Since the debut of its first-generation IS in 1999, the model has pursued the thrill of driving unique to compact rear-wheel-drive sports sedans. The IS has captured the hearts of over a million enthusiasts around the world, and the number is growing. Why? Because there is nothing quite like the satisfying feeling that comes from piloting a tossable and sharp-handling chassis, low to the ground and powered by a longitudinally-mounted engine sending drive to the rear wheels.
That fulfilling sensation has been thoroughly enhanced in the new IS. The model was born and bred at the Shimoyama Technical Center Test Track—where the toughest and most challenging roads in the world have
been recreated. This suits the IS perfectly, as every facet of its performance was developed on that extremely challenging on-road course, all for the sake of delivering an experience like no other to drivers
around the world. Moving forward, the new IS sets the bar for the dynamic handling of all future Lexus models.
The IS formula is simple. It all begins with the low and imposing stance that’s a full 30 millimeters wider than its predecessor’s. Lexus’s designers took inspiration from a wingsuit to express nimbleness. Meanwhile, the
silhouette emphasizes the ‘wide and low’ IS design DNA. To realize this, the designers and engineers worked closely together to create deeply sculpted three-dimensional forms. The most remarkable feature?
A new, unified tail lamp that tapers to mere millimeters in the center. The result is a pure sports sedan with aggressive looks to match its underlying speed, agility, and athletic performance.
The new IS F Sport is fitted with 19-inch multispoke wheels in a dark premium metallic finish that pays homage to the RC and LC models. Keeping in contact with the road underneath are 235/40 R19 tires for
the front and 265/35 R19 for the rear. These performance tires offer the necessary grip and stability needed during spirited driving. The IS 300h hybrid model also comes with 19-inch wheels with a multispoke design and an elegant shiny silver metallic finish. Both front and rear tires are sized 235/40 R19.
The New IS is available in eight exterior colors, including two newly developed Chromatic colors. The unique new colors like Sonic Iridium radiates contrasting shadows to accentuate the shape of the vehicle.
Sonic Chrome exhibits an elegant, dark gray tone with a high-gloss finish. For F-Sport, these are White Nova, Radiant Red Contrast Layering, and Heat Blue Contrast Layering, while for the Hybrid Premier, these are Sonic Quartz and Red Mica Crystal Shine.
The human-centered cabin is another highlight of the new IS. The horizontal instrument panel design and driver-focused dashboard layout invite you to come in. A shift knob and steering wheel trimmed in hand-
selected leather with perforation urges you to drive. Daring details like accent stitching along the dash and larger, circular air vents are reminiscent of jet turbines and are an homage to the first-generation IS. The new touch screen infotainment system has been enlarged and moved forward for easier operability and minimize driver distraction. Every interior element is centered around you.
But the interior isn’t only aesthetic. Every design detail has a purpose. When driving on winding roads or the circuit, the driver’s line of sight frequently moves to the right and to the left. The interior layout enables
the driver to smoothly look around and view his surroundings without any interruptions to his line of sight.
The new IS 300h Premier interior is available in three color schemes: Black, Dark Rose and Ochrewith complementing stitch patterns & accent trims. The IS 350 F Sport has special colors, too. It can be had
in F Sport White, F Sport Black, and F Sport Flare Red. On both variants, the center console panel is finished in Piano Black and touch-sensitive temperature controls that can be easily adjusted by gliding your
finger over it.
Sculpted front seats have eight-way power-adjustable positions with lumbar support, and driver and front passenger have the luxury of seat ventilation. These features promise comfort over lengthier journeys.
