A daring new styling direction, exciting
performance and innovative technology
defined the completely new Lexus IS that was
introduced in 2013. Since then, sales of the
luxury brand’s entry-level sedan have
surpassed expectations, outselling the
previous-generation model, which was very
popular in its own right. At the Beijing Auto
Show today, Lexus has taken the covers off
the new IS, armed with a fresh new look and
a number of important changes.
performance and innovative technology
defined the completely new Lexus IS that was
introduced in 2013. Since then, sales of the
luxury brand’s entry-level sedan have
surpassed expectations, outselling the
previous-generation model, which was very
popular in its own right. At the Beijing Auto
Show today, Lexus has taken the covers off
the new IS, armed with a fresh new look and
a number of important changes.
Because the original styling of the current IS
has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the
essence of car’s exterior appearance intact;
however, the entire front fascia of the new
model has undergone a transformation,
highlighted by new headlamps, large air
intakes in the front bumper and an evolution
of Lexus’ spindle grille. The bumpers, with
incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically
from the fenders, giving the new front end a
high level of aggressiveness. The new grille
folds back at a higher point, changing its top
and bottom proportions that enhance its
sporty feel with a visually lower center of
gravity, while blending effortlessly into the
reshaped hood. The sleeker profile of the IS,
together with the enhanced character line that
runs down the side of the car, makes the new
IS seem as if it’s in constant motion even
when sitting still. The F SPORT’s grille features
an exclusive 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern,
with jet-black metallic coating that
incorporates functional brake ducts. These
brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with
the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle’s
aerodynamic performance. Adding to the IS’s
dynamic flair are standard 10-spoke 17-in.
wheels that boast new designs with bright
machine finishes. Changes to the rear are
highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped
LED light guides that are now triple layered
within the taillight housing and new
rectangular chrome exhaust tips that
accentuate the car’s sporting nature. Also, two
new paint schemes—Deep Blue Mica and
Graphite Black Glass Flake—have been added
to the IS’s exterior color palette.
In keeping with the same theme as the
exterior, thoughtful improvements have been
incorporated into the new IS’s cabin. The first
thing that’s sure to catch your eye is the
multimedia display screen that has grown
from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. The new high-
resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer
image of the various functions of Lexus’
innovative multimedia system. Also, “Enter”
buttons have been added to the sides of the
Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center
console, making the system easier to use. On
the center dash the audio and ventilation-
control panel has been refined to fit
completely within the knee bolsters, with a
new hairline-finish surface that provides both
a high-quality feel and improved appearance.
New stitching on top of the meter hood
enhances the sporty feel of the IS cockpit, as
do the refined speedometer and tachometer.
For interior colors, Moonstone and Ivory have
been replaced by Chateau, a new light shade
that blends the elegance of Ivory with a more
modern light-gray hue. Other changes to the
new IS include new cup holders, a new larger
leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for
the RTI and new markings on the in-dash
analogue clock.
The new IS model lineup will remain
unchanged with three engine offerings. The
rear-wheel-drive IS 200t will be powered by
the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll
turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler, which
comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed
automatic transmission. This engine, first
introduced on the NX crossover vehicle,
features a number of innovative technologies
including Variable Valve Timing-intelligent
Wide (VVT-iW) that allows the engine to
switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by
varying the intake-valve opening angles, and
the D-4ST direct injection system. It combines
a high pressure fuel system for injection
directly into the cylinders with a low pressure
system for injection into the ports. Power is
rated at 180kW at 5,800rpm or torque 350Nm
at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.
The new IS’s safety equipment has been
upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +. It
combines Pre-Collision System, Lane
Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist,
Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise
Control.
(source: Lexus)
has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the
essence of car’s exterior appearance intact;
however, the entire front fascia of the new
model has undergone a transformation,
highlighted by new headlamps, large air
intakes in the front bumper and an evolution
of Lexus’ spindle grille. The bumpers, with
incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically
from the fenders, giving the new front end a
high level of aggressiveness. The new grille
folds back at a higher point, changing its top
and bottom proportions that enhance its
sporty feel with a visually lower center of
gravity, while blending effortlessly into the
reshaped hood. The sleeker profile of the IS,
together with the enhanced character line that
runs down the side of the car, makes the new
IS seem as if it’s in constant motion even
when sitting still. The F SPORT’s grille features
an exclusive 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern,
with jet-black metallic coating that
incorporates functional brake ducts. These
brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with
the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle’s
aerodynamic performance. Adding to the IS’s
dynamic flair are standard 10-spoke 17-in.
wheels that boast new designs with bright
machine finishes. Changes to the rear are
highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped
LED light guides that are now triple layered
within the taillight housing and new
rectangular chrome exhaust tips that
accentuate the car’s sporting nature. Also, two
new paint schemes—Deep Blue Mica and
Graphite Black Glass Flake—have been added
to the IS’s exterior color palette.
In keeping with the same theme as the
exterior, thoughtful improvements have been
incorporated into the new IS’s cabin. The first
thing that’s sure to catch your eye is the
multimedia display screen that has grown
from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. The new high-
resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer
image of the various functions of Lexus’
innovative multimedia system. Also, “Enter”
buttons have been added to the sides of the
Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center
console, making the system easier to use. On
the center dash the audio and ventilation-
control panel has been refined to fit
completely within the knee bolsters, with a
new hairline-finish surface that provides both
a high-quality feel and improved appearance.
New stitching on top of the meter hood
enhances the sporty feel of the IS cockpit, as
do the refined speedometer and tachometer.
For interior colors, Moonstone and Ivory have
been replaced by Chateau, a new light shade
that blends the elegance of Ivory with a more
modern light-gray hue. Other changes to the
new IS include new cup holders, a new larger
leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for
the RTI and new markings on the in-dash
analogue clock.
The new IS model lineup will remain
unchanged with three engine offerings. The
rear-wheel-drive IS 200t will be powered by
the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll
turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler, which
comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed
automatic transmission. This engine, first
introduced on the NX crossover vehicle,
features a number of innovative technologies
including Variable Valve Timing-intelligent
Wide (VVT-iW) that allows the engine to
switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by
varying the intake-valve opening angles, and
the D-4ST direct injection system. It combines
a high pressure fuel system for injection
directly into the cylinders with a low pressure
system for injection into the ports. Power is
rated at 180kW at 5,800rpm or torque 350Nm
at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.
The new IS’s safety equipment has been
upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +. It
combines Pre-Collision System, Lane
Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist,
Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise
Control.
(source: Lexus)