Engine: 3.5-liter dohc V6

Engine Options: 204-hp 2.5-liter dohc V6; 306-hp 3.5-liter dohc V6

Transmission: 6-speed automatic w paddle shift

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; 5-speed Auto-stick automatic; 6-speed Auto-stick automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, three-point belts for all five seats, automatic locking retractor for all positions except driver, who gets emergency locking retractor, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, traction control, Vehicle Stability Control

Optional Safety Equipment: Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Tahara and Kyushu, Japan

Model Tested: Lexus IS 350 ($35,440)

Standard Equipment: tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows with auto up/down and jam protection; power door locks with anti lock-out; speed-sensitive, shift-linked automatic door lock/unlock; auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass; cruise control; Homelink; door courtesy lights and various ambient, map and dome lighting features; pass-through to the trunk; dual-zone electronic climate control with pollen/dust filter; keyless entry and pushbutton ignition; front fog lights; power heated exterior mirrors with memory; power windows; theft deterrent system with engine immobilizer; puddle lamps on outside rearview mirrors; electronic digital quartz clock; exterior temperature gauge

Options as Tested: none

Destination Charge: 650

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 306 @ 6400

Torque: 277 @ 4800

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway:

Wheelbase: 107.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 180.1/70.9/56.1 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.4/60.4 inches

Turning Cycle: 38.7 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.0/54.1/43.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 36.9/53.7/30.6 inches

Trunk Volume: 13.0 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3527 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 225/40YR18 front, 255/40YR18 rear

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution

Fuel Capacity: 17.7 Gallons