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New Lexus IS250 / IS220d Launched


CarMad
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Lexus launched the new IS today at Geneva.

They have fitted a diesel at last, a 2.2 with 175bhp a wopping 295lb ft of torque. Plus they are saying its very economical and refined and smooth and fits the Lexus brand. Its late to market so if Hondas CDT-i is anything to go by they might have a winner on their hands.

Other engine will be a direct injection 2.5 V6 with about 202bhp. Both will have a 6 speed box and the petrol the option for a 6 speed auto.

Out towards the end of the year, other info is a bit thin on the ground at the moment. It look good IMO and doesn't appear to be following any crowd but as a design hangs together well. Will reserve final judgment till I see it in the flesh but its looking good so far.

I have put the rest of the pics into the gallery New Lexus IS Pictures.

Lexus1.jpg

Lexus2.jpg

Lexus8.jpg

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I hope the diesel is a 6 cylinder.

Something like that NEEDS it, to stand higher than the beying crowd. Also, they need to offer the diesel with a decent 5 or 6 spd auto.

No point if no auto is available from launch fro the diesel.

Good to see the front still looks IS200 ish!

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Thats kinda got an alfa look to it, and thats a good thing.

I agree with spence, if thats not a photoshop, then thats the best looking car in the A4/3 series/C class/etc group. That floats my boat! And as a bonus it'll never break down!

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[ QUOTE ]

Thats kinda got an alfa look to it, and thats a good thing.

I agree with spence, if thats not a photoshop, then thats the best looking car in the A4/3 series/C class/etc group. That floats my boat! And as a bonus it'll never break down!

[/ QUOTE ]

Not a photoshop. They are the release pictures from the Lexus site. And who was it that said all Lexus look boring ? MMmmmm

As you say good looking, great reliability and refinement. Maybe they could even get them handing really well, the old IS200 certainly wasn't bad, it did really well in a Performance Car of the Year when it was out.

Extra info From Lexus Website.

[ QUOTE ]

The presentation of the all-new model also marks the arrival of Lexus’s first diesel engine, an all-aluminium, 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit that is the most powerful in its class with a maximum output of 175bhp. It also produces class-leading torque, with 400Nm developed between 2,000 and 2,400rpm.

The new engine meets Lexus’s exacting requirements in terms of power and refinement, offering exceptionally quiet and smooth operation with superb performance.

A new 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a stoichiometric direct injection system is also available for the new IS. This engine will be available with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential paddle-shift control.

Superior body control, cornering grip and straight-line stability are hallmarks of the new IS, set to continue to be one of the best-handling sports saloons in its segment. It will feature class-leading safety equipment, including Lexus’s radar-controlled Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System

(I-AFS). Ten airbags will be fitted as standard, including a first-in-segment double knee airbag. Performance, traction control and vehicle stability will be further enhanced by Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM).

The new generation IS will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2005 with the diesel model following in 2006.

[/ QUOTE ]

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  • 3 weeks later...

Some more info and pics for those that are intersted.

For more pictures click here. Lexus IS250 / 350 launch pictures.

IMG_4035.JPG

Lexus unveiled the all-new 2006 IS 350 luxury sport sedan today at a press conference at the New York Auto Show.

"We're taking dead aim at the top of the class with the new IS," said Lexus Marketing Vice President Mark Templin. "We plan to offer a compelling range of models and options with class-leading perfo rmance and luxury."

Four separate models will form the basis of the new IS family in the US market, featuring two completely new V6 engines and both rear and all-wheel drive. The new IS 250 and IS 250 AWD will feature a 2.5-liter engine rated at more than 200 horsepower. The top-line IS 350 will be powered by a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine which will develop more than 300 horsepower.

Two new transmissions will facilitate power delivery to the wheels. Standard in the IS 250, a new 6-speed sequential manual transmission is designed to take full advantage of its free-revving V6 engine. A new sequential-shift 6-speed automatic will also be offered in the IS 250 and will be standard in the IS 350 and IS 250 AWD. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the automatic are designed to provide maximum involvement and control for driving enthusiasts.

All new front and rear suspension, steering and brake systems will unite with standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) in the IS 250 while the IS 350 receives Lexus' new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system to provide superior dynamics and control, while continuing the IS legacy of driving fun. The new suspension design optimizes dynamic wheel alignment to help provide precise, confident handling and maximum tire grip.

With its styling clearly influenced by Lexus recent LF-series of concept cars, the new IS shows a strong family resemblance with its stable mate, the 2006 GS, while capturing its own distinctively sporty, yet upscale essence. A notably wide stance and long wheelbase coupled with tightly-drawn bodywork lends a muscular and sophisticated style.

The new look continues inside, where a roomy, luxurious yet sporty cabin is complemented by intelligently designed displays and controls designed to make driving both simple and pleasurable. Bright, clear Optitron gauges and smartly integrated metallic and available maple trim help create a luxurious, yet no-nonsense ambience.

A comprehensive list of safety, comfort and luxury features seldom found in its class will be offered in the newest IS family. For example, Smart Access keyless entry with push-button start will be standard, and features such as a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and navigation system with back-up camera will be available.

These and other features available on the new IS, such as the Adaptive Front headlamp System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and ventilated front seats are normally found only in more expensive luxury cars.

New V6 Engines - Powerful and Socially Responsible

A newly-designed fuel injection system and dual VVT-i will help the new 3.5-liter V6 engine achieve more than 300 horsepower, resulting in zero-to-60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds. With an estimated combined city/highway fuel economy in the high twenties, the IS 350's fuel efficiency is similar to the EPA average for compact cars with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines.

The IS 250 will carry a 2.5-liter version of the same advanced V6 engine with over 200 hp and more than 180 lb.-ft. of torque. Coupled with a standard 6-speed sequential manual transmission, acceleration from 0-60 miles per hour will be in the high 7-second range. Estimated combined fuel economy ratings are also expected to be in the high-twenties.

With all the new IS models, low-friction engine design and carefully matched drivetrains also make significant contributions to fuel efficiency. And all of the new IS models are expected to carry the ULEV-II emissions rating.

Power + Control = Driving Pleasure

Recently introduced on the new GS 430 (and the soon-to-be-released RX 400h), Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system will also augment the inherently excellent dynamics of the new IS 350. In this iteration, VDIM will be programmed to allow drivers to probe deeper into the limits of handling before discreetly, but effectively applying braking, throttle and steering control. This approach is designed to maximize driving fun without giving away control to the elements.

An important contributor to performance, fuel economy and stability lies in the new IS' aerodynamic package. Low exterior drag is enhanced with careful attention to underbody airflow management designed to minimize and balance front/rear lift. The low drag body makes best use of engine power and the low lift enhances high-speed stability and handling balance.

The new Lexus IS luxury sport sedans will go on sale in North America this fall. Prices will be announced near the on-sale date. IMG_4040.JPGIMG_4044.JPG

IMG_4049.JPG

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