Sport V's Non Sport

Propwash · February 19, 2010

What is the difference in the turbo lag between the Sport and Non-sport versions, can a Non-sport version be made to be the same as a Sport??

stuie · February 19, 2010

non its the gear box thats different

Gunther · February 19, 2010

What is the difference in the turbo lag between the Sport and Non-sport versions, can a Non-sport version be made to be the same as a Sport??

The Sport uses a different final drive - in other words a different differential, which has different sized "cogs", which effectively changes the gearing as it hits the road. It's a bit like what Ford did with the Cortina 2000e if I remember, and the Mondeo Sport in the 90's.

The engine and gearbox are the same.

As a result the lag is less noticeable and the 6th speed is available readily from 60 MPH. That is really how all variants should have been solved. I thought the first gear was too short though!

In my view though, the cO2 was too high on the ISD and I think Lexus tried to frig it by relying on all that torque to compensate for the higher gearing to try and improve the consumption and cO2 etc.

If I had to buy an IS220d, it would be the Sport because it drives better. I didn't think they were available after 2008 though??

Anyway, the cost in doing it would be prohibitive.

Parthiban · February 19, 2010

Is it the same for the new IS220d F-Sport or do they all just have the same gearbox now?

giorgoXXI · February 19, 2010

Since the facelift version came out last year, they got rid of the Sport version. All 220Ds now have the same gearbox. I think the 220D F-Sport coming out is just cosmetical changes to the car, but haven't confirmed this.

The Sport is better to drive than the standard version, because the gearing ratios are more sensible. Agree that the first gear is a bit short, but sixth gear can be used at 60 MPH which is a big plus. The reason they got rid of it is because it did not make economical sense. The IS 220d is geared towards the company car market, and the Sport version has 195 of CO2 emissions, which is very very high for today standards. For me as a private owner, the extra tax its not that big deal. The Sport also comes with a different suspension, so it rides firmer than the standard model, but gives you a bit more grip.

javadude · February 20, 2010

The sport also has the VDIM handling system. With all that torque, the different gearbox, 18" wheels, sport suspension and VDIM the car is awesome to drive fast. It's a shame that they've dropped it.

Parthiban · February 20, 2010

The sport also has the VDIM handling system. With all that torque, the different gearbox, 18" wheels, sport suspension and VDIM the car is awesome to drive fast. It's a shame that they've dropped it.

The F Sport has all that (including all the little IS-F goodies), it's only the gearing that I don't know whether it's the same or not.

giorgoXXI · February 20, 2010

The sport also has the VDIM handling system. With all that torque, the different gearbox, 18" wheels, sport suspension and VDIM the car is awesome to drive fast. It's a shame that they've dropped it.

The F Sport has all that (including all the little IS-F goodies), it's only the gearing that I don't know whether it's the same or not.

I don't think the F Sport includes the sport suspension, and from what I have been reading, it does not change the gearing either. It's more of a body kit package with some interior IS-F styling.

EDIT: It does actually come with an "F Sport suspension"