Lexus IS

[NarendZORCE]

Lexus unveiled its new IS model and its first diesel engine at Geneva. The presentation of the all-new model also marks the arrival of Lexus's first diesel engine, an all-aluminium, 2.2-litre 4-cylinder unit that is the most powerful in its class with a maximum output of 175 bhp.

It also produces class-leading torque, with 400 Nm developed between 2000 and 2400 rpm. The new engine meets Lexus's exacting requirements in terms of power and refinement, offering exceptionally quiet and smooth operation with superb performance.

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".

A new 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a stoichiometric direct injection system is also available for the new IS. This engine will be available with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential paddle-shift control.

Superior body control, cornering grip and straight-line stability are hallmarks of the new IS, set to continue to be one of the best-handling sports saloons in its segment. It will feature class-leading safety equipment, including Lexus's radar-controlled Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System (I-AFS). Ten airbags will be fitted as standard, including a first-in-segment double knee airbag. Performance, traction control and vehicle stability will be further enhanced by Lexus's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM).

The new generation IS will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2005 with the diesel model following in 2006.

[tourniquet]

i'm really glad you posted this. i wanted to post some new pics of the IS350, but wanted an article to supplement it
anyways here are the pics:






hanging out with bigger brother GS

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[NarendZORCE]

2006 Lexus IS350
By Joe DeMatio



Like the outgoing IS, the all-new, second-generation aims squarely for the BMW 3-series. But unlike the last one, this latest model looks to be a real, credible threat to the Bimmer's dominance as Lexus shows a new commitment to pouring more performance into their well-engineered luxury machines. If the 2006 IS follows the path charted by the new GS, it will be more athletic, more involving, and more fun to drive than the previous model.

The IS--which bowed at the Geneva Motor Show before making its U.S. debut in New York--will be available as either the IS250 or IS350, each badge indicating a choice of two V-6s. The IS250 (which is expected to comprise 70-80% of volume) will get the same 204-hp, 2.5-liter unit available in the Euro-spec car while the IS350 will be powered by a mostly new, 3.5-liter mill (it shares its block with the engine found in the new Avalon). The larger engine is expected to pump out more than 300 hp--an increase of approximately 100 hp over the outgoing car's in-line six. Transmission options are limited to one in all 3.5-liter cars and the all-wheel-drive IS250: a six-speed automatic. Rear-driven IS250s will be available with either the autobox or a six-speed manual.

Exterior styling is very much in the vein of the new GS. Lexus calls this design theme "L-Finesse," a philosophy with three fundamental elements: purity, elegance, and anticipation. With a wheelbase that's more than two inches longer and a body that's three inches wider and 3.5 inches longer overall than the outgoing IS, the new car has a much roomier interior, especially in the rear seat. The original IS interior was more weird than elegant, but the new car's cabin is as well-crafted, modern, and luxurious as you would expect from Lexus. Highlights include an input port for your iPod, optional Mark Levinson audio, a navigation system with a rear-view camera, and a total of ten air bags. Other safety equipment includes available swiveling Xenon headlights, radar-sensed, pre-crash seatbelt tensioners, and Lexus's advanced stability control system.

Unfortunately, there is no button by which a keen driver can completely disable the stability control--a major deficit when compared with the 3-series and a point of contention among enthusiasts and automotive journalists alike. It's also a hot-button issue internally at Lexus, where executives such as Yuji Yokoya of Lexus Japan make it clear that they've heard the criticism. They say that while the issue gets discussed again and again, the company's emphasis on safety will not allow them to install an override button at this time.

It has been confirmed is that there will not be another Sportcross wagon version of the IS, but other iterations are definitely on the way. Likely candidates for IS body style number two include a convertible hard-top coupe inspired by the LF-C show car that debuted at last year's New York auto show. Lexus wasn't ready to discuss exact figures, but they did say that they anticipate the starting price of the IS250 to come "extremely close" to that of the current IS300. Expect the 2006 IS sedan to pull into Lexus showrooms sometime in October.










_________________
Drags, Circuit, Solodex, Rally, Karting, the Shows, the Girls, the Car you drive...
ZORCERs done know... the speed lifestyle magazine in the Islands, ZORCE
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...........................................................
Oh Yeah! Feel the Rush, it's like... WOW!
May the (Mass x Acceleration)-F+Z be with you...

[NarendZORCE]

http://automobilemag.com

2006 Lexus GS450h Hybrid



Lexus is adding another weapon to their green-leaning arsenal as they unveil the GS450h sedan, scheduled to reach dealerships in the spring of 2006. It joins Lexus's own RX400h SUV as the only luxury vehicles to offer the improved fuel economy and eco-friendliness of a hybrid powertrain. Lexus also touts the GS450h as the first rear-wheel-drive car to receive the hybrid treatment (all-wheel drive will not be available). The new sedan will be powered by an electric motor mated to a 3.5-liter V-6 and it should boast the same sporting dynamics as the more standard GS. Lexus claims that the hybrid system's performance will match that of a 4.5-liter V-8--"it will produce substantially more than 300 hp and achieve 0-60 mph in well under six seconds"--while returning gas mileage that equals that of a typical 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Combined fuel economy will likely fall somewhere in the high twenties. Lexus plans to market the GS hybrid not on its environmentally friendly powertrain, but rather its high-performance characteristics, and says that the prospect of spending less time--not money--at the pump will be what draws buyers to the GS450h. Expect a price premium of at least $5000-$6000 over similarly outfitted, non-hybrid GS430s.
_________________
Drags, Circuit, Solodex, Rally, Karting, the Shows, the Girls, the Car you drive...
ZORCERs done know... the speed lifestyle magazine in the Islands, ZORCE
Click to hear it >> http://www.zorce.com/fortheforums/Zorce15NEW.mp3
Download & SEE iT! >> http://www.zorce.com/fortheforums/Zorce-15.mp4
...........................................................
Oh Yeah! Feel the Rush, it's like... WOW!
May the (Mass x Acceleration)-F+Z be with you...

[Sully]

I want one ... any one.

[Staggers]

not only u, nah breds