Lexus IS

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"Altezza" redirects here. For the type of after-market vehicle lights, see Altezza lights.
Lexus IS
2008 Lexus IS 250
Overview
ManufacturerLexus
Toyota
Production1998–present
AssemblyIwate, Japan (1998–2005)
Tahara, Aichi, Japan (2005–present)
Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan (2005–present)
Body and chassis
ClassEntry-level luxury car/
Compact executive car
LayoutFR layout / F4 layout

The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars / compact executive cars sold by Lexus since 1998. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup (and outside of North America, the Lexus GS). The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan (the word "altezza" is Italian for "highness") until the introduction of the Lexus brand and the second generation Lexus IS design in 2006. The Altezza name is still used at times to refer to chromed car taillights like those fitted to the first generation model, known as 'Altezza lights' or 'Lexus-style' lights.[1]

The first generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 (GXE10) made its debut in Europe in 1999 and in North America as the IS 300 (JCE10) in 2000. The first generation, inline-6-powered IS featured sedan and wagon variants. The second generation IS was launched globally in 2006 with V6-powered IS 250 (GSE20) and IS 350 (GSE21) sedan models. A high-performance V8 sedan version, the IS F, premiered in 2007. Hardtop convertible versions, the IS 250 C and IS 350 C, debuted in 2008. According to Lexus, the IS designation stands for Intelligent Sport.[2][3]

First generation (XE10)

First generation
1999–2005 Lexus IS 200 sedan (GXE10R; Australia)
1999–2005 Lexus IS 200 sedan (GXE10R; Australia)
Overview
ManufacturerKanto Auto Works (Altezza Gita)[4]
Also calledLexus IS 200
Lexus IS 300
Toyota Altezza (Japan)
Toyota Altezza Gita (Japan)
Production1998–2005
Model years2001–2005
AssemblyIwate, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
5-door hatchback/station wagon
LayoutFR layout
RelatedLexus GS
Toyota Mark II
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L 1G-FE I6 (AS200/IS200)
2.0 L 3S-GE I4 (RS200)
3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (AS300/IS300)
Transmission4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,670 mm (105.1 in)
LengthSedan: 4,400 mm (173.2 in)
SportCross: 4,415 mm (173.8 in)
Width2004–05: 1,725 mm (67.9 in)
2004–05: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height1,410 mm (55.5 in)
1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Curb weight1,360 kg (3,000 lb) (IS 200)

Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sport sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the Altezza/IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles. The engineering work was led by Nobuaki Katayama, who was responsible for the AE86 project. The AS200 and AS300 Altezza sedans formed the basis for the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models sold in markets outside Japan, primarily North America and Europe. A hatchback/station wagon version was sold in Japan as the Altezza Gita, and in the U.S. and Europe as the Lexus IS SportCross. Overall, the Altezza/IS came in 3 variants:

  • AS200 (sedan or Gita wagon) – 2.0 liter 1G-FE inline-6, 160 hp JIS (118 kW) or 155 PS (114 kW), rear-wheel drive or 4WD; sold by Lexus as the IS 200
  • RS200 (sedan) – 2.0 liter Yamaha-tuned 3S-GE inline-4, 210 hp JIS (154 kW), rear-wheel drive, not sold outside Japan by Lexus
  • AS300 (Gita wagon) – 3.0 liter 2JZ-GE inline-6, 220 hp JIS (162 kW) or 215 hp SAE (160 kW), rear-wheel drive or 4WD; sold by Lexus (sedan or wagon) as the IS 300

1998–2000

Introduced in 1998 with the AS200 (chassis code GXE10) and RS200 (chassis code SXE10) sedans, the compact vehicle was produced using a shortened front-engine, rear-wheel drive midsize platform,[5] allowing Japanese buyers to take advantage of tax savings imposed by Japanese government regulations concerning vehicle exterior dimensions and engine displacement, and adapted parts from the larger second generation Aristo/GS.[5] The 2.0 L 1G-FE inline-6 powered AS200 (TA-GXE-10, sedan) featured a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, while a 4-speed automatic was optional. The 2.0 L 3S-GE inline-4 powered RS200 (GH-SXE-10, sedan) featured a 6-speed transmission, while a 5-speed automatic was optional.

1999–2005 Lexus IS 200 sedan (GXE10R; Australia)

The design received critical acclaim at its 1998 launch, and was awarded Japan's "Car of the Year" honor for 1998–1999. A year later, Lexus began marketing the IS 200 equivalent models in Europe.[6] The IS 200 in Europe was listed as producing 153 brake horsepower (114 kW), with a top speed of 216 kilometres per hour (134 mph), and 0 to-[convert: unknown unit] acceleration in 9.3 seconds.[7] The styling cues of the rear light clusters on the first generation models were copied by a number of after-market accessory manufacturers for applications on other vehicles.[1] This iconic style of one or more internal lamp units, covered with a clear (or tinted) perspex cover made popular by Lexus, became known in many circles as 'Lexus-style' or 'Altezza lights'.[1]

1998–2005 Altezza Gita (TAJCE10; Japan); exported as Lexus IS SportCross

2000–2005

In 2000, a hatchback/station wagon model, the AS300 (chassis code JCE10), was introduced featuring a 3.0 L 2JZ-GE inline-6 engine. Equipped with rear- or all-wheel drive (TA-JCE-10, FR Gita Wagon; TA-JCE-15, 4WD Gita wagon), the AS300 featured a 5-speed manual, or 5-speed automatic for the FR Gita Wagon and a 4-speed automatic for the 4WD Gita Wagon. The 6-cylinder version (2JZ-GE) was only available in Japan on the Gita models. In the U.S., the IS 300 sedan debuted in 2000 as 2001 model and the wagon debuted in 2001 as a 2002 model with the same 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine (the 2.0 liter 6-cylinder wasn't available), while in Europe, the IS 300 joined the IS 200 in the model lineup. All IS models in the U.S. were initially only available with the 5-speed automatic transmission; this was also the case in Europe. However, a 5-speed manual was made available in the U.S. in 2002. Visually the exterior of the European IS 200 Sport and 300 saloon were almost identical, the only differences being the boot insignia and the larger engined model having clear front indicators.

First generation IS 300 interior (JCE10)

The first generation IS interior featured unique elements not typically found in other Lexus models. These included a chrome metal ball shifter, pop-up navigation screen, and chronograph-styled instrument panel (with mini gauges for temperature, fuel economy, and volts). For the European market, the IS 300 gained full leather seats rather than the leather/ecsaine of the 200, plus auto-dimming rear view and side mirrors, and HID headlamps. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency‎ listed the IS 300 as a subcompact car; although it technically had enough overall volume to be called a compact, rear seat room exhibited subcompact dimensions.

Lexus IS 200/300 chronograph instrument cluster

NHTSA crash test results in 2001 gave the IS 300 the maximum five stars in the Side Driver and Side Rear Passenger categories, and four stars in the Frontal Driver and Frontal Passenger categories.[8] The IIHS rated the IS "Good" overall for frontal collisions and "Good" in all six measured front impact categories.[9]

An official concept model, the MillenWorks-built Lexus IS 430 was unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2003.[10] The IS 430 prototype was an IS 300 fitted with a 4.3 L V8 from the Lexus GS.[11] Lexus dubbed the IS 430 a one-off with no plans for production. In Europe, Toyota Team Europe (TTE) shoehorned a supercharged 4.3 L V8 into an IS 300 bodyshell, the result was a 405 PS (298 kW) ECE sedan.

Second generation (XE20)

Second generation
2005–2008 Lexus IS250 (GSE20R)
Overview
Also calledLexus IS 200d/220d
Lexus IS 250/250 AWD/250 C
Lexus IS 300/300 C
Lexus IS 350/350 AWD/350 C
Lexus IS F
Production2005–present
Model years2006–present
AssemblyTahara, Aichi, Japan
Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
2-door convertible
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
RelatedLexus GS
Toyota Crown
Toyota Mark X
Powertrain
Engine2.2 L 2AD-FHV I4 (t/c diesel)
2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 (gasoline)
3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (gasoline)
3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 (gasoline)
5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8 (gasoline)
Transmission6-speed manual (IS 220d/250)
6-speed automatic (IS 250/300/350)
8-speed automatic (IS F)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2730 mm (107.50 in)
Length2009–: Template:Auto in
2006–08: 4575 mm (180.10 in)
F: Template:Auto in
Convertible: 4,590 mm (180.7 in)
Width1800 mm (70.90 in)
F: Template:Auto in
Convertible: 1,800 mm (70.9 in)
HeightRWD: 1425 mm (56.10 in)
AWD: 1440 mm (56.7 in)
F: Template:Auto in
Convertible: 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight1,558 kg (3,435 lb) (IS 250)
1,600 kg (3,500 lb) (IS 350)

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. 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.[12]

For Japan, the United States and Canada, five IS models are sold by Lexus:

  • IS 250 – 2.5 liter 4GR-FSE V6, 204 hp (153 kW) at 6400 rpm, 185 lb-ft at 4800 rpm, rear wheel drive
  • IS 250 AWD – 2.5 liter 4GR-FSE V6 with all wheel drive (with front:rear torque split of 50:50 to 30:70), 204 hp (153 kW)
  • IS 350 – 3.5 liter 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW), rear wheel drive
  • IS 350 AWD – 3.5 liter 2GR-FSE V6 with all wheel drive, 306 hp (228 kW)
  • IS F – 5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8, 417 hp ( 311 kW), rear wheel drive
2006–2008 Lexus IS 250 (GSE20; Europe)

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. The IS line also features an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system which replaces the previous hydraulic steering pump. 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 Lexus IS features standard dual front airbags, front row knee airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and front side torso airbags.[13] 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.

2006–2008 Lexus IS 250 (GSE20; U.S.)

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.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16][17]

2005–2008

The IS 250 (GSE20) went on sale in 2005 in Japan and North America in RWD (GSE20) and AWD (GSE25) configuration, along with the more powerful IS 350 RWD (GSE21) sedan. The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. All other gasoline-powered IS sedans are only available with the automatic. The IS 350 shares larger braking discs and calipers borrowed from the GS 430; the IS 350's larger discs are four-piston rather than the two-piston front calipers of the IS 250.[18] Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS 350's acceleration as the "fastest in its class" at its launch.[19]

Second generation Lexus IS interior (GSE20)

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-like electroluminescent 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.[20] 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.

Lexus IS Optitron instrument panel

Some reviewers noted the second generation models as Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compared fairly well with its German competitors. However, prevailing criticisms were that its steering was not as communicative as that of the BMW 3 Series,[21] the rear seat legroom (while improved over the first generation) was still tight, and that the six speed manual was only available on the IS 250. 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).[22] 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.[23]

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).[24][25]

Furthermore, Lexus introduced a new badge into its lineup in 2007 - a new "X-Package" which was introduced into a number of countries. In the Australian market, it was introduced to celebrate the sale of the 5000th IS250 in Australia. The IS250 X came standard with: sport tuned suspension, exclusive 18-inch alloy five-spoke wheels, premium Mark Levinson 14 speaker stero, moonroof, satellite navigation, rear camera and sports pedals. The "X" also came in 3 colors: Onyx black, Vermillion Red and metallic silver. In order to retain the "exclusive" image, only 260 were released in the 2007 calendar year. The pricing started at AU$64,390 for the 6 speed manual and rose to $66,990 for the 6 speed semi-automatic. There were a number of changes made to the 2008 is250 X model. These included: changes to the steering system resulting in an improved steering feel, modified rear seats to improve rear room and the added choice of a new exterior colour - Arctic blue. Lexus Australia also announced that 450 units would be released, compared to the 260 released the previous year. Production of the IS250 X ceased in 2008.

Lexus IS F (USE20; Europe)

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.[26] The Lexus IS F sedan (USE20) 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.[27] Images were leaked several hours prior to the debut,[28] 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.[29] 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.

Lexus IS F (USE20; Japan)

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 to-[convert: unknown unit] in 4.6 seconds and a 12.385 seconds at 115.010 mph (185.1 km/h) in the 1/4 mile,[30] and a top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h) (electronically limited).[31] 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.[32]

Further information: Lexus IS F
File:2009-2010 Lexus IS 250 (GSE20R) Prestige (with F-Sport Package) sedan 03.jpg
2009–2010 Lexus IS 250 (GSE20R) Prestige (with "F-Sport Package"; Australia)

2009–2010

The 2009 mid-cycle refresh included revised interior and exterior styling, the suspension and steering was retuned for improved stability and control, and the IS 250 gained VDIM as standard. After three years with only one body style, the IS returned with a second body style, this time in hardtop convertible form, debuting as the IS 250 C on 2 October 2008 at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile (Paris Auto Show).[33] A more powerful IS 350 C also became available, with engine specifications analogous to those on the sedan models. For the 2009 model year the IS 250 also gains VDIM standard.

Lexus IS 250 C (GSE20) at the 2009 Leipzig Auto Show

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.[33] An IS 300 C is also being produced for certain regions.

In March 2010, Lexus announced a special edition IS 350 C F-Sport model. Only 100 F-Sport editions will be made, and go on sale in late March 2010 for $57,500. The IS 350 C 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.[34]

2010–present

In late 2010, the IS line was revised further, with the IS 220d becoming the more efficient IS 200d due to engine retuning, a refreshed exterior with LED running lights, additional interior features, and dedicated IS F-Sport production models.[35] All-wheel drive options were also expanded besides the IS 250 AWD with the addition of the IS 350 AWD model in major markets.[36]

Tuning

Further information: [[:Lexus F-Sport]]
2010 Lexus IS 350 C Design Project

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.[37] At the 2007 SEMA show, Lexus also launched a line of "F-Sport" parts and accessories for the IS 250/350.[38][39] 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.[40]

Motorsport

The first generation IS 200/300 and RS200 series was used by many racing teams, including TRD, to race in various touring car racing series across Asia. In Europe, the Lexus IS 200 was raced in the British Touring Car Championship (through organizations such as BTC Racing).[41] and the IS 300 was raced in the U.S. via the Motorola Cup North American Street Stock Championship touring car series (with the manufacturer-sanctioned Team Lexus). In 2001, Team Lexus entered three IS 300s in the third race of the 2001 Grand-Am Cup season at Phoenix, Arizona,[42] and won their first IS 300 victory that year at the Virginia International Raceway.[42] In 2002, Team Lexus raced the IS 300 in the Grand-Am Cup ST1 (Street Tuner) class, winning both the Drivers' and Team Championships,[43][44] as well as a sweep of the top three finishes at Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada.[45]

IS 350 WedsSport race car which competed in the 2008 GT300 season and won the 2009 GT300 class

In 2008, the second generation IS 350 was entered in the Super GT race series in the GT300 class (cars with approximately 300 horsepower). Extensively modified from the factory car, with upgrades including a V8 engine,[46] the #19 Team Racing Project Bandoh IS 350 driven by Manabu Orido and Tsubasa Abe achieved its first victory in its fifth race at the Motegi GT300 race.[47] Other IS 350 GT300 competitors included those of the WedsSport and Green Tec/Kumho teams.[46] In 2009, two manufacturer sanctioned Racing Project/Bandoh and Team Reckless/Shift IS 350s were also announced for competition, both equipped with 3.0L V8 engines.[48] The Project Bandoh WedsSport IS 350, driven by Manabu Orido and Tatsuya Kataoka, won both driver and team title in the GT300 class that season.[49]

Lexus IS 350 at Road Atlanta Formula Drift event

In April 2009, a Lexus IS F entered by Gazoo Racing finished second to the team's Lexus LF-A in the SP8 class[50] in the ADAC-Westfalenfahrt VLN 4h endurance race. A IS F was also entered in the 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring race and finished third in the SP8 class.[51] In August 2009, an IS F entered by Gazoo Racing and driven by Peter Lyon, Hideshi Matsuda, and Kazunori Yamauchi won the SP8 class at the DMV Grenzlandrennen VLN race.[52][53] Kazunori Yamauchi is the developer of Gran Turismo series,[53] of which the IS line is playable in several versions, and the IS F racer carried test equipment for future game modes.[54] The 3 drivers, along with Owen Mildenhall, participated in the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring and finished in 4th place in the SP8 class, behind the 1st place ranked Lexus LFA.[55]

Sales and production

Lexus IS F, IS 350 models at an owners meet in Los Angeles, California

For the first generation IS in the U.S. market, sales hit a high of 22,486 units in 2001; subsequent sales years were less than forecast, and below the 10,000-unit mark in 2004.[56][57] The IS 200 fared better relative to sales targets in Europe and Asia, while still well short of the sales volume achieved by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and other, mostly German-made competitors. This trend was indicative of Lexus' smaller global status; while Lexus' range of cars is very successful in North America, the marque's sales still lag behind its German rivals in Europe.[58] In Europe, the lack of a manual gearbox option for the IS 300 may have limited sales in contrast to its rivals, the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class.

The introduction of the second generation IS model marked a resurgence in sales, with a 332% increase overall in 2006 compared to the previous year. In its first year of sales, the IS sold over 49,000 units, making it one of the ten best-selling luxury cars in the U.S.[59] In 2008, the Lexus IS sedans sold 49,432 units in the U.S.,[60] taking a median position in the entry-luxury market, behind the variants of the BMW 3 Series, new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac CTS, and ahead of the Acura TL, Audi A4, and Infiniti G35 sedan.[61] Outside the U.S., the Lexus IS spearheaded Lexus' growing sales efforts in Europe, Australia, and South Africa, becoming the best-selling model in Lexus' lineup in many of the aforementioned markets. Sales data in United States for Lexus IS generations are as follows, with chart numbers sourced from manufacturer yearly data.

Generation (chassis code) Model no(s). Calendar year Total sales, U.S., Japan Total exports, production‡
GXE10/SXE10/JCE10
IS 200/300 2000 15,540[62] n/a
2001 22,486[56] 30,475[63]
GXE10/SXE10/
JCE10/JCE15
IS 200/300/
SportCross 		2002 20,306[56] 23,749[64]
2003 13,559[65] 14,187[66]
2004 9,972[57] 11,114[67]
2005 15,789,[68] 3,911[69] 10,253[70]
GSE20/GSE21/GSE25
IS 250/350 2006 54,267,[68] 10,727[69] 109,720‡[69]
2007 54,933,[71] 9,514[72] 110,907‡[73]
GSE20/GSE21/GSE25/USE20 IS 250/350/F 2008 49,432,[71] 10,110[74] 93,612‡[75]
IS 250/350/C/F 2009 38,077,[76] 5,278[77] 43,369‡[78]

Technical specifications

Drivetrain specifications by generation[66][70]
Model year(s) Model no(s). Chassis code(s) Engine type Engine code Transmission(s) Power Torque
2000–2005 IS 200 GXE10 2.0 L inline-6 1G-FE 4-speed AT 114 kW (153 hp) 195 N⋅m (144 ft⋅lbf) @4600 rpm
IS 200 SportCross
2001–2005 IS 300 JCE10 3.0 L inline-6 2JZ-GE 5-speed AT/MT 162 kW (217 hp) 295 N⋅m (218 ft⋅lbf) @3800 rpm
IS 300 SportCross 5-speed AT
2006–2009 IS 220d ALE20 2.2 L inline-4 2AD-FHV 6-speed MT 130 kW (170 hp) 400 N⋅m (300 ft⋅lbf) @2600 rpm
2006– IS 250 GSE20 2.5 L V6 4GR-FSE 6-speed AT/MT 153 kW (205 hp) 252 N⋅m (186 ft⋅lbf) @4800 rpm
IS 250 AWD GSE25 6-speed AT
2006– IS 350 GSE21 3.5 L V6 2GR-FSE 6-speed AT 228 kW (306 hp) 375 N⋅m (277 ft⋅lbf) @4800 rpm
2007– IS 300 GSE22 3.0 L V6 3GR-FE 6-speed AT 170 kW (230 hp) 300 N⋅m (220 ft⋅lbf) @4400 rpm
2007– IS F USE20 5.0 L V8 2UR-GSE 8-speed AT 311 kW (417 hp) 503 N⋅m (371 ft⋅lbf) @5200 rpm
2009– IS 250 C GSE20 2.5 L V6 4GR-FSE 6-speed AT/MT 152 kW (204 hp) 252 N⋅m (186 ft⋅lbf) @4800 rpm
2009– IS 350 C GSE21 3.5 L V6 2GR-FSE 6-speed AT 228 kW (306 hp) 375 N⋅m (277 ft⋅lbf) @4800 rpm
2009– IS 300 C GSE22 3.0 L V6 3GR-FE 6-speed AT 170 kW (230 hp) 300 N⋅m (220 ft⋅lbf) @4400 rpm
2010– IS 200d ALE20 2.2 L inline-4 2AD-FHV 6-speed MT 110 kW (150 hp) 360 N⋅m (270 ft⋅lbf) @2600 rpm
2010– IS 350 AWD GSE26 3.5 L V6 2GR-FSE 6-speed AT 228 kW (306 hp) 375 N⋅m (277 ft⋅lbf) @4800 rpm

Awards

  • J.D. Power and Associates named the second generation IS 250/IS 350 sedans the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2006 Initial Quality Survey.[79]
  • J.D. Power and Associates named the first generation IS 300 sedan and IS 300 SportCross the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2005 Initial Quality Survey.[80]
  • Ward's Auto bestowed the IS 350 V6 engine with one of its 10 Best Engines awards in 2006.[81] The IS 350 V6 engine was also named to the Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2007.
  • The 2007 Lexus IS was the winner of the Intellichoice/AutoPacific Motorist Choice Award for Aspirational Luxury Cars, referring to the vehicle owners most desired in the luxury segment.[82]
  • The Lexus IS was named the winner of the 2007 IF product design award from the International Forum Design group in Hannover, Germany.[83]
  • The 2007 Lexus IS was the winner of the Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Luxury category, according to German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. This award, selected by a jury panel of 25 automotive experts, was presented to Lexus in a Berlin ceremony.
  • British automotive magazine Top Gear named the second generation Lexus IS as the Executive Car of the Year in 2006.
  • The Canadian Car of the Year Awards, selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, gave the IS 350 its Best New Technology award in 2006.[84]
  • The Lexus IS was a finalist for Wheels magazine's Car of the Year (COTY) awards and also the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) award in 2006.[85]
  • Kelley Blue Book gave the first generation IS 300 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2001.[86]
  • The IS 250 was winner in 2006 and 2007 of Best Prestige Car in the Australia's Best Cars awards – awarded by the conglomeration of all of Australia's respective State Automotive Associations.
  • The Lexus IS came 2nd in the Top Gear Satisfaction Survey 2005, beaten only by the Honda S2000.

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