IS Changes for Model Year 2007

[mjb2123]

Noob here looking to get a 2007 IS when they arrive.

I apologize if this has been asked already, but do we know any specs for the 2007 models? I'm leaning toward the AWD model as I live in the northeast and will have to deal with snow, but was hoping they'd give it some more horsepower. The IS250 AWD didn't have enough IMO.

[Webmaster: You're looking at the extent of the changes for 2007. If there were any changes to the drivetrain they would've topped the list!]

[DaEvilG]

There is one key change though that should make many people happy....More on that later
Hmmm....a week later and i'm still dying to hear about this "key change." I hope later is now.

[Webmaster: sorry if it wasn't clear in the story: "The biggest news though, is the addition of a VSC/VDIM defeat button."]

[DaEvilG]

[Webmaster: sorry if it wasn't clear in the story: "The biggest news though, is the addition of a VSC/VDIM defeat button."]

Ahh, my mistake...well we can already take that off with the foot brake method. But, of course a button is better like the current GS430 model. Any predicted release date? I tried to preorder it at my local dealer but they are all oddballs and have no idea what the difference between the '06 and '07 will be.

Thanks for the great info!

[toro1966]

Ok, I am getting ready to order my 2007 IS350 in the next 48 hours. The dealer estimates it will be beginning of October before I get it. That's fine with me. My big question is: Do the dealers have a 2007 order option sheet or are they just using the 2006 one? I would think that would be an important question so they would know exactly what was available. Any ideas?

[Webmaster: Depends on the dealer. Some may be up to date, others may not. The information should be available to them by now.]

[Slyne]

I had heard that a coupe version would be released Spring 2007. Does this piece of news contradict that previous information (when you say this is the extent of changes for 2007), or are the changes mentioned here limited to the sedan version and not related to the coupe?

[Webmaster: No coupe for 2007]

[ISTech]

I Spoke with the dealership when i was buying my '06 350. They said the '07 would come with something called "Lexus Link".

[SilverF16]

Something Lexus may not tell you is they may slightly tweak the suspension to be less tail happy. A report from R&T indicate that with VDIM turned off on a 2006 (via the special code) the rear end is rather loose. And this is on an IS250 AWD.

With the extra power from the 350, I doubt Lexus with all its lawyers would let consumers drive around with a easy to oversteer vehicle when VDIM is turned off.

So I suspect they will retune the suspension for 2007. Worse yet, they may give you a VDIM off switch that automatically reengages under certain conditions, much like GS300/430 traction control, which, when shutoff, re-engages at around 35 mph.

[TJ-IS300]

I don't believe what Road and Track wrote. The 250 AWD does not have VDIM, so they are wrong. As for the tail happiness, it may or may not be. I have also heard that semi-aniline leather will be offered in the 2007 IS and I have heard that Lexus Link may become an option.

[IS300_808]

anybody know wut the sharkfin antenna is gonna look like?.....

[Webmaster: probably a lot like the one on the IS500 spy shots...]

[DaEvilG]

Since they decided to finally carry over the 18" Five-spoke Super Chrome Finish Wheels...from Japan, is there any possiblilty of them bringing over the OEM Lexus remote start key fob from Japan to the U.S. for the '07?

[fueledbymetal]

Will Black Sapphire (8U0) have a bluish hue to it like Blue Onyx (I hope) or will it just be some sort of metallic black?

[Webmaster: It's a blue. The new black is called "Obsidian".]

[amitkc]

Tony, its Aug 10. Is your '07 IS350 here yet? Has anyone got a MY07 yet, or are they all on a ship at this point?

[Webmaster: got this from my source a couple days ago "it is scheduled to be produced in Japan in two days (8/10) as one of the first MY07s."]

[k3vo]

Confirmation Info from Club Lexus site after the August 15 "moratorium" date.

Exterior

• Shark fin antenna

• HID with AFS available as standalone option

• New exterior colors:

-Starfire Pearl

-Obsidian

-Golden Almond Metallic

-Black Sapphire

Interior

• Illuminated fuel/trunk opener

• Foglamp indicator

Mechanical

• VSC/TRAC cut-off switch

Package Options

• X Package for IS 250 rear-drive models and IS 350:

sport suspension, sport pedals, illuminated scuff plates, front lip spoiler, 18” accessory wheels

Credit: Lexus USA

And info from TIS thanks to lobuxracer at CL:

Originally Posted by lobuxracer

It's August 15th on TIS. They released the '07 New Car Features book with all the changes. I've been looking at it for almost a half hour...interesting new stuff for sure.

The styling changes are not in the NCF, nor are new paint codes. The two significant changes to the car are a VSC off switch, and every system this touches has been updated in the NCF. It's a LOT of little changes, mostly diagrams that have VSC Off indicator added to them. Here's what means the most to the enthusiasts on the board:

TRAC OFF Method:

1) Push the VSC OFF switch to turn TRAC off. The slip indicator light will come on.

2) Push the VSC OFF switch again to turn the system back on.

VSC OFF Method:

1) Push the VSC OFF switch for 3 seconds or more to turn VSC off. The slip indicator light and the
VSC OFF indicator light will come on.

2) Push the VSC OFF switch again to turn the system back on.

The other big technical change is the use of a gel mat in the passenger's seat for "occupant classification." This means the pad knows if the occupant is small or not, heavy or not, and plans the air bag deployment accordingly.

Added Parts:


• Occupant Classification ECU

• Occupant Classification Sensor (Gel Type)

• Seat Belt Tension Sensor

• Front Passenger Indicator (AIRBAG ON/OFF
indicator lights)

Changed Parts:

• The Airbag Sensor Assembly software reflects the
new front passenger occupant classification system.

• The seat belt buckle switch (for Front Passenger) has
been changed from a contact type to a non-contact
type.

Total of 27 changed documents from the original 127.

[jruhi4]

This my.IS General Discussion thread:

Pics from 07 IS Brochure.

which, in turn, references this Club Lexus thread containing scans of the 2007 Lexus IS brochure:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233400

reveals a few heretofore undisclosed facts about the 2007 Lexus IS:

• There is a moonroof-delete option ONLY in conjunction with the X-Package.
  
• The X-Package is available ONLY with Tungsten Pearl, Obsidian or Smoky Granite Mica exteriors.
  
• Wood interior trim is available as a stand-alone option ONLY for the IS250 AWD, reflecting the fact that it has been removed ONLY from the IS250 AWD version of the Luxury Package.
  
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio and the stillborn Dual Sport Exhaust by HKS have been removed from the Options and Accessories list.

[IS.holic]

IS 250 AWD changes for '07

Just having ordered an IS 250 AWD, LP, I wonder if they will reduce the package price? The dealer had no info. I brought the post of the new options because they were clueless. It should arrive in early Oct. I will be interested to see if it is wood. It's not a big deal for me either way, just wondering.