The Third-Generation IS Receives Its First Minor Change
LEXUS IS | The Lexus IS
The Third-Generation IS Receives Its First Minor Change
Lexus began sales of its FR sedan, the IS, following a minor change on the 20th.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Suspension Modified to "Refine the Joy of Driving"
Approximately three years since the previousFull Model Changefull model change.current IShas received its first minor change. The new model, which had its world premiere as a facelifted IS at the Beijing Motor Show this spring,new modelfeatures not only a facelift but also suspension tuning that Lexus describes as "refining the joy of driving," along with improvements to interior functionality.
The exterior sees the headlamps extended inward, creating a distinctive shape. The spindle grille's lower section is more broadly flared, emphasizing a low center of gravity. The rear combination lamps are updated with multi-LEDs and feature a layered L-shaped design within.
For the suspension, modified shock absorbers are employed, delivering ample damping force even at low stroke speeds. The front suspension lower arms are now aluminum, achieving both increased rigidity and reduced weight. Lexus states that tuning has been applied to fine details, including spring bushes, to balance handling stability and ride comfort.
The interior has also evolved. The navigation display has been enlarged to 10.3 inches and its texture improved. New ornament panel options include "Näguri," a traditional Japanese processing technique, bringing the total to five choices. The standard audio system's speakers have been increased to 10, reportedly offering clearer sound quality and a more immersive experience.
New body colors, Graphite Black Glass Flake and Deep Blue Mica, have been added, bringing the total to 11 colors.
Pricing ranges from 5,599,000 to 6,303,000 yen for the 3.5-liter engine "IS 350." The hybrid model "IS 300h," combining a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, is priced from 5,150,000 to 6,385,000 yen, while the 2.0-liter turbo engine "IS 200t" ranges from 4,700,000 to 5,308,000 yen.
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Lexus IS350 | Lexus IS350
Body Dimensions | Length 4,680 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,800 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,535 / 1,550 mm (F SPORT: 1,535 / 1,540 mm)
Weight | 1,640 kg (F SPORT: 1,650 kg)
Engine | 3,456 cc V6
Bore x Stroke | 94.0 x 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 11.8 : 1
Max. Output | 234 kW (318 ps) / 6,400 rpm
Max. Torque | 380 Nm (38.7 kgm) / 4,800 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8-Speed SPDS)
Drivetrain | FR
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 225/45R17 (F SPORT: 225/40R18 / 255/35R18)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 10.0 km/ℓ
Price | (Standard) ¥5,599,000 (F SPORT) ¥6,303,000 (version L) ¥6,303,000
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Lexus IS300h | Lexus IS300h
Body Dimensions | Length 4,680 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,800 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,535 / 1,550 mm (F SPORT: 1,535 / 1,540 mm)
Weight | (FR) 1,680 kg (AWD) 1,770 kg
Engine | 2,493 cc Inline-4 DOHC
Engine Bore x Stroke | 90.0 x 98.0 mm
Engine Compression Ratio | 13.0 : 1
Engine Max. Output | 131 kW (178 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Engine Max. Torque | 221 Nm (22.5 kgm) / 4,200-4,800 rpm
Motor | AC Synchronous Generator
Motor Max. Output | 105 kW (143 ps)
Motor Max. Torque | 300 Nm (30.6 kgm)
Total Max. Output | 165 kW (220 ps)
Transmission | CVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission)
Drivetrain | FR, 4WD
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes | Discs
Tires Front/Rear | (Standard) 205/55R16 (F SPORT) 225/40R18 / 255/35R18 (version L) 225/45R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | (FR) 23.2 km/ℓ (4WD) 20.4 km/ℓ
Price | (FR/Standard) ¥5,150,000 (FR/F SPORT) ¥5,680,000 (FR/version L) ¥5,788,000
(AWD/Standard) ¥5,554,000 (AWD/F SPORT) ¥6,385,000 (AWD/version L) ¥6,192,000
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Lexus IS200t | Lexus IS200t
Body Dimensions | Length 4,680 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,800 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,535 / 1,550 mm (F SPORT: 1,535 / 1,540 mm)
Weight | 1,630 kg
Engine | 1,998 cc Inline-4 DOHC Intercooler Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 86.0 x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1
Max. Output | 180 kW (245 ps) / 5,800 rpm
Max. Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,650-4,400 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8-Speed SPDS)
Drivetrain | FR
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 225/45R17 (F SPORT: 225/40R18 / 255/35R18)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 13.2 km/ℓ
Price | (Standard) ¥4,700,000 (F SPORT) ¥5,204,000 (version L) ¥5,308,000
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