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Gallery: Lexus IS range revealed

DETROIT, Michigan - Three variants were unveiled at the show - IS 250, IS 350 and IS 300h hybrid. All three models will also be available in a new F Sport variant.

All models sport the automaker’s new spindle grille, as seen on the 2011 GS.

‘ENGAGING DRIVING EXPERIENCE’

Lexus IS chief engineer Junichi Furuyama said: "We adopted an entirely different approach to the development of the 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 as our major premise, and then we developed the individual performance elements to support it.

"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.

IMAGE GALLERY

According to the Japanese automaker, the model is more driver-focused and sees a significant upgrade in interior space with a larger, more convenient luggage compartment.

FOUR DRIVING MODES

The 3.5 rear-wheel drive IS models are now equipped with the eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) auto borrowed from the ISF.

The IS 250 is capable of 154kW at 6400rpm with a torque peak of 253Nm at 4800rpm. The IS 350 is rated at 233kW at 6400rpm with a torque peak of 378Nm from 4800rpm

The IS 300h combines a powerful electric motor with a newly developed 2.5 four-cylinder petrol engine capable of 162kW.

The system targets class-leading CO2 emissions of below 100g/km and average fuel consumption of less than 4.3 lires/100km.

Drivers can choose between four modes - Eco, Normal Sport, Sport S and Sport+

INSPIRED BY THE LF-CC CONCEPT


The new IS is inspired by Lexus’s LF-CC concept car. The new IS’s increased width (+10mm) and longer wheelbase (+70mm) allow for significantly more comfort for rear seat passengers and greater luggage capacity, too.

The new driver’s seat is more comfortable and provides better lateral support. The seat and the angle of the new steering wheel, inspired by the LFA, are both lower, and the steering wheel’s reach adjustment has been increased.

The cabin has been refined throughout with new materials and high trim levels and the introduction of a analogue clock.

The centre console has electrostatic switches which can be controlled with a finger to adjust the air conditioning temperature, a first for Lexus.

F SPORT


Lexus IS F Sport models benefit from exclusively tuned front and rear suspension and receive exterior and interior design tweaks.

Externally, F Sport models are recognisable by a more assertive spindle grille design with a more prominent chromed and mesh design.

Both the front and rear suspension systems and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) are exclusively tuned for the F Sport package, enhancing handling performance without affecting ride quality.

The new suspension system will be further enhanced by an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) on all F Sport models and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) on 3.5-litre engine F Sport models.

More details on the South African model range and specification levels will be announced at the time of local introduction.
 

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