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2011 Lexus IS 250

New Lexus IS Doesn't Miss A Beat

In a New Commercial, the 2011 Lexus IS Performs a Percussion Solo As It Hugs Curves with Precision and Power

TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2010)—It all begins in a sleek warehouse where 122 percussion instruments are arranged to create a precision-driving course full of angles and straightaways. Each instrument has a tiny lever. An Ultrasonic Blue 2011 Lexus IS sport sedan revs its engine, wheels spinning as it roars to life to debut its musical prowess. The vehicle navigates the raceway, precisely tripping each and every drum lever on the track, creating a beat as it speeds by, igniting the base, snare, toms and cymbals. Through it all, the IS doesn't knock over a single instrument. As it comes screeching to a halt, the final drum beat is triggered. The new 2011 IS has just laid down its first custom track.

In this latest TV spot from Lexus, which begins airing today, the IS takes on the role of musician to demonstrate that the most exhilarating kind of performance is power wielded with precision.

'We wanted to create a dynamic way to illustrate the IS' agility on the road,' said Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus. 'Our engineers strive to develop innovative technology that provides the driver with an exhilarating experience. The concept of creating a music track using drums, levers and the IS showcases the car's precision on the road and offers viewers both an auditory and visual feel for the excitement of getting behind the wheel of an IS.'

Designing the Beat

With the help of a team of music composers, a mathematician and a skilled stunt driver, the IS' precision performance was put to the test.

First, Lexus worked with a music production company to compose and design the music track. Next came the challenge of translating sheet notes on a page into a physical track for the car to maneuver. 'We had to figure out how to lay out a track that would allow the car to really play a beat,' said Nordstrom. To accomplish this, Lexus enlisted a mathematician from a leading university to determine how and where to place the drums based on calculations of the car's speed, the beat of the music and the space allocation on the course.

The third step was to work with a production designer to create a system of levers that would set off the drums when the wheels of the vehicle rolled over them. This task required a precise vehicle and skilled driver to ensure a beat that was accurate within fractions of a second.

Finally, Lexus selected a professional stunt driver, Eddie Braun, to meet the challenge of wielding the IS on the course so precisely that it would hit its mark, every time. Braun utilized the vehicle's performance technology to meet the demands of the course while relying not only on the speedometer to measure speed, but by simultaneously listening for the tempo.

The result of the IS' precision? Music to anyone's ears. 'The first time it all came together on rehearsal day, the crew burst into applause,' added Nordstrom.

The spot, titled 'Music Track,' is part of the 'Wield Precision' campaign for the 2011 Lexus IS. It can be viewed at YouTube.com/lexusvehicles and during NFL Network's pre-kickoff show, as well as on full episode players online. The campaign will also be featured in an outdoor, print, mobile and online banner campaign, as well as partnerships with Pandora, CNET and in Esquire magazine's October issue and Yahoo! Sportacular iPad applications.

by Lexus

by Lexus

Lexus Revises and Expands IS Sport Sedan Line for 2011

• All-New IS 350 All-Wheel Drive Model

• New F Sport Package for IS 250/350 Rear-Wheel Drive Model

• Revised Front Styling and Interior Trim

Lexus is expanding choices in its popular IS sport sedan line for 2011, adding a 306-horsepower IS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) model and offering a new F Sport Package for the IS 250/350 rear-wheel drive (RWD). Revised front and rear styling details sharpen all IS models for 2011. In addition, the IS sedans feature minor interior trim changes.

A new front grille and bumper distinguish the IS sport sedans for 2011, while at the rear, the models show a new taillamp cover and revised tailpipe design. New HID headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are standard on the IS 350 and available for the IS 250. Keeping with Lexus' attention to detail, the 2011 IS models feature new-design standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels, along with revised exterior color choices.

The IS 350 AWD model joins the IS 250 AWD, which has accounted for 30 percent (nationally) of IS 250 sales since the model's introduction. Now, IS customers can have the traction and grip of all-wheel drive with the IS 350's higher performance capability.

The F Sport Package available for the 2011 IS 250/350 RWD takes inspiration from the IS F ultra-performance sedan, combining special suspension and steering tuning and 18-inch wheels with distinctive design touches. Giving the IS 250/350 F Sport Package model a sporty demeanor are a front lip spoiler and rear deck spoiler, plus the 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish. There is also a matching dark-chrome front grille insert, and a new Ultrasonic Blue exterior color is available in conjunction with the F Sport Package.

Inside, special F Sport heated front seats feature a special microfiber insert and leather side bolsters to provide more grip for the driver and passenger during cornering. The package also adds F Sport badging to the steering wheel, shift knob and doorsill scuff plates.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

The IS 250's 2.5-liter V6 engine delivers 204 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 350's 3.5-liter V6 offers a more potent 306 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 350 RWD model can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Both engines employ dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

Aside from its larger displacement, the 3.5-liter V6 also differs in that it augments the direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors. In light- and medium-load conditions, these additional injectors help produce a precise burn, optimizing power and efficiency. A dual exhaust system reduces backpressure at higher engine speeds.

An advanced six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is standard on the IS 350 models and the IS 250 AWD. The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission, with the paddle-shift automatic offered as an option.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

The Lexus IS models provide a sporty driving experience while also offering a supple, quiet ride. The double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension use high-strength steel and aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight. Sophisticated monotube shock-absorbers integrate multi-leaf linear control valves to optimize damping force, plus internal rebound springs for firmer body control without degrading ride comfort.

The all-wheel-drive system available for the IS 250 and IS 350 provides extra traction in diverse driving conditions. A planetary-gear center differential and a wet-type multi-disc clutch control front-to-rear power distribution. The system normally sends 70 percent of available power to the rear wheels to provide the performance advantages of a rear-drive car and will vary the torque-split ratio from 30:70 to 50:50 in response to driving conditions and driver input. The AWD system's electronic-control strategy takes inputs such as steering and throttle angle from driver activity combined with vehicle signals from wheel speed and yaw rate sensors.

Aiding the IS models' traction and stability is Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). More advanced than other traction and stability systems, VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and help correct the situation with a combination of braking and throttle control. VDIM integration provides precise management for Electric Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque (via the electronically controlled throttle). The driver can disengage VSC via the 'TRAC off' switch, which can be useful in certain situations.

The IS 350's brake system is equipped with larger ventilated front and rear rotors and aluminum four-piston front calipers. Standard all-season performance tires are 225/45R17 in front and 245/45R17 for the rear (225/45R17 on IS 250 and IS 350 AWD). Eighteen-inch wheels are available.

Safety/Security Features

A reinforced passenger compartment helps protect the occupants with front- and rear-crush structures. Seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters are used for the front and outboard rear seats. In addition to the advanced dual-front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for the IS includes side-curtain airbags that extend from A-pillar to C-pillar, and a knee airbag for both the driver and the front passenger. The front passenger airbag features two chambers, creating an indentation in the center impact area that helps to provide overall occupant protection.

The IS 250 offers optional High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. IS 350 models feature standard HID headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and headlamp washers. The rear back-up camera, included with the optional navigation system, automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the car onto the navigation screen when the transmission is in reverse gear. The exterior mirrors integrate turn signals.

The optional Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers, helping to alert the driver and showing distance to objects in the multi-information display within the speedometer. When any IS model is also equipped with the optional navigation system, information on objects detected is shown in greater detail on that system's seven-inch touch screen display.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

The Lexus IS models include a standard leather-trimmed interior with 10-way power front seats; some competitive vehicles make a leather interior optional. The numerous standard amenities in the IS models also include dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents and a pollen filter (plus a smog filter on IS 350), power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings, manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, all power windows with automatic up/down feature and jam protection, HomeLink® and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The AWD models in addition feature standard heated seats. The SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button-start ignition allows the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse.

The standard Lexus Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 194 watts (max.) total power, 13 speakers, iPod®/USB connectivity, Bluetooth® hands free phone and music streaming and an integrated satellite radio receiver. The Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) maintains consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.

Luxury Options

An optional Luxury Plus Package includes wood trim, perforated leather seating trim and heated and ventilated front seats, plus three-position memory for seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering column and auto-dimming outside mirrors.

Like all Lexus models, the IS offers its own version of the Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio system, which is available in conjunction with the optional DVD touch-screen navigation system. This 14-speaker audio system features discrete 5.1 multi-channel playback with 7.1-channel speaker architecture. Its 10 amplifier channels provide 300 watts total output at 0.1 percent total harmonic distortion (THD). The Mark Levinson system plays conventional CDs and DVDs, plus MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the optional navigation system's color seven-inch touch screen when the parking brake is engaged.

The Lexus IS also offers a telematics system, Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect®, available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features. Safety Connect is standard on all vehicles, while Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is on vehicles equipped with the optional Navigation system. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—every day of the year.

Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative XM services including XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™ and XM Sports and Stocks services. XM services require separate XM subscriptions. The XM Sports and Stocks service is included with an XM radio subscription. All XM services offer complimentary 90-day trial subscriptions.

Exterior Design

The Lexus IS sedans show a strong family resemblance to the Lexus GS models while establishing their own distinctively sporty identity. A notably wide stance and long wheelbase, coupled with tightly drawn bodywork, give the IS an athletic, road-hungry yet sophisticated style. Carefully shaped body contours, a subtle ducktail-curved trunk lid and 'air kick' tail lamps contribute to a low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd).

A highly rigid body structure is the starting point for controlling noise intrusion. Strategically placed noise-suppression materials, including special window and door seals, acoustic windshield glass and asphalt sheeting, take over from there.

Interior Design

The IS models' luxurious cabin features intelligently designed displays and controls that are easy to see and use. Bright, clear Optitron gauges and smartly integrated metallic trim, or available Bird's-eye Maple trim, contribute to an elegant yet sporty environment. Premium interior materials and meticulous attention to detail convey the Lexus identity.

The multi-information display located within the speedometer integrates a trip computer and an oil-maintenance reminder and system warnings, all grouped in one convenient location. When equipped with the available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), the display can show a car icon with the location and distance of objects detected near the bumpers.

F Sport Performance Accessories

Lexus offers a selection of F Sport Performance Accessories for the IS models, including performance-enhancing parts such as 19-inch forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust system and more. F Sport Performance Accessories by Lexus U.S.A. are engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). When installed by an authorized dealer, the accessories are covered by warranty for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

Warranty

All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage.

by Lexus

by Lexus

Toyota's luxury division unveiled its newest sport-luxury compact sedan in 2001, the Lexus IS 300. Sharing its engine with the larger GS 300, the IS was built with rear-wheel drive and carried a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that achieved 215 horsepower. The engine operated with VVT-i. During its first season, only a five-speed automatic transmission was offered, but it did incorporate Formula One-inspired E-Shift gear selection on the steering wheel. The wedge-shaped IS body had a semi-fastback roofline and was sharp-edged in design. It was called a 'condensed high-performance stance' by Lexus. A choice of either 16 or 17 inch wheels could be mounted on the IS 300 and front-side airbags were installed along with antilock braking and traction control. Available on the vehicle was a limited-slip differential. Inspired by sport watched, a chronograph-style instrument panel was installed in the vehicle. The IS 300 was originally designed for the European market, and is promised to give 'compelling challenge' to European sport sedans.

Though smaller than the BMW, the Lexus IS300 carried a fairly tight rear seat, though it had a high level of comfort. In Japan, the Lexus IS300 was sold as the Toyota Altezza. Introduced in 1999, the IS 300 went on sale in June of 2000. Shortly afterward, it appeared as the CART Championship pace car. Along with the IS 300 SportCross, a five-speed manual-transmission version was debuted. The sedan and the little-known SportCross was somewhat publicized by two racing entries in the 2001 Grand-Am Cup North American Street Stock Series. Competitive immediately, the IS scored its first pole position in its fourth race and first race win in the fifth round at Virginia International Raceway.

In March 2003, the IS SportDesign was introduced, basically, a cosmetic package equipped with a special grille, tailpipe along with other touches. Sharing its in-line six-cylinder engine with the Supra, the Lexus IS 300 came with rear-wheel drive and an interior that was more sport than luxury. 215 horsepower was produced with the six along with 218 lb-ft of torque that used variable valve timing to broaden its torque curve. The IS 300 also had a two-stage induction system along with a two-way bymass muffler that enhanced breathing and lower noise. Excellent handling was provided by a double wishbone suspension.

When desired, the SportCross and the automatic transmission sedan featured E-Shift steering wheel-mounted shift buttons for finger-tip control over gear shifts. Basically a wagon/crossover version with the same dimensions as the sedan, the IS 300 featured a rear tailgate, a split fold-down rear seatback and fold-down front passenger seatbacks that allowed it to carry either long or odd-shaped items. A rear power outlet and a seatback table were also located in the folding passenger seat.

Wind noise was lowered due to a low 0.29 coefficient of drag, while the interior was quieted with sound-dampening asphalt sheets in the roof. Optional on sedans was a real spoiler, while the SportCross featured a unique spoiler as standard equipment. The IS300 had drilled aluminum pedals with rubber pads, supportive height-adjustable seats and stainless steel doorsill scuff plates. 17-inch wheels, low-profile performance-tread tires, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, a high-power audio system with both a cassette player and six-disc in-dash CD changer with eight speakers, and High-Intensity Discharge headlights were all standard features.

Optional on the IS300 was eight-way power driver's and passenger seats, heated front seats and a power moonroof. The interior could be outfitted with an optional leather/Alcantara trim package or a full leather-trimmed interior in either ivory or black.

The SportCross offered the Vehicle Stability Control system as an option. This was also optional on the automatic sedan. This feature was helpful in controlling traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by utilizing throttle intervention. To help limit rear-wheel slip on acceleration the VSC supplements the standard full-range traction control. Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution was featured on the four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system. To determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, brake assist is designed to figure this out, along with if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS. The system supplements the braking power applied until pedal pressure is released.

Pretensioners and height-adjustable anchors are incorporated on the front seatbelts in the Lexus IS 300 to help avoid the forces to the upper torso in a serious frontal collision. The SRS, Supplemental Restraint Systems included dual front airbags, side curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, and front seat-mounted side airbags. A personal security feature is the speed-sensitive and shift-linked automatic door lock/unlock system.

An optional feature on the Lexus IS 300 was the Lexus Navigation System which used a DVD for map storage. All on one disc, the DVD contains all of the U.S. and the major cities in Canada. High-speed route calculation, multi-route calculation, route preview, a dual-map screen mode and simplified highway junction graphics are functions of the Navigation System. Deployed from the dashboard, the System is easily hidden when not in use. The remote controls for the system are hidden in the center console between the front seats. A dashboard storage compartment with a spring-loaded retractable lid is featured on models not equipped with the Navigation System.

For 2004 all Lexus IS models added a standard maintenance indicator light along with automatic power door locks. In October 2005, the second generation of IS models were introduced, the IS250 and the IS350.

by Jessican Donaldson