[Italian Stallion]

Given the relative ease of obtaining pre-release information on most other cars, why is it so different with Lexus (i.e., trying to get pre-release data on the 2002 IS)? Does Lexus have death threats on employees that divulge info?

 

[SpectraBlueIS300]

It is difficult not only for us, but even for dealers. About this time a year ago I introduced my salesman to IS300.net and he was amazed at all the info that was being passed around. Turns out we knew much more than he did!

 

[TEG]

Some of what we "knew" ahead of time was due to a leak from one Toyota affiliate employee. Well that person lost their job because of what they did, so others may be less likely to "test the system".

I think the 2002s are expect to arrive at dealerships in August.

There were a couple of early 2002 manual prototypes at the car shows, and I think more will be showing up for press to test and review before the real production models arrive.

It (normally) takes a month for cars to come from the factory to the USA so I bet 2002 production may start around late June.

I know one Lexus employee who has already put an order in for the 2002 IS300 manual and even they had to "guess" at some of the order codes and color choice information since the final order guides weren't even available yet.

Aside from price (which may still be undetermined) what specificially are you "dying to know" about the 2002s that you couldn't find out from the car show information?

 

[SpectraBlueIS300]

Yeah, we had our own Toyota "Deep Throat". Maybe "Deep Throttle" would be a more appropriate name

 

[TEG]

More like: "News of brake problems" = "deep sh!t"...

 

[IS300GTE]

that is really pathetic and ridiculous! how did s/he get found out anyways?

i would like to know price, hp, curb weight, transmission and lsd ratios, if the nav screen will work with my hks camp, if my intercooler will fit etc etc.

Some of what we "knew" ahead of time was due to a leak from one Toyota
affiliate employee. Well that person lost their job because of what they did, so
others may be less likely to "test the system".

 

[pierceman]

Dealers are not given information because the Factory management wants the sales people and the customer to focus on what is on the lot NOW, Today. Most sales people don't crare about what comes out next year because they probably won't be working for the same Dealership a year from now.

 

[Lexus_IS300]

they also dont want others to copy them...so when they release, everyone will be behind a year with the "unique" design the created. for example, the altezza taillight.

 

[Italian Stallion]

Wondering what that new "vintage gold" color is. Is it close to the "Burnished gold" available for the RX300?

Originally posted by TEG:
Aside from price (which may still be undetermined) what specificially are you "dying to know" about the 2002s that you couldn't find out from the car show information?

 

[TEG]

>> that is really pathetic and ridiculous! how did s/he get found out anyways?

He posted details about ~his~ customized IS300 and they figured out who it was based on that info.

>> i would like to know price, hp, curb weight, transmission and lsd ratios

I think price is still to be determined.
HP and torque are supposed to remain the same
(215hp, 218lb/ft).
Sorry I don't know curb weight.
I will ask Derek Butts to post the trans ratios to this topic. I think he knows them.

 

[Derekb]

OK everyone - Here are the 2002 manual gear ratios for the IS 300:

1st - 3.566
2nd - 2.056
3rd - 1.384
4th - 1.000
5th - .850
6th - just kidding : )
Final drive - 3.727
Reverse - 4.091

There will be no factory 18" wheel option for '02. Manual trans cars will have a stiffer suspension (higher rate springs and possibly thicker sway bars)than the automatic models.

To start the rumor mill I am hearing about 500 limited edition L-tuned vehicles arriving shortly after the 2002's are out. Don't call your dealers because nothing is confirmed yet.

They will all be 5 speed manuals with a host of suspension and body appearance upgrades. The nice thing is that all upgrades will be under factory warranty. Eibach is rumored to be involved with the suspension work. Power will be limited to exhaust upgrade only.

 

[Derekb]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the ratios are perfect to achieve 60mph in second gear. This should help the manual knock a half second off it's zero-to-sixty times. Figure mid six second range.

 

[IS300GTE]

thanks teg and derik!

 

[Leader]

Great information, guys. Thank you!