Lexus IS Series

Overview

The award-winning IS sports saloon radiates dynamism with its powerful, sweeping profile and clean, confident lines. It rewards the driver with agile handling, responsive power and a host of innovative features.

Inside, you’ll experience a heightened degree of luxury thanks to a careful balance of high-quality materials, advanced but effortlessly intuitive technology and carefully considered personal comforts – each anticipating your every need. Your safety is also taken into consideration with some of the most sophisticated systems available today.

Powering the IS 250 is a 2.5-litre V6 engine that delivers an optimum balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The same engine lies at the heart of the IS 250C, a convertible that introduces a new world of unrivalled sophistication when it comes to dynamic open-top driving. Then there’s the IS 200d – the only diesel-powered Lexus. As you may expect, smooth refinement is a high point. Factor in enhanced fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions and it makes a very compelling choice. For those seeking peaks of high performance, we offer the IS F saloon with its 5.0-litre V8, race-tuned engine. From a standstill this vehicle can reach 62mph in less than five seconds, yet it retains the refined character expected from every Lexus. The authentic style of the Lexus IS F also provided the inspiration for the styling cues introduced on the new IS 250 F-Sport and IS 200d F-Sport models.

Design

At first glance the Lexus IS appeals with a profile that combines unmistakable dynamism with elegance and grace. It is uniquely compelling. But look again. Look closer. As you do so, you will find this striking sports sedan progressively reveals more. Each element gradually becomes its own focal point of interest. The composition, for example, of the newly-designed bi-xenon headlight clusters and distinctive LED daytime running lights. The sporty dynamism of the car’s low stance and the visual drama of the new front grille. Or the exciting interplay of light and shadow across the bodywork.

After a short time, you realise how each detail combines with the next. Connections are made with a reliable, pleasing consistency. You register a sense of poise, balance and refined power – in short, the inviting suggestion of dynamic driving enjoyment that is different by design.

Power

Lexus engineers are constantly striving to set new benchmarks, an ambition that is clearly evident in the ultra-smooth, 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine in the IS 250. Dynamic and highly responsive, it’s also quiet and economical – although a satisfying growl can be heard whenever you request a surge of power.

The V6 configuration was chosen for its compactness, refined running characteristics, balance and longevity. It was also built to be as light and strong as possible. Then advanced technologies were added, such as D-4 direct injection that delivers fuel directly into the middle of the cylinder for a more uniform burn, and dual VVT-i valve control for seamless power and maximised economy across the entire rev range. And it is engineered to last: features such as a chain-driven valve system mean the valves should not need adjusting and a stainless steel dual exhaust system reduces corrosion and keeps noise to a minimum.

The IS 250’s intelligent 6-speed automatic gearbox offers high responsiveness and flexibility.

Powered by the first ever diesel engine from Lexus, the highly developed IS 200d delivers a potent 340Nm of torque together with refined power, excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

The lightweight aluminium 2.2-litre common-rail engine features several innovations including high-flow diesel injection nozzles made from piezoelectric crystals, which expand and contract under electric current to deliver optimum fuel dispersion and atomisation. Free from moving parts, the nozzles also mean cleaner and smoother fuel combustion.

In addition, the IS 200d employs a suite of technologies for reducing emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.

Innovative Diesel Technology

The 2.2-litre common-rail diesel in the IS 200d uses latest-generation injection and exhaust technologies to provide impressive power, low emissions and the smoothness of a Lexus

In the IS F, Lexus engineers saw the potential for phenomenal high-speed sports performance. Yet they knew that realising this potential would require some formidable racetrack technology – and that’s exactly what they have delivered. Take a look beneath the bonnet of the IS F and you’ll discover one of the world’s most sophisticated engines. This 5.0-litre V8 is fitted with a number of advanced technologies to improve engine speed, power, responsiveness and fuel efficiency, both on the track and on the road.

LEXUS IS 250C

Overview

The Lexus IS 250C is both a sleek, elegant convertible and a dynamic, exciting coup· And all it takes to transform one into the other is the touch of a button and about 20 seconds of smoothly orchestrated precision.

The car – with its advanced V6 petrol engine, seamless 6-speed automatic transmission and sleek aerodynamics for whisper-quiet progress – offers unprecedented levels of sophistication and refinement with the roof up or down.

A host of design cues underscore these values. A broad side profile creates a feeling of solidity and strength, while purposeful 18-inch alloy wheels and the low, chrome-trimmed grille convey an intrinsic sportiness. A similar visual balance inside creates an ambience of security and comfort that remains full of dynamic promise.

Safety

Safety plays a central role in the IS 250C. Designed to the highest standards, it has six airbags – including a twin-chamber airbag for the front passenger – Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), tuned to optimise the handling of an open-top car, and an optional bespoke Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS). Other convertible-specific features include climate control that monitors vehicle speed, and seats with shoulder-height warming pads.

As for the practicalities, the IS 250C excels. Innovative design creates class-leading load space, generous rear seat access – via a clever one-touch seat fold-and-slide action – and ample room for rear passengers. In short, the IS 250C is the embodiment of Lexus principles in compact, convertible form. As such, it introduces a new and unique experience

Looks

From the outset, the IS 250C was designed to have the uncompromised build quality of a Lexus convertible – nothing less would do.

The vehicle has an extraordinarily rigid body, substantial chassis strengthening, double-latch doors and reinforcement behind the dashboard. These features, and many others, all contribute to precise handling, enhanced safety and a smooth ride.

With the roof down, it’s also remarkably quiet on board, allowing four adult passengers to converse in peaceful comfort. A host of design features contribute. The steeply raked windscreen, aerodynamic door mirrors and a smooth rear section all channel airflow so the cabin remains calm and relaxing, even at speed. The rear-view mirror has also been strengthened and shortened to minimise vibration.

The aerodynamic profile is improved even further with underfloor covers for the engine, fuel tank and rear suspension. It all reveals the passion for detail that motivates Lexus designers.

In coup·form, the IS 250C presents an elegant yet striking profile, with the dramatic arc of its roofline flowing into the rear windows’ arrowhead design – an established sign of Lexus precision and performance.

There’s more exclusive Lexus character to discover inside the IS 250C. The cabin, for instance, is remarkably quiet. Exceptional all-round build quality and sleek aerodynamics are two reasons for this level of refinement. Others are the sound-absorbing fabric throughout the roof headlining and the scrupulous attention paid to the seamless fit of all roof seals. Offering a unique combination of dynamism and calm composure, this is everything a compact coup·from Lexus should be.

The roof on the IS 250C is a fine example of modern precision engineering. Thanks to the smooth and simultaneous orchestration of panel movements and a unique braking mechanism, the hardtop lowers or raises with extraordinary grace. And it only takes about 20 seconds. For faultless operation, the three-piece aluminium roof is built to the highest specification and automated by no fewer than 13 electric motors and 33 sensors. An additional feature is the helpful rear Parking Assist Sensors that check whether there is enough room behind the vehicle for the boot lid to tilt back before the roof is opened or stowed. Inside the IS 250C an animated display shows the status of the hardtop when opening or closing.

As you would expect, the roof was tested extensively. A special rig was even created to analyse its levels of vibration and durability at extremes of temperature ranging from -30?C to 80?C. Its performance was then proven in the Arctic Circle, in sand storms, during tropical downpours and on 40,000km of harsh gravel roads.

Perfect Engineering

The IS 250C exemplifies the highly refined sense of hospitality that is fundamental to Japanese culture. Here are just a few of many examples. As the driver approaches the vehicle at night, courtesy lights under the door mirrors provide a warm welcome and an added feeling of security. Easy access is ensured thanks to extra wide doors. And ambient lighting on the doorsills, footwells and around the gearshift lever provides subtle guidance as you enter the vehicle.

Inside, the ambience soothes the senses and materials meet the highest standards. The leather-covered steering wheel is machine-stitched for absolute precision, yet finished and checked by a Lexus Takumi master craftsman. Seats are expertly designed for total comfort and support, even on the longest of journeys, and rich wood inlays are sanded and lacquered by hand.

It is all about total attention to quality, driven by the needs of the customer – seamlessly anticipated by Lexus. The new IS 250C, in coup·or convertible form, accommodates up to four adults in complete comfort, greatly enhanced by bespoke innovations designed for open-top driving.

In the front, driver and passenger benefit from low-profile leather sports seats and integral seatbelt guides. The seats are also heated and even incorporate warming pads at shoulder height. In addition to this, the climate control system has been configured for convertible motoring. This monitors the speed of the vehicle and, in top-down mode, automatically optimises airflow so all on board enjoy the ideal temperature as well as the thrill of the open-top experience.

For rear passengers, the slender, arched front seatbacks create extra legroom while the two full-sized rear seats are set 30mm further inboard than in the IS saloon to create greater headroom. The leather seats are separated by an elegant console with integrated cup-holders.

Space and practicality are high points in the IS 250C, whether it’s in coup·or convertible guise. Both are characterised by innovative design and technology.

When the roof is up, boot space is impressive but even when it’s stowed there is room for luggage thanks to the elegant compactness of the folding mechanism and a specially designed suspension system. Yet more space, and an extra level of security, comes in the shape of a clever underfloor storage compartment.

When it comes to rear access – sometimes a concern in a sports car – the IS 250C, again, has a clever solution with its one-touch-walk-in power seat mechanism. Simply touch a switch on the front seat shoulder area, and the seat dips forward, allowing the passenger to simply step inside and get comfortable.

Reversing the IS 250C is similarly easy, thanks to the Parking Assist Camera and Monitor and Parking Assist Sensors in both bumpers. The system features a miniature rear-facing camera that, when reverse is selected, relays a colour image of the area behind the vehicle to the Electro Multi-Vision (EMV) VGA display. For improved visibility, the rear headrests can also be lowered.

A refined sense of hospitality has always been important in Japanese culture. Which is why the IS seamlessly anticipates your needs in a number of ways.

It’s evident in the smallest detail: the Light Emitting Diode (LED) courtesy lights, which provide a discreet welcome as you enter the vehicle; the advanced climate control system that recognises when the sun is warming one side of the car and adjusts itself accordingly; and the pleasantly quiet cabin, where even the sun visors and vibration-minimising carpets play a part in absorbing unwanted noise.

At the wheel of the IS you’ll enjoy thoughtful ergonomics that put you comfortably in control of the vehicle’s on-board systems and make even the longest journeys a pleasure. For maximum driving comfort, the multi-adjustable – tilt and telescopic – steering wheel has built-in controls for many functions, including audio settings and cruise control (where applicable). It’s convenient, but it also contributes to a safer drive as you keep both hands on the wheel more often.

However, feeling comfortable in the driving seat is a minimum requirement. At Lexus we go further, equipping the IS with ergonomically designed, fully supportive front seats in quality fabric. The SE-I and SE-L models are fitted with heated and electrically adjustable front seats (ventilated on SE-L) in leather upholstery, to further improve your comfort on long journeys. The new F-Sport models come with Alcantara? and leather bolster sports seats as standard.

Courtesy Lights

These help make life easier, and safer, at night. When the key is about a metre from the front door handles, the door mirror and front and rear lights turn on to guide you, lighting up potential hazards such as puddles or ruts in the road. When you step out of the IS, lights illuminate the area around the doors.

Smart Entry And Start System

With this system, all you need is the electronic key in your hand, pocket or bag and it will inform the IS when you are approaching. Just touch any door handle or the power boot release and it will unlock automatically. Once inside, press the Start button and you are ready to drive.

OPTITRON Start Sequence

For your comfort, and that all-important feeling of control, key information such as fuel levels and speed are clearly presented in the Optitron display. It also features an interactive speed warning system. Simply input your desired engine speed and mph limits and it will monitor them for you. On top of all this functionality, there is style: 30 per cent tinted glass, crisp white illumination and LED indicator needles.

Navigation Lines

You can use the Parking Assist Monitor to get a clear view of what is happening behind the IS, without straining your neck. Coloured navigation lines on the display screen help you to negotiate parking spaces at close range.

Parking Assist Monitor

Upgrade to either the Full Map Satellite Navigation or Multimedia systems and you’ll enjoy the additional benefits of the Parking Assist Monitor.

Rear-View Camera

The Parking Assist Monitor features a rear-view camera; when reverse gear is selected it relays a colour image of the area behind the IS to the display in the centre console

Full Map Navigation 

Optional on the IS saloon (excluding IS F) and IS 250C SE-I, this features a 6-CD, AM/FM audio system with 7-inch Electro Multi-Vision (EMV) VGA display, 40GB Hard Disk Drive based pan-Europe satellite navigation with Dynamic Route Guidance (DRG)* and Rear Parking Assist camera.

Multimedia Pack

The IS 250C SE-L Premier and IS F models offer the Multimedia Pack option, which provides a 40GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation system with Dynamic Route Guidance (DRG)* across Europe and Mark Levinson? audio. The HDD drive holds up to 10GB of music files that you manage with the state-of-the-art Gracenote? software, using references such as artist’s name, album and track.

To make the most of the listening experience, the Multimedia Pack includes an audio system that offers a 6-DVD autochanger and surround sound through strategically positioned speakers.

EMV VGA Display

This colour LCD screen provides information on vehicle systems such as navigation and climate control. It also presents comprehensive data, including outside temperature and current fuel efficiency.

Voice Activation

For your safety and convenience, the Full Map Satellite Navigation and Multimedia packs are equipped with voice-activated control of the navigation, audio, air-conditioning and phone systems. There is also an on-screen Help function.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Bluetooth? phone† system comes as standard on all IS models and allows you to make and receive hands-free mobile phone calls, either by operating the EMV VGA display, the switches on the steering wheel or by voice command. A useful extra is that it can store all the contact numbers from your mobile phone or PDA SIM card.

The IS cabin is extensively soundproofed. Even the sun visor plays its part in maintaining a quiet environment: its outer shell has special vents to absorb noise from outside. Then there’s the front windscreen, coated with an invisible film that dampens unwanted sound. It’s easy to see why the interior of this car is such a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy music.

USB Connectivity

All models in the IS range come with a USB socket providing compatibility for external digital multimedia devices such as iPod? and MP3 players.

DAB Radio

DAB radio is available as a stand-alone option and with either Full Map or Multimedia upgrades.

8-Speaker Audio System

The IS saloon range is fitted with a premium 8-speaker audio system as standard, with three-way speakers producing a surround sound effect for front seat passengers. It features a 6-CD autochanger and is compatible with MP3 and WMA data files. The Full Map Navigation upgrade on our SE and SE-I models features 13 speakers.

Responsive, assured handling. A comfortably agile ride. Optimal aerodynamics and intelligent suspension. When you consider all of these attributes, it’s easy to understand why the IS delivers such rewarding progress on everything from mountain hairpins to six-lane motorways.

Double Wishbone, Multi-Link Suspension

Originally developed for racing and later adopted by luxury saloons, our latest double wishbone suspension system is crafted from lightweight, forged aluminium to reduce unsprung weight, improve cornering stability and deliver excellent straight line stability, even at high speeds. At the rear, an advanced multi-link suspension set-up provides the optimum balance of handling, stability and ride comfort. We’ve also aligned the shock absorbers along the same axis as the coil springs to create a much wider boot space.

Advanced Aerodynamics

A vehicle’s aerodynamic characteristics directly influence refinement, performance, stability, fuel efficiency, comfort, agility and noise levels. Which is why the IS has an exceptional drag coefficient of only 0.27. Every detail counts: the striking door mirrors are shaped to reduce wind noise significantly while the rear ‘air kick’ lights help to smooth out turbulence around the back of the vehicle. The underside of the IS even has an aerodynamic undertray based on principles used by Formula 1 cars. Stepped sections produce what’s known as a Venturi effect, which creates downforce to improve stability, especially at high speeds. A rear diffuser further increases downforce and traction.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

EPS is fitted as standard in the IS Series. Steering is lighter at lower speeds, but gathers weight as you accelerate, to feel reassuringly solid and secure. The fact that the car is rear-wheel drive enhances steering, too. That’s because the front wheels remain completely free to steer, without the burden of providing drive force. Additionally, near-perfect 50-50, front-to-rear balance contributes to the satisfying feeling of balanced precision

The IS features, as standard, a comprehensive range of driving stability systems that are all networked into a cohesive ‘thinking’ unit. The result is an effortlessly smooth and enjoyable drive and class-leading safety.

The core systems are Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). And they are all intelligently coordinated by Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). Sensors strategically placed throughout the vehicle can anticipate if it is about to lose control, at which point VDIM determines and implements the optimum response before a problem occurs.

Then there’s the option of our breakthrough Pre-Crash Safety System (PCS*) available on the IS 250 SE-L. This maximises safety again by anticipating potential danger and taking pre-emptive measures, such as pre-tensioning seatbelts and providing extra braking assistance.

The IS Series is engineered to provide the highest safety performance, surpassing all worldwide crash safety requirements. It’s also equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, which provides exceptional protection.

Eight Airbags

The IS offers the protection of eight airbags. In a collision, sensors react to the intensity of the impact and activate dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and front side airbags accordingly. On the driver’s side, the airbag technology will take seat position into account. Front passengers also benefit from knee airbags, while side curtain shield airbags can be deployed rapidly and evenly across front and back seats.

Twin Chamber Airbags

This is an important innovation, providing enhanced protection for the front seat passenger. Once inflated, the twin chambers create a depression in the centre of the airbag, effectively cradling areas of the face, such as the nose and mouth, while allowing the physical impact of the airbag to be dispersed across wider contact points on the head and shoulders.

Whiplash-Lessening Seats

The seats incorporate an innovative head restraint and seat back that help to decrease neck motion in a collision. So if you do suffer a rear-end collision, the seat will absorb more energy and thus minimise the whiplashinducing movement between your head and torso.

5-STAR EURO NCAP Safety

The Lexus IS was awarded the 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection and 33 points overall. It achieved full marks on the side impact test, and the combination of front passenger twin-chamber airbag and knee airbags proved to be very effective.