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June 11, 2013

Lexus Manila Launches All-New IS Sports Sedan


Lexus debuts the third-generation 2014 IS sport sedan, with a bold design highlighted by the new dynamic signature spindle grille and for the first time separated LED Daytime Running Lights. A combination of “aggressive elegance,” a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity help make the new IS models more alluring than ever.

Thanks in large part to substantially increased overall body rigidity, the 2014 Lexus IS provides a more dynamic driving experience with enhanced stability and body control while delivering improved ride comfort. New, laser-screw welding and adhesive body-bonding techniques, along with additional spot welding, have made the higher rigidity possible. An all-new multilink rear suspension, revised front suspension and steering derived from the well-received GS sedan are adopted in the smaller IS package. Two IS models are available for 2014, the IS 350 and IS 350 F SPORT. Both models sport a 3.5-liter V6 with D4-S direct and port fuel injection.



The 3.5-liter engine produces 306 hp @ 6,400rpm, 376 Nm of torque @ 4,800rpm. The IS 350 inherits the eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission from the IS F high-performance model. This transmission features paddle shifters and the G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system, which automatically selects the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to G force. A new Drive Mode Select system features up to five driving modes. The IS 350 features ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT modes, while the IS 350 F SPORT features four drive modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S, and SPORT S+. These drive modes are tailored to meet the driver’s preferred combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.

The available F SPORT package includes unique 18-inch wheels and special suspension tuning, unique interior and exterior design. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) featured on IS 350 F SPORT allows the driver to fine tune the IS F SPORT’s ride characteristics with a choice of two settings; Normal, for everyday driving comfort, and SPORT S or SPORT S+ mode, for optimized body control and agility. Exclusive for the F SPORT is an intake sound generator that creates a more sporting engine note.



The Lexus LFA supercar provided design inspiration for the driver-focused Lexus IS cockpit. F SPORT models inherit the innovative TFT instrumentation with moving center ring from the LFA.

The driver can appreciate improved seating position and headroom, while the rear seat offers significantly improved roominess, ingress , and egress. Separating the shocks from the springs results in a larger trunk, as well.

New luxuries abound in the 2014 Lexus IS. A high-efficiency dual-zone climate control system uses new, touch-sensitive electrostatic temperature switches. The IS offers two multimedia systems. A standard high-resolution Lexus Display Audio (LDA) with controller or the F SPORT exclusive Lexus navigation system. The navigation system is operated via a second-generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device, which also allows control of the climate, audio, phone controls and more.



Ten Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags are standard. The IS models employ the innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which integrates Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety systems with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) or, where fitted (for IS 350 F SPORT), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).

The new models add as standard a unique Auto Location Tire Pressure Warning System (ALTPWS).

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Brakes/Tires
  • New construction techniques include laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding that help provide a substantial increase in overall body rigidity.
  • New rear sub frame and cowl side braces help to further enhance handling control and steering response. 
  • Revised front suspension with a 20 percent increase in sway rigidity and a new multilink rear suspension to help provide increased grip and control. 
  • New Electric Power Steering System for a smoother more accurate feel with greater feedback. 
  • 17-inch wheel design for the IS 350 and LFA-like 18-inch wheel design for the IS 350 F SPORT.
Safety/Security
  • High- and ultra-high-tensile steel body structure help provide excellent optimal occupant protection. 
  • Ten SRS airbags; two-stage dual SRS front airbags, driver and front passenger SRS knee airbags, front and rear (new) SRS side airbags, as well as full length SRS side curtain airbags. 
Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
  • New interior design with LFA-inspired, driver-focused cockpit and enhanced rear seat roominess and luggage capacity. 
  • New quilted driver’s seat offers greater comfort and better lateral support. 
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control with new, touch-sensitive electrostatic switches. 
  • Lexus Display Audio (LDA) with display audio controller. 
  • F SPORT exclusive Lexus navigation system with Remote Touch Interface (RTI). 
  • 4.2-inch full color multi-information display including audio, trip, navigation, phone, ambient temperature. 
Exterior Design
  • The wheelbase of the 2013 IS has been increased by nearly three inches. Width has been increased by nearly half an inch, for an aggressive stance.
  • The 2014 IS introduces a further evolution of the spindle grille from the GS and LS 
  • models, featuring a more three-dimensional design with a chrome-plated frame and darker gray insert from top to bottom. 
  • Standard HID low/high beam headlamps with LED DRLs and F SPORT exclusive twin projector LED low/ high beam headlamps. 
Interior Design
  • Driver-oriented cockpit design inspired by Lexus LFA supercar. 
  • Dashboard is divided into two distinct zones, a display zone and an operation zone, offering drivers more comfortable, ergonomically ideal interaction with the vehicle’s control systems. 
  • Combination of longer wheelbase and a special front seat design increases rear seat legroom by 1.6 inches 
  • Standard 60:40 split-folding rear seats. 
  • Soft touch finishes throughout, including padding on the center console sides. •   Silver metallic trim analog clock with surface-emitting illumination. 
Pricing
  • IS 350 - Php 2,548,000
  • IS 350 F SPORT - Php 3,058,000

3 comments:

  1. Wow the base is350 is cheap! Considering the boring lifeless Camry is already above 2M! This thing will fly off the shelves, good pricing by Lexus, more than a million pesos cheaper than a comparably powered 3series. I believe the IS 's chassis is not shared by a Toyota product, unlike the ES which is basically a glorified Camry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Lexus ES does not share platform with the camry anymore, it is based upon the bigger Toyota Avalon

      Delete
  2. True! A person considering a Camry 3.5 will probably want to drive the car himself. If bigger interior space is not the priority, just add 500k and get a much better handling car with the new IS.

    At 2.5M, I think the IS350 costs only half of C350 or BMW 335 local price.

    ReplyDelete

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