Performance Review: Lexus IS 350 3.5 V6 - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lexus IS Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lexus IS 350 3.5 V6 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2006. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2007 Caparo T1 3.5l V8 and the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8.This particular Lexus IS has a 3456cc 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 Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1643 kgs (3622 lbs) this makes the Lexus IS 350 3.5 V6 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Lexus IS shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 3456cc 24V V6 engine produces 306 bhp (228 kW) @ 6400 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 277 lb-ft (375.5 Nm) @ 4800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 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 2017 BMW 7 Series 750i xDrive (211.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lexus IS.

The Lexus IS has a Power to weight ratio of 186.2 bhp per ton and 168.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 IS competing with the 2017 BMW 7 Series 750i xDrive (211.2 bhp per ton) or the 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III (211.1 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 168.5 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 1973 Dodge Dart 360 Sport 5.9 V8 (193.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 6.0 W12 (193.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.1 secs, this made the Lexus IS 350 3.5 V6 as fast as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.90 secs) the or the 2020 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Touring (4.90 secs). This Lexus IS 350 3.5 V6 is also faster than the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 Turbo FL5 (5.00 secs) the and the 2020 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP (5.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the IS and the 1999 Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic

When talking about the performance of the Lexus IS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.29 secs @ 95.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1999 Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic (14.22 secs), the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (14.22 secs), and the 2020 KIA Stinger GT2 3.3 V6 Turbo (14.22 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the Lexus IS 350 3.5 V6 has a maximum speed of 142mph.

Top Speed of the 2006 IS equals the 2014 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (153 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2006 Lexus IS 350 3.5 V6 then how about the 2014 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (153 mph), the 2004 BMW X5 4.8is V8 (153 mph), or the 2002 Dodge Neon 2.4 SRT-4 (153 mph).

Related Links:

2006 IS Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lexus

Car Comparison