Is LSD necessary for the current IS300?

Seems like the people in California region are out of luck when we want to buy a black interior with LSD. Upon reading many earlier posts, some suggest LSD help in dry pavement, turning, cornering, and acceleration. Some indicated a slow down in acceleration or turning. Is the LSD in IS300 really working? Just curious to find out, from the IS300 owner, can you physically tell if there is LSD comes in the car? Is there a sticker (not the price sticker) or under the hood to indicate the model comes with LSD?

I ducked down and examining two car in the dealership one with LSD, and one w/o. I cannot tell if the LSD one is bigger or smaller in the rear differential or not, they all look identical. I am not suggesting that we do not trust Lexus dealership. I am just trying to find out if we will feel a big of difference when we drive one w/LSD or w/o LSD.

As TEG suggested earlier, LSD car will really show its place when it comes to high power engine; perhaps people modify supercharge or turbo with a manual transmission. Though, the current IS300 is automatic transmission, is it going to take the advantage of LSD?

With all you tech people, can you tell me if LSD really needed for true racing car, F1, rally, or touring?

What other cars (production car; similar class) in the market now are equipped with LSD other than IS300?

How difficulty if I want to add an aftermarket LSD or getting one from people who want to further modify their car originally equipped LSD to a better aftermarket part?

Is heated seat needed for California region?

Thanks for all of you answering me so many question in advance, I am getting a car soon in about few weeks. I want to make a final decision whether get it now or wait. Most likely, I am going to go with black interior w/o LSD (In California region, no other choice). Just want to find out if it is an option that I can deal with later...




[This message has been edited by HFU (edited July 08, 2000).]