Lexus IS 350

The Lexus IS 350's performance was praised in the February 2007 Road & Track Japanese luxury sports sedan comparison, in which the Lexus IS took first place and clocked a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 13.5 seconds at 103.1 mph (165.9 km/h).Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS' acceleration as the "fastest in its class." Some say this marks Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compares fairly well with its German competitors. However, prevailing criticisms are that its steering is not as communicative as that of the BMW 3 Series, the rear seat legroom (while improved over the first generation) is still tight, and that the higher-performance Lexus IS 350 is only offered with an automatic transmission, lacking a true six speed manual to accompany its V6 engine. In response to criticism regarding the lack of a stability/traction control disable switch on 2006 IS models, Lexus added a VDIM/VSC off switch for the 2007 model year.
For 2006 Lexus IS models, the stability control system/traction control system can be disabled through non-conventional methods by using a code during engine start. This involves starting the car with the parking brake engaged, releasing the parking brake, pushing the brake pedal twice, holding it on the second push, engaging the parking brake twice, holding it on the second, and repeating until the vehicle traction light appears on the dash. This will effectively disable the system until the car is turned off.