Yeah the IS300 was to get a manual tranny since it's inception. Surprised Lexus took so long since they already had it in the IS200/Altezza.
Anyway I read about the 6-speed for the TL-S in Autoweek. And it was also in one of those television shows about cars. I forget which one. Anyway, I was reading up on it today. And it looks like the TL Type-S won't be getting the manual this fall.
http://www.competitionpress.com/news/carnewstory.mv?story=na38124nb34768nc10629
On that story there, Honda/Acura confirmed the manual for the CL. Since the Type-S came out on the TL following the CL, the same thing might happen. But i need a car by January at the latest. This isn't really what I wanted to hear. I had also considered an A4 wagon, and perhaps the Allroad (way too expensive) if i was to lease. But it looks like the next car I get will be bought rather than lease. I wish I had some time to wait.