GTE (twin turbo). The GTE has different pistons, is significantly stronger, etc. The GE is more concerned with productivity. It’s still a terrific engine, but it can’t match the 2JZ-excessive GTE’s engineering!
- The five-speed automatic from the GS300 was the only transmission available when the IS300 made its U.S. debut. Foreign countries also received an optional, less potent IS “200 with a 6-speed manual transmission; nevertheless, the 3.0-liter engine’s torque made that transmission insufficient for usage with the IS300. Customers had to wait until Lexus finally launched a 5-speed manual in 2002. (the W55)
- The IS300, a driver-focused sport sedan with a powerful inline six and an optional manual transmission, was Toyota’s response to the wildly popular BMW 3 series.
- Nobuaki Katayama oversaw the engineering development effort for the IS300, having previously worked on the renowned AE86 Toyota Corolla.
Important Model Year Changes
- For 2003, very few significant developments happened.
- In 2004, there were a few little interior modifications.
- Only in the U.S. between 2001 and 2004 did the first generation IS300 see sales
- Cupholders have been updated
Buyer Notes:
- Actual 5-speed manual vehicle (not a conversion)
- Nothing is broken
- Pearl Intensa Blue
- the first owner
- SF Bay Area vehicle
- excellent condition inside
- With a clean title, smogged
- serviced frequently at Putnam Lexus
- runs quite smoothly
- 35,000 first miles
How similar is the IS300 2JZ to the Supra?
A 3.0 liter, six-cylinder engine known as the 2JZ-GE powers the Lexus IS300. Fans of the MkIV Supra ought to be acquainted with its engine code. Although it had a few internal tweaks and no turbos, the engine was fundamentally the same as the one in the Toyota Supra. An engine that, incidentally, the JDM Altezza never provided.
The Lexus IS300 produces 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft less power than the Supra without turbos (alone). That is, at least, the stock production. Owners frequently install Supra turbos on their Lexus IS300s. According to Jalopnik, the 2JZ’s iconic status is directly related to how overbuilt it was. The Bubble Era, which gave the world the Skyline GT-R and Autozam AZ-1, came to a close at this time. According to Jalopnik, owners could theoretically triple the IS300’s output without any problems with the right tune.
Additionally, according to MT, there were the TRD-tuned Lexus IS300 L-Tuned versions. Stage I automobiles have a body kit, fog lamps, and an 8 horsepower stainless steel exhaust. New springs, bigger anti-roll bars, cast-aluminum wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires are added to Stage II versions. They ride one lower as well. Additionally, a limited-slip rear differential was a choice.
Which Lexus has the best speed?
Discover the most potent car that Lexus has ever produced. The Lexus GS F flawlessly mixes power, style, and grace into one ideal performance vehicle, with an amazing 467 horsepower and top track speed of 168 MPH.
The Lexus IS 300 is dependable.
The Lexus IS300 is regarded by Toyota fans as one of the most dependable vehicles produced by the company. It had a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 217 horsepower from 1998 to 2005. Additionally, it could feature an automatic or manual transmission. Although it weighed 3,255 pounds, it offered opulent comfort and athletic performance. Its engine was a naturally aspirated 2JZ GE Supra Mark IV engine that was overbuilt and tested and true. Although there aren’t many issues with this car, those that do warrant addressed.
Is the Lexus IS 300 fuel-efficient?
For a car of this size and stature, the Lexus IS 300’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway are impressive. It’s probable that you’ll wish to install all-wheel drive in your Lexus IS 300.
Is Lexus phasing out the IS?
Lexus IS sedan, RC coupe, and CT hatch will no longer be available locally. Three well-liked models from Lexus’ lineup have to be discontinued because of new side impact crash test regulations that took effect in November 2021.
Are IS350 manuals available?
Depending on the model year you select, Lexus chooses to install either a six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission in place of a manual in these vehicles. However, both of these transmissions have received favorable reviews, so taking one for a test drive is probably a wise choice.
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Is a manual Lexus automobile in the works?
No Manuals Anymore Some upscale automakers have completely abandoned the manual transmission market. Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, and Volvo are a few examples of such brands.
How durable is the Lexus IS300?
The Lexus IS is a luxurious sedan that is incredibly dependable and can travel, on average, between 250,000 and 300,000 miles with regular maintenance and cautious driving.
What IS300 comes with a 2JZ?
Given the possibilities of the inline-six, it is not surprise that Alberth seemed to adore the 2JZ engine. The Lexus IS300 has a 2JZ engine as standard equipment, but it’s the naturally aspirated model, which has unique pistons and a unique head. Even more astonishing is Alberth’s continued usage of the stock 2JZ GE head, despite Porting Solutions’ porting work on it.
As far as other high-horsepower 2JZ builds go, the majority of the other parts are very common. Similar to Alberth’s 204SX, which in his opinion, has a redesigned intake, a 105 mm throttle body, 12 injectors (two per cylinder), and an 86-85 Precision turbo, the IS300 had these features as well “appears to be the preferred turbo for this engine. In contrast to the Nissan, the IS300’s engine has been expanded to 3.2 liters. All of it is controlled by a Haltec Elite 2500 ECU. The crucial information is shown on a Haltec IC7 instrument cluster.
Alberth notes that it’s interesting that the Manley pistons and connecting rods are Honda-spec, not Toyota-spec. The entire configuration is beneficial to “A 4L80 automatic transmission with the option for manual changing at the steering wheel transmits more than 1,200 horsepower to all four wheels. Eventually, Alberth divulges certain performance data, such as the 2.89-second sprint from 60 to 130 mph (97 to 210 km/h).
What models of Lexus have a 2JZ?
2JZ-GE
- Lexus IS300/Toyota Altezza AS300.
- Lexus GS 300/Toyota Aristo.
- Crown Majesta/Toyota Crown.
- Toyota Cresta/Mark II/Chaser.
- Origin Toyota.
- Toyota Advances.
- Lexus SC 300/Toyota Soarer.
- Subaru Supra.
The cost of a 2JZ engine
A race-ready 2JZ-GE engine typically costs $50,000 to construct. This special engine is utilized just in racing and is capable of producing 500 horsepower.
All of this is to suggest that these are pricey engines designed for race vehicles rather than the recreational driver.
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Which Toyota vehicle is the fastest?
Toyota’s GR Supra. Toyota now makes the fastest automobile, the GR Supra. In order to match its performance and power, it also sports the most obnoxious and athletic exterior design yet.