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NEWS
Next Lexus IS ready
Lexus confirms Detroit debut for next IS sedan and hosts prototype drives in CaliforniaLexus had begun the countdown to its vital new IS by confirming the redesigned mid-size sedan will make its global debut at the Detroit motor show in January and giving selected media outlets access to pre-production prototypes in California after last week’s Los Angeles motor show.
The edgier new design theme of the replacement for Lexus Australia’s best-selling model was previewed at September’s Paris show by the sleek LF-CC hybrid coupe.
That was widely seen as confirmation the Japanese luxury brand will not only produce a petrol-electric version of the IS for the first time, but also a mid-size two-door to rival BMW’s upcoming 4 Series and Mercedes’ popular C-Class Coupe.
Lexus says the new IS, which features design cues from the LFA super-coupe, has been comprehensively redesigned inside and out. Interior styling is expected to resemble that of the CT200h hybrid hatch, including a pair of centre console dials to control multimedia settings and drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+.
According to Autocar, the next IS will come with new multi-link independent rear suspension, while double-wishbone front suspension gets stiffer anti-roll bars and softer spring rates to improve ride quality without sacrificing handling.
Although both the exterior and interior remain under wraps until January 14, these images of camouflaged models in California show the car’s overall profile will follow the new GS large sedan in being sportier than its predecessor’s.
To match the sleeker styling, Toyota’s luxury brand also claims the new sedan’s handling dynamics are sharper than that of its two most direct rivals, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, both of which were used as benchmarks in the car’s development.
New IS250 and IS350 petrol variants will arrive in Australia by mid-2013, with the 2.5-litre IS300h hybrid to follow.
European markets will be offered both petrol and hybrid versions of the new IS from launch, including a 2.5-litre V6 and an electrically boosted Camry Hybrid-style 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder with D-4S direct and port injection, while the IS350 will again pack a 3.5-litre petrol V6.
In lieu of a turbo-diesel version for Europe this time round, Lexus is targeting CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km for the first IS hybrid, which is reported to accelerate to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and will be available only with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
At the other end of the IS scale, F Sport versions of all models will be offered, although a replacement for the full-blown V8-powered IS F sedan may not eventuate if Lexus decides to rival Mercedes-AMG and BMW’s M division only with an F version of the IS coupe.
The latter won’t be officially part of the IS range, however, with news that Lexus Australia has trademarked the ‘RC 350’ nameplate, suggesting the all-new two-door model range based on the new IS (which itself is based on the latest GS sedan’s new rear-wheel drive platform) will wear RC250, RC350, RC300h and RC F badges.
While a second-generation IS cabriolet is also expected, Lexus is also developing
its first compact SUV to be positioned beneath the RX crossover, but the production RC coupe is more likely to be unveiled at the Geneva show in March.
its first compact SUV to be positioned beneath the RX crossover, but the production RC coupe is more likely to be unveiled at the Geneva show in March.
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Written byMarton Pettendy
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