DISCOVER NEW HEIGHTS OF STYLE AND DRIVING PLEASURE
A stunning new expression of sporting luxury
The wait is finally over. At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15, 2013, Lexus' all-new IS made its striking debut. Completely and meticulously redesigned inside and out, the all-new IS captivated motoring and Lexus enthusiasts with the great advancement this unique vehicle represents. Engineered to offer a highly engaging and pleasurable driving experience, the all-new IS makes every journey a thrill. With the latest incarnation of the IS set to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2013, the range will feature the IS 250 and IS 350, and will be expanded to include an all-new IS 300h hybrid.
Overseas pre-production IS models shown
A renewed focus on sporting performance
Lexus IS Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama said that achieving driving enjoyment was central to the development of the all-new IS. "Rather than developing each individual aspect in the hope that they would combine to offer an engaging driving experience, we first established the pleasurable driving experience owners desire as our major premise, and then developed the individual performance elements to support it," said Mr Furuyama."Every aspect of the new IS has been engineered with a renewed focus on the sporting performance, agile handling, accurate response to driver input and highly communicative feedback," he said.
Performance enhancements like increased body and roll rigidity, redesigned double wishbone front suspension and a new rear multi-link suspension system offer a smoother, more connected ride. The structure and rigidity of the steering gear box have been revised to create a lighter, more accurate steering feel.
Meanwhile, 3.5-litre, rear-wheel drive IS models are now equipped with the eight-speed, Sport Programmed Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission from the acclaimed Lexus IS F. This features fast shifts, artificial intelligence and 'blipping' to match revs on downshifts. A new Drive Mode Select system features up to four switchable driving modes - ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/SPORT S and SPORT S+ - enabling the driver to select their preferred combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.
The result of the unique approach taken to the development of the all-new IS has to be experienced to be truly appreciated.
Overseas pre-production IS 300h model shown
A more powerful road presence
The head-turning exterior of the all-new IS, incorporating the distinctive Lexus spindle grille, is at once aggressive and elegant and creates a more powerful road presence. The dramatic lines of the body create a unique style and strongly hint at the dynamic performance that awaits the fortunate driver. The exterior also incorporates a new, powerfully expressed headlamp cluster design with Lexus' trademark,L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) for the first time separated from the main lamp cluster.
Overseas pre-production IS model shown
Driver-focused pleasure
The all-new IS showcases a new interior with the refinement and quality you would expect from a Lexus. It features a more sporting, driver-focused and ergonomically designed environment. The newly designed driver's seat offers greater comfort and better support while the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel has been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased to create a more sporting driving position.The latest advances in human-machine interface technology also feature and the centre console incorporates a Lexus first of electrostatic switches to allow the control of conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.
The all-new IS also sees a significant improvement in rear-seat space for best-in-class roominess, and a larger, more convenient luggage compartment with 60:40 split-fold rear seats.
Overseas pre-production IS F Sport model shown
IS 300h hybrid to leave diesel rivals behind
Lexus' all-new IS 300h, the first ever hybrid in the IS Line, will outclass its luxury sedan rivals, including diesel, with the highest^ Green Vehicle Guide rating and the lowest CO2 emissions when it is released later this year.The IS 300h will produce just 113 grams of CO2 per km* and consume just 4.9 litres of fuel per 100km* (combined cycle) with a combined power output of 164kW from its petrol-electric drivetrain. These figures are unmatched by all rival petrol, diesel or forthcoming hybrid vehicles in the segment, so you can enjoy guilt-free power and performance.
The IS 300h's rear-wheel drive system combines a powerful electric motor with a newly developed 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine. It features a D-4S direct fuel injection system, dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation system.
The IS 300h will be available in Luxury and F Sport grades and will feature Drive Mode Select which offers five different drive modes for a tailored driving experience. The F Sport model will also feature exclusive tuned adaptive variable suspension and Electric Power Steering.
Overseas pre-production IS 300h model shown
Thrilling F Sport enhancements
The already sporting credentials of the all-new IS receive a boost in the F Sport models. Front and rear suspension systems and Electric Power Steering (EPS) exclusively tuned for the F Sport models enhance handling performance without affecting ride quality. The new suspension system is further improved by an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) on the 3.5-litre engine F Sport model.The F Sport is instantly recognisable by a more aggressive spindle grille design with a more prominent chrome trim and an exclusive mesh design, while inside an exclusive seat design combines excellent comfort with outstanding lateral holding performance.
Overseas pre-production IS F Sport model shown
Advanced safety to protect and reassure
Advanced safety systems that protect, reassure and allow the focus to remain on driving pleasure have always been a priority for Lexus and it is no different for the all-new IS. A newly developed Lexus-first pyrotechnic pop-up hood design with an in-bumper sensor which creates space to absorb pedestrian impact force, optimising the protection offered to pedestrians in the event of an impact.As well, a number of advanced new safety features are fitted on the all-new IS, including Automatic High Beam, Blind Spot Monitor and, in a first for Lexus in Australia, a Lane Departure Warning system on selected models.
Overseas pre-production IS model shown
Footnotes
Information is based on pre-production model and may be subject to change.
^Rating based on figures as from www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au as at 4 March 2013.
*Figures based on pre-production mode and based on ADR81/02 combined cycle. Fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
