The sole caveat: Manual-style gear changes still must be made using the conventional console lever, as neither transmission offers steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons or paddles. The 17-inch wheels provide the best ride quality and the 18-inch tires are available to provide more cornering grip for drivers who feel they need it. It plays through a 10-speaker sound system. The V6 is responsive and just plain fast. This advice also is displayed in the lower center of the speedometer, an area that is also used to show information from the trip computer, radar cruise status, distance monitoring and various warning messages.
Safety Anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control are standard, as are front, front-side, driver and passenger knee, and front and rear curtain airbags. For 2008, the front fascia was reworked with a flatter front bumper, a slightly revised lower air intake, and a chrome grille surround. And the trunk opening is small, caused by the short overhang. The ride, too, can be rough on gnarled pavement or when crossing train tracks. There are no significant changes for 2009.
This works especially well on winding roads. The system matches wheel angle to the speed at which the driver is turning the steering wheel in order to offset any delay in the car's response to steering input. Other single items of note include Lexus Link, Intuitive Parking Assist, all-season run-flat tires, rain sensing wipers with headlamp washers and a power rear sunshade. Failed to get data, please try again. Standard features also include an excellent navigation system, keyless entry, and Bluetooth, but that's not even scratching the surface.
Thankfully, to avoid the heavy hits of the packages, you can order many of the items à la carte. Failed to get data, please try again. It plays through a 10-speaker sound system. All that awesome performance, however, is marred by limited headroom inside the cabin and an inadequate backseat. Data Unavailable Third Hip Room in. The electric motors are capable of powering the car at low speeds. Despite a slightly artificial feel, the electronically-boosted variable power steering is both quick and precise.
Both are exercises made of weight-saving aluminum and fitted with continuously-variable valve timing that optimizes responsiveness and efficiency across the entire operating range. Six-cylinder models make do with a six-speed automatic, though. Interior appointments come in a variety of materials, including Walnut, Dark Gray, or Brown Bird's Eye Maple trim and a variety of leathers. I would exchange power and electronic gadgets for a smoother ride over broken roads. For added performance, the eight-speed transmission includes a Sport mode that enables you to manually make sequential shifts with the console-mounted gear lever. Refinements followed for 2007; and then a much-improved V8 engine arrived for 2008. The trunk is relatively small, measuring 12.
There's soft-touch electronic actuation for virtually every control, from the window switches to the trunk release. The Bluetooth-compatible telephone system can be operated by voice command or through the seven-inch touch screen. Great car if you want something that is between luxury and performance. Voice recognition makes the system a hands-free experience for the experienced user. Cornering stability is top-notch—even on rough asphalt—thanks to the double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear. Optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio System Boasting 330 watts of 5. We did find, however, that the eight-speed requires a deep stab of the throttle to coax the downshifts needed for maximum passing punch.
Intuitive Park Assist considers steering angle input as well as the usual distance-warning sensors to offer contact avoidance advice through graphics in the dashboard-mounted information screen. The available variable intermittent windshield wipers actuate automatically when raindrops are sensed. It is meant to combine precision with lavish, luxurious appointments. Yet, when it comes to a premium mid-level…. Standard features also include an excellent navigation system, keyless entry, and Bluetooth, but that's not even scratching the surface. The driver uses this screen to operate the audio system, climate control, and optional navigation system with backup camera, though many functions are duplicated with nearby buttons on the dashboard. The gas engine doesn't start until it's needed, and it shuts off at stoplights, so the car can be on and the engine off.
Big 18-inch wheels are available. It is still covered by the full factory warranty and I received financing at 1. But we felt that both the electric power steering and electric brake system occasionally deliver an unnatural feel through the controls. Six-cylinder models make do with a six-speed automatic, though. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission with six preset gear ratios for the manual shiftgate. Amazing examples of automotive technology are included as standard equipment, yet the driver is never aware of them.