| Manufacturer | Lexus (Toyota) |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–present |
| Assembly | Iwate, Japan (1998–2005) Tahara, Aichi, Japan (2005–present) Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan (2005–present) |
| Class | Entry-level luxury car/ Compact executive car |
| Layout | FR layout / F4 layout |
The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars / compact executive cars sold by Lexus since 1998. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup (and outside of North America, the Lexus GS). The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan (the word "altezza" is Italian for "highness") until the introduction of the Lexus brand and the second generation Lexus IS design in 2006. The Altezza name is still used at times to refer to chromed car taillights like those fitted to the first generation model, known as 'Altezza lights' or 'Lexus-style' lights.[1]
The first-generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 (GXE10) made its debut in Europe in 1999 and in North America as the IS 300 (JCE10) in 2000. The first-generation, inline-6-powered IS featured sedan and wagon variants. The second-generation IS (codename XE20) was launched globally in 2006 with V6-powered IS 250 (GSE20) and IS 350 (GSE21) sedan models. A high-performance V8 sedan version, the IS F, premiered in 2007. Hardtop convertible versions, the IS 250 C and IS 350 C, debuted in 2008. According to Lexus, the IS designation stands for Intelligent Sport.[2][3]
Contents |
| Manufacturer | Kanto Auto Works (Altezza Gita)[4] |
|---|---|
| Also called | Toyota Altezza (Japan) |
| Production | 1998–2005 |
| Model years | 2001–2005 |
| Assembly | Iwate, Japan |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback/station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 2.0 L 1G-FE I6 (AS200/IS200) 2.0 L 3S-GE I4 (RS200) 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (AS300/IS300) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm (105.1 in) |
| Length | Sedan: 4,400 mm (173.2 in) SportCross: 4,415 mm (173.8 in) |
| Width | 2004–05: 1,725 mm (67.9 in) 2004–05: 1,720 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) 1,440 mm (56.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) (IS 200) |
| Related | Lexus GS Toyota Mark II |
Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sport sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the XE10 series Toyota Altezza and Lexus IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles. The engineering work was led by Nobuaki Katayama, who was responsible for the AE86 project. The AS200 and AS300 Altezza sedans formed the basis for the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models sold in markets outside Japan, primarily North America and Europe. A hatchback-station wagon version was sold in Japan as the "Altezza Gita", and in the US and Europe as the Lexus IS SportCross. Overall, the XE10 came in three variants:
Introduced in 1998 with the AS200 (chassis code GXE10) and RS200 (chassis code SXE10) sedans, the compact vehicle was produced using a shortened front-engine, rear-wheel drive midsize platform,[5] allowing Japanese buyers to take advantage of tax savings imposed by Japanese government regulations concerning vehicle exterior dimensions and engine displacement, and adapted parts from the larger second generation Aristo/GS.[5] The 2.0-liter 1G-FE inline-six powered AS200 (GXE10, sedan) featured a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while a four-speed automatic was optional. The 2.0-liter 3S-GE inline-four powered RS200 (SXE10, sedan) featured a six-speed transmission, while a five-speed automatic was optional.
The design received critical acclaim at its 1998 launch, and was awarded Japan's "Car of the Year" honor for 1998–1999. A year later, Lexus began marketing the IS 200 equivalent models in Europe.[6] The IS 200 in Europe was listed as producing 153 brake horsepower (114 kW), with a top speed of 216 kilometres per hour (134 mph), and 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0–62 mph) acceleration in 9.3 seconds.[7] The styling cues of the rear light clusters on the first generation models were copied by a number of after-market accessory manufacturers for applications on other vehicles.[1] This iconic style of one or more internal lamp units, covered with a clear (or tinted) perspex cover made popular by Lexus, became known in many circles as 'Lexus-style' or 'Altezza lights'.[1]
In 2000, a hatchback/station wagon model, the AS300 (chassis code JCE10), was introduced featuring a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six engine. Equipped with rear- or all-wheel drive (JCE10, FR Gita Wagon; JCE15, 4WD Gita wagon), the AS300 featured a five-speed manual, or five-speed automatic for the FR Gita wagon and a four-speed automatic for the 4WD Gita wagon. The six-cylinder version (2JZ-GE) was only available in Japan on the Gita models. In the US, the IS 300 sedan debuted in 2000 as 2001 model and the wagon debuted in 2001 as a 2002 model with the same 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (the 2.0-liter six-cylinder was not available), while in Europe, the IS 300 joined the IS 200 in the model lineup. All IS 300 models in the US were initially only available with the five-speed automatic transmission; this was also the case in Europe. However, a 5-speed manual was made available in the U.S. in 2002. Visually the exterior of the European IS 200 Sport and 300 were almost identical, the only differences being the boot insignia and the larger engined model initially having clear front indicators (later generalised to IS 200 range).
The first generation IS interior featured unique elements not typically found in other Lexus models. These included a chrome metal ball shifter, pop-up navigation screen, and chronograph-styled instrument panel (with mini gauges for temperature, fuel economy, and volts). For the European market, the IS 300 gained full leather seats rather than the leather/ecsaine of the 200, plus auto-dimming rear view and side mirrors, and HID headlamps. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency listed the IS 300 as a subcompact car; although it technically had enough overall volume to be called a compact, rear seat room exhibited subcompact dimensions.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test results in 2001 gave the IS 300 the maximum five stars in the Side Driver and Side Rear Passenger categories, and four stars in the Frontal Driver and Frontal Passenger categories.[8] The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the IS "Good" overall for frontal collisions and "Good" in all six measured front impact categories.[9]
For the first generation IS in the US market, sales hit a high of 22,486 units in 2001; subsequent sales years were less than forecast, and below the 10,000-unit mark in 2004.[10][11] The IS 200 fared better relative to sales targets in Europe and Asia, while still 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 was very successful in North America, the marque's sales lagged behind its German rivals in Europe.[12] In Europe, the lack of a manual gearbox option for the IS 300 may have limited sales in contrast to its rivals, the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class.
An official concept model, the MillenWorks-built Lexus IS 430 was unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2003.[13] The IS 430 prototype was an IS 300 fitted with a 4.3-liter V8 from the Lexus GS.[14] Lexus dubbed the IS 430 a one-off with no plans for production. In Europe, Toyota Team Europe (TTE) shoehorned a supercharged 4.3-liter V8 into an IS 300 bodyshell, the result was a 405 PS (298 kW) ECE sedan. In 2000, TTE also released a compressor kit for the IS 200 on the European market.[15] An Eaton supercharger at 0.3-bar pressure boosted the power to 153 kilowatts (205 hp) without sacrificing fuel consumption (+3.3 percent). The kit was initially available as an aftermarket fitment, but could also be obtained as OEM Lexus accessory on new cars through the official Lexus dealer network and was fully covered by the standard warranty.[15] This model variant was discontinued when the IS 300 was released on the European market.
| Production | 2005–present |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2006–present |
| Assembly | Tahara, Aichi, Japan Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout / F4 layout |
| Engine | 2.2 L 2AD-FHV I4 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2730 mm (107.50 in) |
| Length | 4,575–4,590 mm (180–181 in) |
| Width | 1,800–1,816 mm (71–71 in) |
| Height | 1,410–1,425 mm (56–56 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,558–1,600 kg (3,435–3,527 lb) |
| Related | Lexus GS Toyota Crown Toyota Mark X |
The IS was completely redesigned in 2005 (2006 model year) and began arriving at dealerships in the third quarter of 2005, with the production version debuting at the 2005 New York Auto Show. The Toyota Altezza name ceased to be used with the introduction of the Lexus division in Japan, and the slow-selling SportCross station wagon version was dropped from the lineup altogether.
Second generation IS models sold by Lexus in various markets have included:
The IS 250, IS 350 and IS F feature a D-4 (IS250) or D-4S (IS350 and IS F) direct injection system with both port and direct fuel injectors. Certain Asian markets feature the IS 300 (GSE22) without direct injection.[16]
Safety features on the IS models ranged from multiple airbags to stability control systems.[17] A Pre-Collision System (PCS) was the first offered in the entry-luxury performance sedan market segment. NHTSA crash test results rated the second generation IS the maximum five stars in the Side Driver and Rollover categories, and four stars in the Frontal Driver, Frontal Passenger, and Side Rear Passenger categories;[18] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety scores were "Good" overall score for all fourteen measured categories in the front and side impact crash tests.[19][20]
The second generation IS marked the next introduction of Lexus' new L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following the premiere of the 2006 Lexus GS performance sedan. The sedan's exterior design featured sleeker, coupe-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows.[21] The IS sedans carried a 0.28 Cd figure. The forward design was reminiscent of the earlier Lexus LF-C convertible coupe concept.
In North America, IS models sold at launch included the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans; in parts of Europe, the IS models sold by Lexus included the IS 250 and IS 220d sedans. The IS 250 was also available in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Chile (automatic only), Taiwan, South Africa and South Korea.
On 6 December 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of a high-performance variant of the second generation IS called the IS F.[22] The Lexus IS F sedan (USE20) premiered at the 2007 North American International Auto Show on January 8, 2007 as the launch product of Lexus' F marque lineup of performance-focused vehicles.[23] The IS F went on sale several months later in North America and Europe. The IS F was capable of 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds,[24] and had a top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h) (electronically limited).[25]
The introduction of the second generation IS model marked a resurgence in sales for the IS line, with a 332 percent increase overall in 2006 compared to the previous year. In its first year of sales, the IS sold over 49,000 units, making it one of the ten best-selling luxury cars in the U.S.[26] The IS line later took a median position in the entry-luxury market; in 2008 it sold behind the variants of the BMW 3 Series, new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac CTS, and ahead of the Acura TL, Audi A4, and Infiniti G35 sedan.[27][28] Outside the U.S., the Lexus IS spearheaded Lexus' growing sales efforts in Europe, Australia, and South Africa, becoming the best-selling model in Lexus' lineup in many of the aforementioned markets.
All second generation IS models offered a more typical Lexus interior compared to the previous generation with a focus on luxurious accouterments. The interior featured memory leather seats, lightsaber-like electroluminescent instrument display lighting and LED interior lighting accents, the choice of faux-metallic or optional Bird's Eye Maple wood trim (aluminum composite on the IS F), and SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start.[29] Options ranged from touchscreen navigation with backup camera to a Mark Levinson premium sound system and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
In 2009, the IS line received a styling refresh, and the suspension and steering was retuned for improved stability and control. After three years with only one body style, the IS returned with a second body style, this time as a hardtop convertible, on 2 October 2008 when the IS 250 C debuted at the Paris Motor Show.[30] A more powerful IS 350 C also became available, with engine specifications analogous to those on the sedan models. The IS convertible went on sale in Europe in 2009, in North America in May 2009,[30] and an IS 300 C was also produced for certain regions. The mid-cycle refresh in 2009 saw slight styling revisions to the interior.
In 2010, coinciding with the second IS line refresh, the diesel IS 220d was detuned with improved fuel consumption figures but lower power output by 27 bhp (20 kW; 27 PS). The addition was called the IS 200d[31] Building on its "F-Sport" line of parts and accessories for the IS 250/350,[32][33] Lexus added factory-produced F-Sport IS models in 2010.[31] The second refresh also include further interior updates for the IS line.
The first generation IS 200/300 and RS200 series was used by many racing teams, including TRD, to race in various touring car racing series across Asia. In Europe, the Lexus IS 200 was raced in the British Touring Car Championship (through organizations such as BTC Racing),[34] and the IS 300 was raced in the U.S. via the Motorola Cup North American Street Stock Championship touring car series (with the manufacturer-sanctioned Team Lexus).
In 2001, Team Lexus entered three IS 300s in the third race of the 2001 Grand-Am Cup season at Phoenix, Arizona,[35] and won their first IS 300 victory that year at the Virginia International Raceway.[35] In 2002, Team Lexus raced the IS 300 in the Grand-Am Cup ST1 (Street Tuner) class, winning both the Drivers' and Team Championships,[36][37] as well as a sweep of the top three finishes at Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada.[38]
In 2008, the second generation IS 350 was entered in the Super GT race series in the GT300 class (cars with approximately 300 horsepower). The #19 Team Racing Project Bandoh IS 350 driven by Manabu Orido and Tsubasa Abe achieved its first victory in its fifth race at the Motegi GT300 race.[39] In 2009, The Project Bandoh WedsSport IS 350, driven by Manabu Orido and Tatsuya Kataoka, won both driver and team title in the GT300 class that season.[40]
In April 2009, a Lexus IS F entered by Gazoo Racing finished second to the team's Lexus LF-A in the SP8 class[41] in the ADAC-Westfalenfahrt VLN 4h endurance race. A IS F was also entered in the 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring race and finished third in the SP8 class.[42] In August 2009, an IS F entered by Gazoo Racing and driven by Peter Lyon, Hideshi Matsuda, and Kazunori Yamauchi won the SP8 class at the DMV Grenzlandrennen VLN race.[43][44] Kazunori Yamauchi is the developer of Gran Turismo series,[44] of which the IS line is playable in several versions, and the IS F racer carried test equipment for future game modes.[45] The 3 drivers, along with Owen Mildenhall, participated in the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring and finished in 4th place in the SP8 class, behind the 1st place ranked Lexus LFA.[46]
Sales data for Lexus IS generations are as follows, with chart numbers sourced from manufacturer yearly data.
| Generation (chassis code) | Model no(s). | Calendar year | Total sales, U.S., Japan | Total exports, production‡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GXE10/SXE10/JCE10 | ||||
| IS 200/300 | 2000 | 15,540[47] | n/a | |
| 2001 | 22,486[10] | 30,475[48] | ||
| GXE10/SXE10/ JCE10/JCE15 |
||||
| IS 200/300/ SportCross |
2002 | 20,306[10] | 23,749[49] | |
| 2003 | 13,559[50] | 14,187[51] | ||
| 2004 | 9,972[11] | 11,114[52] | ||
| 2005 | 15,789,[53] 3,911[54] | 10,253[55] | ||
| GSE20/GSE21/GSE25 | ||||
| IS 250/350 | 2006 | 54,267,[53] 10,727[54] | 109,720‡[54] | |
| 2007 | 54,933,[56] 9,514[57] | 110,907‡[58] | ||
| GSE20/GSE21/GSE25/USE20 | IS 250/350/F | 2008 | 49,432,[56] 10,110[59] | 93,612‡[60] |
| IS 250/350/C/F | 2009 | 38,077,[61] 5,278[62] | 43,369‡[63] | |
| IS 250/350/C/F | 2010 | 34,129[64] | n/a |
| Drivetrain specifications by generation[51][55] | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model year(s) | Model no(s). | Chassis code(s) | Engine type | Engine code | Transmission(s) | Power | Torque | |
| 2000–2005 | IS 200 | GXE10 | 2.0 L inline-6 | 1G-FE | 4-speed AT | 114 kW (153 hp) | 195 N·m (144 ft·lbf) @4600 rpm | |
| IS 200 SportCross | ||||||||
| 2001–2005 | IS 300 | JCE10 | 3.0 L inline-6 | 2JZ-GE | 5-speed AT/MT | 162 kW (217 hp) | 295 N·m (218 ft·lbf) @3800 rpm | |
| IS 300 SportCross | 5-speed AT | |||||||
| 2006–2009 | IS 220d | ALE20 | 2.2 L inline-4 | 2AD-FHV | 6-speed MT | 130 kW (170 hp) | 400 N·m (300 ft·lbf) @2600 rpm | |
| 2006– | IS 250 | GSE20 | 2.5 L V6 | 4GR-FSE | 6-speed AT/MT | 153 kW (205 hp) | 252 N·m (186 ft·lbf) @4800 rpm | |
| IS 250 AWD | GSE25 | 6-speed AT | ||||||
| 2006– | IS 350 | GSE21 | 3.5 L V6 | 2GR-FSE | 6-speed AT | 228 kW (306 hp) | 375 N·m (277 ft·lbf) @4800 rpm | |
| 2007– | IS 300 | GSE22 | 3.0 L V6 | 3GR-FE | 6-speed AT | 170 kW (230 hp) | 300 N·m (220 ft·lbf) @4400 rpm | |
| 2007– | IS F | USE20 | 5.0 L V8 | 2UR-GSE | 8-speed AT | 311 kW (417 hp) | 503 N·m (371 ft·lbf) @5200 rpm | |
| 2009– | IS 250 C | GSE20 | 2.5 L V6 | 4GR-FSE | 6-speed AT/MT | 152 kW (204 hp) | 252 N·m (186 ft·lbf) @4800 rpm | |
| 2009– | IS 350 C | GSE21 | 3.5 L V6 | 2GR-FSE | 6-speed AT | 228 kW (306 hp) | 375 N·m (277 ft·lbf) @4800 rpm | |
| 2009– | IS 300 C | GSE22 | 3.0 L V6 | 3GR-FE | 6-speed AT | 170 kW (230 hp) | 300 N·m (220 ft·lbf) @4400 rpm | |
| 2010– | IS 200d | ALE20 | 2.2 L inline-4 | 2AD-FHV | 6-speed MT | 110 kW (150 hp) | 360 N·m (270 ft·lbf) @2600 rpm | |
| 2010– | IS 350 AWD | GSE26 | 3.5 L V6 | 2GR-FSE | 6-speed AT | 228 kW (306 hp) | 375 N·m (277 ft·lbf) @4800 rpm | |
| Type | Line | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | Line | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | CT | ZWA10 | CT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IS | XE10 | XE20 | IS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HS | ANF10 | HS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | ES | V20 | XV10 | XV20 | XV30 | XV40 | ES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GS | S140 | S160 | S190 | GS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | LS | XF10 | XF20 | XF30 | XF40 | LS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | RX | XU10 | XU30 | AL10 | RX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | GX | J120 | J150 | GX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LX | J80 | J100 | J200 | LX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | SC | Z30 | Z40 | SC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LFA | LFA10 | LFA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||