Lexus IS

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"Altezza" redirects here. The Altezza name is sometimes used for chromed automobile taillights resembling those on the original Toyota Altezza

Lexus IS

Also called:	Toyota Altezza (first gen.)
Manufacturer:	Toyota Motor Corporation
Production:	1998–present
Assembly:	Tahara, Aichi, Japan Kyushu, Japan
Class:	Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car
Body style:	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout:	FR layout/All wheel drive
Similar:	BMW 3 Series Infiniti G35/Nissan Skyline Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars / compact executive cars produced by the Lexus marque of Toyota Motor Corporation. The IS was introduced as an entry-level model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup and competing against the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Nissan Skyline/Infiniti G35 sports sedans. It was originally sold as the Toyota Altezza in Japan until the introduction of the second generation design.

The "IS" stands for "Intelligent Sport".^[1] The first generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 made its debut in Europe in 1999 and the IS 300 in North America in 2000 (as a 2001 model). The second generation IS was launched in 2006.

1 First generation (1998-2005)
- 1.1 Tuning
2 Second generation (2006-present)
- 2.1 Tuning
- 2.2 IS-F
3 Awards
4 References
5 External links

[edit] First generation (1998-2005)

First generation

Also called:	Lexus IS SportCross Toyota Altezza
Production:	1998–2005
Body style:	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback/station wagon
Engine:	2.0 L 1G-FE I6 (AS200) 2.0 L 3S-GE I4 (RS200) 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (AS300)
Transmission:	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase:	105.10 in.
Length:	176.60 in.
Width:	67.90 in.
Height:	55.50 in.
Curb weight:	1510 kg (IS 200)

US-spec Lexus IS300

The Altezza came in 3 variants:

The AS200 (Chassis code TA-SXE-10, sedan or TA-GXE-10 FR Gita wagon, TA-GXE-15, 4WD Gita wagon), powered by a 1G-FE inline-6 engine generating 160 PS JIS (118 kW) or 155 PS DIN (114 kW) and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic optional)
The RS200 (Chassis code GH-SXE-10, sedan) powered by a Yamaha tuned 3S-GE inline-4 engine generating 210 PS JIS (154 kW) and mated to a 6-speed transmission (5-speed automatic optional)
The AS300 (Chassis code TA-JCE-10 FR Gita Wagon, or TA-JCE-15, 4WD Gita wagon) powered by a 2JZ-GE inline-6 engine generating 220 PS JIS (162 kW) or 215 hp SAE (160 kW) and mated to only a 5-speed automatic for the FR Gita Wagon or a 4-speed automatic for the 4WD Gita Wagon.

Lexus IS vehicles sold in Europe and North America, as well as the Japanese hatchback/station wagon version called the Gita (called Lexus IS SportCross in the U.S. and Europe) were only available in the 6-cylinder versions. In the U.S. market, sales fell below expectations; after hitting a high of 22,486 units in 2001, IS sales dropped below the 10,000-unit mark in 2004. The IS 200 fared better in Europe and Asia, but still fell well short of the sales volume achieved by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and other, mostly German-made competitors. This trend was indicative of Lexus' smaller global status; while Lexus' range of cars is very successful in North America, the marquee's sales still lag behind its German rivals in Europe and several other markets. While a compact on the inside, the EPA lists the IS as a subcompact car.

[edit] Tuning

The 2JZ-GE powered IS series are popular amongst tuners in the U.S. because of their 6-cylinder engines. The Altezza is mostly popular amongst tuners not only because of its possible engine swap for the previous generation Toyota Supra's 2JZ-GTE motor, but as it is viewed as the successor to the renowned AE86. Modified versions of the 2JZ-GTE have been seen with over 1000 hp.

In Japan, the RS200 has a wide availability of tuning parts, the engine block is similar to the last of the SW20 MR2 and ST202 Celica but offers an upgraded Dual VVT-i. As a result, a number of tuning companies has modified the IS/Altezza over the years.

TTE converted an IS 200 first, and within a few years RMM in the US converted an IS 300. The MillenWorks-built Lexus IS 430 was unveiled at the 2003 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The IS 430 prototype is an IS 300 fitted with a 4.3 L V8 from the Lexus GS. Lexus dubs the IS 430 a one-off with no plans for production. In Europe, Toyota Team Europe (TTE) shoehorned a supercharged 4.3 L V8 into a IS 300 bodyshell, the result is a 405 PS ECE (298 kW) sedan capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. TTE also produced an aftermarket supercharger kit for the IS 200, raising the power output to 204 ps ECE (150 kw).

At the mean time, a number of Japanese tuning firms, HKS, Blitz, Top Secret, Sard, Power Enterprise, including Toyota's own TRD, started to develop plenty of performance parts, typically from super chargers, turbo chargers, and even individual throttle bodies, and sometimes complete car conversions.

The RS200 is also used by many racing teams, including TRD (Toyota Racing Development), to race in various touring car racing series across Asia. A Lexus IS 200, based on a heavily modified RS200, has also raced in the British Touring Car Championship with limited success.

[edit] Second generation (2006-present)

Second generation

Production:	2006–present
Body style:	4-door sedan
Engine:	2.2 L diesel (IS 220d) 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 (IS 250) 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (IS 300) 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 (IS 350)
Transmission:	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	107.50 in.
Length:	180.10 in.
Width:	70.90 in.
Height:	56.10 in.
Curb weight:	1570 kg (IS 250)

IS 350 LED taillamps

The IS was redesigned for the 2006 model year and was introduced in the fall of 2005. The Toyota Altezza name ceased to be used with the introduction of the Lexus name in Japan. A pre-production example of the second generation IS model was shown in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show. The slow-selling SportCross station wagon version was dropped from the lineup worldwide.

For the United States and Canada, three IS models are sold by Lexus:

IS 250 - 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), rear wheel drive
IS 250 AWD - 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 with all wheel drive, 204 hp (152 kW)
IS 350 - 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW), rear wheel drive

In the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, two IS models are sold by Lexus:

IS 250 - 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), rear wheel drive
IS 220d - 2.2 L Inline-4, 175 hp (130 kW), rear wheel drive, manual transmission only

The IS 250 is available in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. For China, Brunei, and Middle East markets, one model, the IS 300, with a 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 engine (without gasoline direct injection), 228 hp (170 kW), and rear wheel drive, is sold.

The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The IS 250 AWD, the IS 300, and the IS 350 are only available with the 6-speed automatic.

Compared to the first generation IS model, the second generation IS sedans offer a more typical Lexus interior with a focus on luxurious accoutrements. The interior features leather seats, lightsaber-like electroluminescent dash display lighting, and the choice of metallic or Bird's Eye Maple wood trim. Lexus SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start is a standard feature. A high-resolution touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth, a backup camera, and a Mark Levinson premium sound system with 14 speakers are available options. Other available features include a moonroof, power rear sunshade, and parking sensors. A precrash system is the first offered in the entry-luxury performance sedan market segment.

The IS 350's performance has been admirable, and its acceleration is class-leading. Some say this marks Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compares fairly well with its German competitors. However, prevailing criticisms are that its steering is not as communicative as that of the BMW 3 Series [1], its stability and traction control systems could not be fully disabled, and that the higher-performance IS 350 is only offered with an automatic transmission. In response to these criticisms, Lexus added a stability/traction control disable switch for 2007 IS models.

For 2006 IS models, the stability control system/traction control system can be disabled through non-conventional methods by using a code during engine start. This involves starting the car with the parking brake engaged, releasing the parking brake, pushing the brake pedal twice, holding it on the second push, engaging the parking brake twice, holding it on the second, and repeating until the vehicle traction light appears on the dash. This will effectively disable the system until the car is turned off.

In the 2007 IS models, in addition to the on/off switch for the traction-control system, Lexus added a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna.^[2]^[3]

[edit] Tuning

The second generation IS already has a variety of tuning parts from famous Japanese tuning companies. Although the new IS has only been on the market for a short period of time, there are already a number of body kits for it, showing the high demand for aftermarket tuning parts.^[4]

[edit] IS-F

Teaser image of the Lexus IS-F.

In 2006, several automotive publications reported on rumors of a higher performance "IS 500" or "IS-F" being tested at various stages of development. Spy photos of such a vehicle being tested in Germany and California were published in several magazines and websites. Among these spy reports, several photos were shown of a heavily modified and camouflaged IS sedan at the Nürburgring test track in Germany along with other disguised Lexus test vehicles. The previous generation IS 430 prototype vehicle was indicative of future possibilities for the IS series, including the likelihood that a second generation high-performance IS model could come equipped with a V8 engine.

On December 6, 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of the IS-F in a press release.^[5] The IS-F sedan will premiere at the North American International Auto Show on January 8, 2007, and will launch Lexus' F-Series lineup of performance-focused vehicles. A teaser image accompanying the press release showed a vehicle with a modified rear section featuring what appear to be altered taillights and quadruple exhausts. Media speculation suggests that the IS-F will feature a V8 engine producing over 425 horsepower.^[6] The V8 engine may be the 5.0 L V8 scheduled for use in the upcoming LS 600h L flagship hybrid sedan. Spy photos showing a modified hood on IS-F test models suggest extensive modifications necessary in order to fit the V8 engine into the vehicle.

[edit] Awards

J.D. Power named the second generation IS 250/IS 350 sedans the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2006 Initial Quality Survey.^[7]
J.D. Power named the first generation IS 300 sedan and IS 300 SportCross the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2005 Initial Quality Survey.^[8]
Ward's Auto bestowed the IS 350 V6 engine with one of its 10 Best Engines awards in 2006.^[9] The IS 350 V6 engine was also named to the Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2007.
The 2007 Lexus IS was the winner of the Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Luxury category, according to German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. This award, selected by a jury panel of 25 automotive experts, was presented to Lexus in a Berlin ceremony.
British automotive magazine Top Gear named the Lexus IS as the Executive Car of the Year in 2006.
The Canadian Car of the Year Awards, selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, gave the IS 350 its Best New Technology award in 2006.^[10]
The Lexus IS was a finalist for Wheels magazine's Car of the Year (COTY) awards in 2006.^[11]
Kelley Blue Book gave the first generation IS 300 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2001.^[12]