Performance Review: Lexus IS 250 AWD - [2007]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lexus IS Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lexus IS 250 AWD is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2007. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2007 Caparo T1 3.5l V8.This particular Lexus IS has a 2499cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The IS shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the IS's All Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1682 kgs (3708 lbs) this makes the Lexus IS 250 AWD in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Lexus IS shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2499cc 24V V6 engine produces 204 bhp (152 kW) @ 6400 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 185 lb-ft (250.8 Nm) @ 4800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Lexus IS you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 5.7 V8 (146.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lexus IS.

The Lexus IS has a Power to weight ratio of 121.2 bhp per ton and 109.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2007 IS competing with the 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 5.7 V8 (146.2 bhp per ton) or the 2000 Audi A4 3.0 V6 Quattro (146.1 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Lexus IS generating around 109.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1986 Renault 11 1.4 Turbo (134.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2011 Citroen DS5 1.6 THP 200 (134.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.1 secs, this made the Lexus IS 250 AWD as fast as the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs) the or the 2000 Proton Satria 1.8 GTi (7.80 secs). This Lexus IS 250 AWD is also faster than the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (7.90 secs) the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TDI (7.90 secs) the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps Sportshift (7.90 secs) the and the 2011 Infiniti FX 30d 3.0 V6 Diesel (7.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the IS and the 2001 BMW X5 4.6is V8

When talking about the performance of the Lexus IS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.88 secs @ 86.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 BMW X5 4.6is V8 (15.81 secs), the 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe 6.7 V12 (15.82 secs), and the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Ralliart Sportback SST (15.82 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2007 version of the Lexus IS 250 AWD has a maximum speed of 144mph.

Top Speed of the 2007 IS equals the 2023 BMW X5 M Competition 4.4 Turbo F95 (155 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD then how about the 2023 BMW X5 M Competition 4.4 Turbo F95 (155 mph), the 2023 BMW i7 M70 xDrive G70 (155 mph), or the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0T AWD (155 mph).

Related Links:

2007 IS Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lexus

Car Comparison