Press Release
Short Version
DESIGN
Following the next generation GS, the new Lexus IS sedan is the second road-going iteration of L-finesse, the unique Lexus design philosophy. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture, this design rationale informs every aspect of the new IS, developing strong visual synergies between the interior and exterior design of the new Lexus.
Combining a wide track and prominent wheel arches with short front and rear overhangs to give the car a low centre of gravity and a broad, muscular stance, the next generation IS marries the elegance of powerful, sweeping coachwork lines with an intriguing contrast of convex and concave surfacing. The resultant purity of overall form is complemented by a substantial reduction in exterior component gaps – in some cases to just 0.35 mm.
On board, a stunning new interior has evolved from the further combination of convex and concave surfaces. Rigorous fit and finish management has reduced, and in some cases eradicated altogether, gaps between interior components, creating an environment of clean, uncluttered luxury unprecedented in this class. Careful consideration has gone into the modelling and spacing of individual components, with a detailed coordination of new, LED interior illumination, chrome highlighting to key touch surfaces such as the steering wheel mounted gear shift paddles, and a bird’s eye maple wood centre console finished by Yamaha’s piano manufacturing craftsmen.
Rear seat legroom has been significantly improved through the addition of 60 mm to the wheelbase of the new Lexus, increasing the distance between front and rear passengers to a class-leading 881 mm. Seating upholstery is available in a choice of standard fabric, sports fabric and perforated, semi-aniline leathe r, double stitched to unprecedented tolerances.
BODY AND CHASSIS
The new Lexus IS is 175 mm longer and 75 mm wider than its predecessor, with a track width increased by 40 mm to the front and 60 mm to the rear. A body shell of 20% higher torsional stiffness combines with an aluminium bonnet, suspension members and powerplants to reduce overall unsprung weight and yaw moment.
With a drag coefficient of just 0.27, the new Lexus IS is one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in its segment. Smooth, minimal panel-gap bodywork with triple-seal doors and a flush mounted windscreen combine with the use of numerous aerodynamic under-body elements to promote high-speed stability and minimal wind noise, whilst reducing fuel consumption. And comprehensive anti-noise vibration and harshness (NVH) measures, including a floor carpet featuring an absorption-insulation-absorption material sandwich to minimise road noise penetration, ensure ultra-quiet cabin acoustics.
The next generation IS is equipped with new, double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension configurations, which combine legendary Lexus ride comfort with the excellent handling and dynamic abilities appropriate to a dynamic luxury sedan. New, high performance, monotube shock absorbers with an increased piston diameter further improve ride comfort, steering feel, road holding and body control. The IS 250 in Sport specification is equipped with a bespoke suspension configuration featuring stiffer spring and damper settings.
The IS also features a brand new, speed-sensitive, electrically assisted power steering (EPS) system. Key steering parameters have been amended from the current IS model range to create
a quicker, more direct steering feel.
POWERTRAINS
The next generation Lexus IS is offered with a choice of two power plants: a 153 kW/208 DIN hp, 2.5 litre direct injection V6 petrol engine, and Lexus’ first diesel, a 4-cylinder, 130 kW/177 DIN hp, 2.2 litre state-of-the-art unit which will dramatically strengthen Lexus’ position within this highly competitive market segment.
Developing an impressive 400 Nm / 295 lb.ft of torque between 2,000 and 2,600 rpm - a class-leading figure for engines of up to 2.2 litres in this segment - the new 4-cylinde r, 2,231 cc common-rail diesel unit presents an aluminium block and combines an exceptionally high injection pressure of 1,800 bar with one of the world’s lowest diesel engine compression ratios of 15.8:1.
Particular attention has been paid to reducing noise and vibration to the lowest levels, ensuring the new unit fulfils Lexus standards.
The IS 220d will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 215 km/h, yet return fuel consumption figures of just 6.3 l/100km in the combined cycle. Equipped with Lexus Clean Diesel Technology, the new powerplant returns NOx and PM emissions of just 0.159 g/km and 0.0019 g/km respectively, easily surpassing EURO IV emissions requirements, and is one of the cleanest diesel luxury cars on the market for combined values of these emissions.
The 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine adopts D-4 direct injection technology to reduce the intake mixture temperature, therefore allowing a higher compression ratio. Furthermore, it employs an electrically activated, 2-stage Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) and Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to significantly ameliorate engine performance and fuel efficiency. When equipped with an automatic transmission, the IS 250 can achieve a maximum speed of 225 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The combined cycle fuel consumption is 9.1 l/100km.
Both engines are mated to a newly-developed, 6-speed manual transmission. A shorter differential gear ratio is fitted as standard to the new IS 220d in Sport specification, for an average 30% improved in-gear acceleration. And the new V6 unit may be mated to an optional 6-speed automatic transmission featuring sequential, steering-mounted, paddle-shift control.
SAFETY
The new Lexus IS offers the highest content of sophisticated, safety technology available in this segment, including Lexus’ state-of-the-art Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) and Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) systems, as well as the world’s first SRS twin-chamber passenger airbag.
The new Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) available on the IS 250 uses a millimeter-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and to determine, in advance, whether a collision is unavoidable. If the system determines that this is the case, it will pre-emptively activate the Pre-Crash front seatbelt pretensioners and simultaneously prepare the emergency Brake Assist system for optimum efficiency once the brake pedal is depressed. Complimentary to the PCS system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can automatically match the speed of the vehicle in front and, once the road ahead is clea r, accelerate back up to the selected cruising speed.
The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system employs brake pressure, steering angle, torque steer, yaw rate, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and vehicle speed sensors to fully integrate the new IS’ Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems. VDIM has been designed to activate before the limit of the vehicle’s performance envelope has been reached, not only greatly improving active safety, but also promoting smoother ‘on-the-limit’ vehicle behaviour through unobtrusive intervention and, hence, a more rewarding drive.
Within a highly rigid, extensively reinforced body structure, a host of airbags are fitted as standard, including driver and passenger SRS knee airbags and the world’s first SRS twin chamber front passenger airbag, which offers improved protection to sensitive facial areas. The new IS further benefits from second generation WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats and swivelling, bi-xenon, Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting (I-AFS) for both low and high beam, featuring 4-bulb high beam lamps.
INTERIOR REFINEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
With a choice of three equipment specification grades, carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, and several new, leading-edge technologies, the next generation IS offers high levels of interior luxury and practical innovation.
The entry level model boasts a comprehensive standard equipment package including a Smart Keyless Entry System, driver and passenger front and knee airbags, side airbags and curtain shield airbags, electronic climate control, electric windows and electric, heated door mirrors, windscreen de-icing, sequentially illuminated LED entry lighting, Optitron instrument lighting, a 13 speaker stereo system with a 6-CD in-dash autochanger and 16" alloy wheels. Both Sport and Luxury specifications further include sports fabric or full leather power adjusted, heated and ventilated front seats, electrochromatic interior and door mirrors, bi-xenon I-AFS headlamps, Lexus Parking Assist Sensors (front and rear), wood trim (only on Luxury specification) and 17" or 18" alloy wheels.
This class-leading range of standard equipment may be further supplemented by numerous, unique, high technology options, including the Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System. It comprises the new Lexus navigation system, the Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound System and the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor.
The new Lexus navigation system, premiered in the Lexus IS, features 3-language voice activation, and combines 7", 32,000 colour range, LCD touch screen technology with voice guidance in 10 languages. BluetoothTM connectivity is integrated into the system for hands-free mobile phone operation.
For those wanting the best in automotive infotainment, a new Mark Levinson® premium surround sound system, unique to the Lexus IS range, features a 10 channel, 300-Watt RMS (Root Mean Square) amplifier and 14 speakers, including the company’s first use of a 200 mm inverted subwoofer. It utilises Mark Levinson® Surround (MLS) audio software to reproduce ‘discrete’ 5.1 sound, via a surround sound 7.1 channel speaker topography, from both stereo CD and 5-channel DVD source material.
The Lexus Parking Assist Monitor features a video camera mounted in the rear number plate surround that projects a full colour rear view of the surroundings. Even greater manoeuvring accuracy is promoted by screen-generated guidelines which indicate the prospective path of the vehicle based on the current steering position.
