Second generation (2006–present)
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| Production | 2005–present |
|---|---|
| Model year(s) | 2006–present |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 2-door convertible |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive /all-wheel drive |
| Engine(s) | 2.2 L diesel 2AD-FHV I4 (IS 220d) 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 (IS 250) 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 (IS 350) 5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8 (IS F) |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed manual (IS 250 only) 6-speed automatic (IS 250/350) 8-speed automatic (IS F only) |
| Wheelbase | 2730 mm (107.50 in) |
| Length | 2009–: 180.3 in (4580 mm) 2006–08: 4575 mm (180.10 in) F: 183.5 in (4661 mm) Convertible: 4,590 mm (180.7 in) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.90 in) F: 71.5 in (1816 mm) Convertible: 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Height | RWD: 1425 mm (56.10 in) AWD: 1440 mm (56.7 in) F: 55.5 in (1410 mm) Convertible: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,570 kg (3,500 lb) (IS 250) |
| Related | Lexus GS Toyota Crown Toyota Mark X |
The IS was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year and began arriving at dealerships in the fall of 2005. A pre-production car of the second generation IS model was shown at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, with the production version debuting at the 2005 New York Auto Show. The new IS was the second debut of Lexus' new L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following the premiere of the 2006 Lexus GS performance sedan which it also shares a platform with. The new IS design featured sleeker, coupe-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows. The forward design was reminiscent of the earlier Lexus LF-C coupe concept. The new IS body resulted in a 0.28 Cd figure. The Toyota Altezza name ceased to be used with the introduction of the Lexus division in Japan. The slow-selling SportCross station wagon version was dropped from the lineup altogether. The chief engineer of the second generation IS was Suguya Fukusato, a rally driver.
For Japan, the United States and Canada, four IS models are sold by Lexus:
- IS 250 – 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6, 204 hp (153 kW) at 6400 rpm, 185 lb-ft at 4800 rpm, rear wheel drive
- IS 250 AWD – 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 with all wheel drive (with front:rear torque split of 50:50 to 30:70), 204 hp (153 kW); Sport Rally Package
- IS 350 – 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW), rear wheel drive
- IS F – 5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8, 417 hp ( 311 kW), rear wheel drive
For the IS 250, IS 350, and IS F, engines feature the manufacturer's D-4S direct injection system; these models are ULEV-II certified in the United States. In parts of Europe, the three IS models sold by Lexus include the IS 250, IS 220d, and IS F. The IS 220d, available only in Europe, features a 2.2 L Inline-4 diesel engine, capable of 175 hp (130 kW), and rear wheel drive. The IS 220d is the first diesel-powered Lexus, and only offered with a manual transmission. The IS 250 is also available in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Chile (automatic only), Taiwan, South Africa and South Korea. For China, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, and Middle East markets, one model, the IS 300, with a 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 engine (without 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 automatic.
New to the IS is an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system which replaces the previous hydraulic steering pump. The IS 350 also shares larger braking discs and calipers borrowed from the GS 430. Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS 350's acceleration as the "fastest in its class" at its launch. The IS 350's performance was praised in the February 2007 Road & Track Japanese luxury sports sedan comparison, in which the IS took first place and clocked a 0–60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 13.5 seconds at 103.1 mph (165.9 km/h).
Compared to the first generation model, the second generation IS offers a more typical Lexus interior with a focus on luxurious accouterments. The interior features leather seats, lightsaber-likeelectroluminescent instrument display lighting and LED interior lighting accents, 10-way (including lumbar) driver and front passenger power seats, and the choice of faux-metallic or optional Bird's Eye Maple wood veneer trim made by Yamaha piano craftsmen.
Lexus' SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start is a standard feature along with a memory system that can recall driver's seat, side mirror, and steering positions. A high-resolution 7" touchscreen DVD-based Gen V navigation system with voice-recognition, Bluetooth, a backup camera, and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system are available as options. Other available features include perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, moonroof, electrochromic side view mirrors, power rear sunshade, rain-sensing wipers, aluminum scuff plates, Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), bi-xenon headlamps, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) is the first offered in the entry-luxury performance sedan market segment.
Some reviewers noted the second generation models as 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, the rear seat legroom (while improved over the first generation) is still tight, and that the six speed manual is only available on the IS 250. In response to criticism regarding the lack of a stability/traction control disable switch on 2006 IS models, Lexus added a VDIM/VSC off switch for the 2007 model year.
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.
IS F
On 6 December 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of a high-performance variant of the second generation IS which they called IS F in a press release. The IS F sedan 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. Images were leaked several hours prior to the debut, and spy photos of prototype testing along with the IS 430 concept had hinted of the high-performance IS model. It was also reported that there would be a coupe and a convertible version for a later model, as well as a convertible version of the V8-powered IS. The vehicle features a 5.0 L direct-injected V8 producing 416 SAE hp (423 PS, 311 kW) at 6,600 rpm, while peak torque is 371 ft·lbf (503 N·m) at 5,200 rpm. The engine also features a two-stage intake system, engine oil and transmission fluid coolers and an oil pump designed for high-speed cornering. The IS F project was led by Yukihiko Yaguchi, who worked on the Toyota Supra.
The specifications upon release are as follows: starting price is $56,000 USD, 5.0L V8 engine, 416 hp (310 kW) at 6,600 rpm, 371 ft·lbf (503 N·m) torque at 5,200 rpm, 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and a 12.385 seconds at 115.010 mph (185.1 km/h) in the 1/4 mile, and a top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h) (electronically limited). According to a test by Motor Trend, the IS F recorded a 331 hp (247 kW; 336 PS) and 276 pound-feet (374 N·m) of torque on a DynoJet dynamometer. Typical dyno results with 93 octane are 357+hp and 345+tq. Other results were tested by Automobile Magazine.
IS C
After three years with only one body style, the Lexus IS returned with a second body style, this time in convertible form. On 2 October 2008, Lexus debuted a hardtop convertible version of the Lexus IS, the IS 250 C, at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Auto Show). A more powerful IS 350 C is also available, with engine specifications analogous to those on the sedan models. The IS convertible features a three-piece aluminum hardtop that can retract in 21 seconds, a roof-brake mechanism slows panels as they close and near the windshield. The IS 250 C and IS 350 C are offered with a six-speed automatic, while the IS 250 C will also offer a manual transmission and all-wheel-drive version. The IS convertible's body carries a 0.29 Cd figure. The IS 250 C went on sale in Europe in 2009, with IS convertible sales for North America targeted for May 2009 as a 2010 model. An IS 300 C is also being produced for certain regions.
In March 2010, Lexus announced a special edition IS 350C F-Sport model. Only 100 F-Sport editions will be made, and go on sale in late March 2010 for $57,500. The IS 350C F-Sport adds larger 19-inch alloy wheels, special edition badging, a new front grille, lowered and upgraded sport suspension, larger brakes, and special blue interior stitching on black leather seats.
Model year changes
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 in some markets. (The Australian delivered IS models did not receive the fin-style antenna until its first appearance on the IS-F in 2008) . A new "X-Package" added a sport tuned suspension, special 18-inch alloy five-spoke wheels, illuminated scuff plates, and a front lip spoiler. For 2008 models, the steering system was tweaked for improved steering feel and the rear seats were modified to improve rear room. The 2009 mid-cycle refresh includes revised interior and exterior styling. The suspension and steering is retuned for improved stability and control. The IS 250 also gains VDIM standard.
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Safety
The Lexus IS features standard dual front airbags, front row knee airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and front side torso airbags. The new IS also debuted its manufacturer's latest twin-chamber, V-shaped front airbags. The IS 250 comes with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system while the IS 350 uses a more advanced VDIM system which reacts sooner with less intrusive operation, 2007 models feature a stability control cutoff switch. For the 2009 model year the IS 250 gains VDIM standard.
NHTSA crash test results in 2008 rated the 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. Euro NCAP scores were the maximum five stars in Adult Occupant, four stars in Child Occupant, and two of four stars in Pedestrian test categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Lexus IS a "Good" overall score for both front and side impact tests, and also ranks the IS "Good" in all fourteen measured categories in the front and side impact crash tests.
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. In 2007, the Japanese TOM'S aftermarket tuning firm produced a modified IS 350 with a revised ECU, new air filter, modified exhaust, and additional available performance enhancements ranging from suspension to brakes. There are currently no compatible turbochargers for the IS 250/350. Superchargers however, are available by companies LMS, and TOM'S producing close to 400 horsepower (300 kW) or more. The pending release of the 2008 Lexus IS F will feature the debut of the first production-sanctioned racing modifications to the second generation IS design.
In 2007, Lexus announced a Project Vehicle Program for that year's SEMA show, centered around the high-performance IS F model. Lexus invited SEMA manufacturer members to submit their project Lexus vehicles for its show exhibition. It was the first time that the manufacturer had a formal presence at the aftermarket convention. At the 2007 SEMA show, Lexus also launched a line of "F-Sport" parts and accessories for the IS 250/350. The F-Sport line, including performance and accessory upgrades such as big brake kits, shocks, lowering springs, sway bars, chassis brace, light weight wheels, air intake, exhaust, engine cover, floor mats, shift knobs and also clutch for manual drive, was later expanded to the full IS lineup. At 2009 SEMA Show, F-Sport line also released upgrades for GS model vehicles as well.
