Credit: Speedsportlife.com
• Class-leading safety features: Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Bi-Xenon headlights with Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (I-AFS) and 10 standard airbags, including double knee airbags. Setting new class standards in driving dynamics, on-board luxury and ergonomic excellence, the new IS - the next generation of Lexus’ compact sports sedan - makes its world debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. Building on the success of the first IS, the new model range offers an exclusive, highly sophisticated experience within the premium D segment. The next generation IS also marks the introduction of the first ever Lexus diesel engine. The most powerful unit in its displacement category, the new, all aluminium, 2.2 litre power plant fulfils the most exacting standards of Lexus performance and refinement. It combines exceptionally quiet, ultra-smooth operating characteristics with class-leading torque availability and power. The introduction of a diesel engine within the Lexus model range will have a fundamental impact on the strength of the brand throughout Europe. "Diesel is critical to any brand’s success in Europe" considers Karl Schlicht, Vice President of Lexus Europe. "Our first diesel engine will open the market to us and it will put Lexus on a level playing field."
DESIGN
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The new Lexus is 90 mm longer and 75 mm wider than its predecessor. Its wide track and prominent wheel arches combine with short front and rear overhangs to give the car a low centre of gravity and broad, robust appearance, appropriate to its sporting prow-ness. To the front, a trademark, vertically latticed grille instantly identifies the new IS as a sporting member of the Lexus marque. As first demonstrated on the LF-S concept vehicle, the aggressive, twin-barrel headlamp clusters are positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself. This carefully considered disposition of the key frontal elements will become a unique characteristic of future Lexus models, focusing the eye at the very apex of the vehicle to strengthen the impression of speed and agility. The IS grille generates a powerful coachwork line which highlights the clean muscular bonnet surface before sweeping seamlessly into the windscreen pillar. An adjacent concave surface stretches between bonnet and wheel arch to reinforce the car’s wide, dynamic front stance, and is punctuated by a new, sporting, door-mounted mirror design as it flows into the narrowing belt line.
INTERIOR DESIGN
ON-BOARD TECHNOLOGY
The new IS may be accessed through the standard Lexus Smart Keyless Entry system. With the key in his or her possession, the driver has only to touch the inner side of the door handle to unlock all four doors. Thereafter, the engine may be started with the simple touch of a button, the key remaining stored in the driver’s pocket or purse throughout. The most advanced satellite navigation system on the market is also available in the new Lexus IS. It boasts the world’s fastest route calculation technology, and incorporates a Bluetooth® hands-free system for compatible mobile phones and a voice recognition system, covering navigation, audio and climate functions. The standard audio system, featuring 13 speakers and a 6-CD autochanger, will play MP3 and WMA files. The system also includes an auxiliary socket (installed in the console box) to enable a portable audio player to be plugged directly into the system. For customers wanting the best in the segment, Lexus offers a premium, 14 speaker, Mark Levinson® surround sound system. This unit can also be specified with an in-dash 6-disc DVD player. The sculpted, metal plate instrument binnacle features the next generation Optitron technology. Rev counter and speedometer needles feature a progressive illumination system that provides additional refinement. The understated opulence of the next generation IS interior is further reinforced after dark through a comprehensive, ambience enhancing cabin lighting design. Cabin access is highlighted by puddle lights on the door mirrors and front footwell illumination, which may be combined with unique, blue LED scuff plates. Overall interior illumination is provided by front and rear seat overhead lighting, whilst front and rear reading lamps comprise 4-cluster, white LED spotlights, and the gear lever is illuminated by a single, low-intensity, white LED spotlight.
ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS
2.2 LITRE DIESEL
Fulfilling the most exacting standards of Lexus refinement, the new 2,231 cc common-rail diesel unit is constructed entirely from aluminium to optimise weight saving and driving dynamics in the new IS, and includes several unique design features. As befitting the marque, particular attention has been paid to reducing noise and vibration to levels unprecedented within a diesel engine. Integrating the first common-rail system with piezoelectric injectors in this displacement category, the new Lexus powerplant thus combines an exceptionally high injection pressure of 1,800 bar with the world’s lowest diesel engine compression ratio of 15.8:1. The marriage of up to 4 separate injections per cycle to an ultra-low compression ratio not only elicits exceptionally quiet combustion, but also a more efficient fuel burn, promoting significant improvements in fuel economy and emissions control. Additionally, the adoption of a balancer shaft within the unit offers further noise reduction at higher revs, and the electrical activation of the variable nozzle turbocharger increases its efficiency whilst allowing for its operation at lower engine speeds, hence significantly improving low range torque. The most powerful engine in its displacement category, the new diesel generates 130 kW / 177 DIN hp at 3,600 rpm and an impressive 400 Nm / 295 lb.ft of torque between 2,000 and 2,400 rpm. The new 2.2 litre diesel is equipped with Lexus Clean Diesel Technology. Key to this technology is the Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction (DPNR) 4-way catalytic converter; the only catalyst in the world that reduces NOx and PM (particulate matter) simultaneously, surpassing EURO IV emissions requirements and making the next generation Lexus IS one of the cleanest diesel luxury sedans for combined values of NOx and PM emissions.
2.5 LITRE V6 PETROL
The new, double overhead camshaft, 2,499 cc petrol engine, latest member of Lexus’ new family of peerless V6s, combines a stoichiometric direct injection system with Dual VVT-i — a sophisticated development of Lexus’ renowned variable valve timing system, now controlling both intake and exhaust valves - to achieve the optimum balance of high performance with low fuel consumption and emissions. Featuring direct injection technology which affords this unit the highest injection pressure amongst petrol engines, the new V6 is one of the most powerful engines in its class. It develops 150 kW / 204 DIN hp at 6,400 rpm and 250 Nm / 184 lb.ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. The ultra-smooth Lexus V6 may be mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or an entirely new, 6-speed automatic transmission featuring sequential paddle-shift control.
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
With a body shell of exceptional torsional stiffness, featuring aluminium bonnet, suspension members and powerplants to reduce overall weight, the next generation IS is wider and lower than its competitors. The resultant low centre of gravity combines with a sophisticated suspension system and a new electric power steering to afford the new Lexus exceptional driving dynamics without compromising the marque’s legendary ride quality.
SUSPENSION
The new Lexus IS’ lightweight, double wishbone front suspension features an aluminium front knuckle and high-tensile steel front lower arm to provide improved body control over rough surfaces, linear yaw response, precise steering control and high straight line stability. To the rear, a new multi-link system with toe control arms and an aluminium rear axle carrier offers excellent ride comfort allied to high cornering stability. New high performance shock absorbers with an increased piston diameter improve steering feel and body control, as well as reducing impact shock transmission through the bodywork.
STEERING
The next generation IS features a brand new, speed-sensitive, electrically assisted power steering system, superior to comparable hydraulic systems in offering perceptible fuel savings, noise free operation and smooth linear feedback to the driver. In addition, a lower gear ratio provides an enhanced, more direct steering feel.
Geneva 2005: The All-New Lexus IS
Linear Mode
