Lexus reveals the all-new is range

Lexus today unveiled the all-new IS model range to be launched in Europe by mid-2013, including the IS 300h — the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive — and the rear-wheel drive IS 250, as well as a further evolution of the F SPORT package, available for both models.

Driving performance is considered the single most important element of sport sedan ownership by D-premium segment customers. In conjunction with a dramatic new design featuring the Lexus spindle grille, the new IS has been engineered to provide outstanding dynamic capabilities and driving experience.

'We adopted an entirely different approach to the development of the new IS' said Junichi Furuyama, IS Chief Engineer. 'Rather than developing each individual aspect in the hope that they will combine to offer an engaging driving experience, we first established the pleasurable driving experience owners desire 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.'

Incorporating no less than 12 Lexus first features and technical innovations, the new IS also showcases an all-new interior that combines all the refinement and quality expected of any Lexus, with a more sporting, focused driver's environment, a significant improvement in rear seat space for best-in-class roominess, and a larger, more convenient luggage compartment.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Following the new generation GS, ES and LS models, the all-new IS features the bold Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.

In profile, the mass of the cabin is concentrated rearwards and a rising line flowing from the lower body into the rear lamp clusters adds further elegance and dynamism.

The exterior design incorporates a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus trademark and L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Featuring a clean and elegant design theme, the cabin provides a driver-focused, ergonomically ideal environment.

The newly designed driver's seat offers greater comfort and better lateral support. Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position.

Cabin material, trim and finish refinement is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analogue clock with surface-emitting illumination. The centre console incorporates Lexus first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.

The new IS has a wheelbase 70 mm longer than its predecessor and is 10 mm wider, providing best in class rear seat comfort and luggage capacity. The combination of extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates an 85 mm increase in knee room for the new, 60:40 split/folding seats, and improved accessibility.

The new IS 300h also provides excellent trunk capacity, thanks to the installation of the battery beneath the luggage deck board.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

Segment-leading driving enjoyment is at the heart of the new IS development programme, and every aspect of the new Lexus sedan's driving dynamics has been painstakingly engineered to that end.

New, laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding techniques, along with additional spot welding, have increased overall body rigidity.

The double wishbone front suspension system has been revised, offering a 20% increase in roll rigidity. To the rear, a new multi-link suspension system similar to that of the latest generation GS has been adopted.

The structure and rigidity of the steering gear box has been revised to create a lighter, smoother, more accurate steering feel.

A new Drive Mode Select system features up to four switchable driving modes- ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/SPORT S and SPORT S+ (the latter available on vehicles equipped with AVS), to optimise the driver's preferred combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.

F SPORT

IS F SPORT models not only benefit from exclusive, more sporting and aggressive exterior and interior design features, but also genuine dynamic enhancements in the form of exclusively tuned front and rear suspension systems.

Externally, F SPORT models are instantly recognised by an exclusive front bumper and spindle grille design with a more prominent chrome trim and an exclusive mesh pattern.

On board, F SPORT models inherit the innovative driver's meter with moving centre ring from the LFA.

An exclusive seat design uses an 'integrated foaming' construction method to combine excellent comfort with outstanding lateral holding performance.

Both the front and rear suspension systems and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) are exclusively tuned for the F SPORT package, enhancing IS handling performance without detriment to ride quality. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is also an option exclusive to F SPORT models.

POWERTRAINS

The new IS 250 will be available in Europe with the rear-wheel drive version of the 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine.

The all-new IS 300h's full hybrid rear-wheel drive system combines a powerful electric motor with a newly developed, 2.5 litre, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine featuring a new D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i and a high-efficiency Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. With a total system output of 220 DIN hp, this system targets class-leading CO₂ emissions of below 100 g/km, and average fuel consumption of less than 4.3 l/100 km.

ADVANCED SAFETY

A newly developed pop-up hood design creates space to absorb pedestrian impact force, allowing for the lowest possible vehicle front profile whilst optimising pedestrian impact protection.

Furthermore, several, advanced new active safety features are fitted on the new IS, including Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Rea Cross Traffic Alert.

SPECIFICATIONS ^(*)

(*) Based on manufacturer's preliminary data.