Lexus IS 300: 20 Years Later
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| Image Provided By: Lexus |
Although externally similar to the previous model, a lot of work has been put into refining the overall driving experience. With countless hours put into it's development at the purpose built Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, it's no surprise that the list of changes is very substantial albeit subtle at first glance.
- Reinforced radiator side supports,
- Increased front-side-member weld points, and optimized reinforcement structures from the C-pillars to the sides of the roof.
- Larger 19-inch wheels to improve cornering force and provide a greater contact patch with the road
- Lighter weight hub bolts vs lug nuts in the previous model
- Coil springs that are 20 percent lighter than the outgoing model.
- New forged aluminum A-arms versus the outgoing steel composition, resulting in an 18 percent weight reduction.
- New material for the suspension stabilizer bar to optimize the diameter and thickness to provide a 17 percent weight reduction.
- Swing-valve shock absorbers equipped with ultralow-velocity valves for consistently even ride quality on any surface.
- New bound stoppers help manage the sprung weight more effectively for enhanced ride comfort.
- Advanced G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system that monitors multiple performance parameters to determine the optimum gear selection.
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| Image provided By: Lexus |
While retaining the same power plants as the previous generation; a turbo charged inline 4 and naturally aspirated V6 for the performance model, the reduction in weight and increased rigidity should help more efficiently transfer that power to the road. The inclusion of the new AI driven transmission will also assist in delivering that power more effectively for less experienced drivers.
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| Image Provided By: Lexus |
The interior is similarly redesigned with subtle changes like the placement of the touch screen being more easily accessible by the driver than in the previous model.
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| Image Provided By: Lexus |
The gauge cluster also further refines the driving experience by simplifying the layout and only displaying other information when requested.
The original Lexus IS, or Toyota "Altezza" as it was known in Japan, was built with the intention of competing with similar luxury cars of the era. If that second name sounds familiar it should, endless imitations of the original Altezza's taillights; seen in the original model below, have been produced for almost every type of car.
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| Image Provided By: Toyota Archives |
But outside of its looks the original IS was also driver focused, with emphasis placed on performance and the enjoyment of the drive.
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| Image Provided By: Lexus |
Design was headed by Nobuaki Katayama, who also designed the legendary AE86 and Mark IV Supra. Having also served as an executive in Toyota's Motorsports division, where he assisted in World Rally Championship, Sports Car World Championship, and Le Mans racing. Katayama was heavily invested in the car being driver focused and easily modified. Sharing the same engine as the Toyota Supra, the infamous 2JZ, the original IS was nimble and quite popular for use in all manner of Motorsports to this day.
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| Image Provided By: Toyota Archives |
The original IS even had an impact on current Toyota President Akio Toyoda as noted in the new IS press launch
There may be no greater fan of IS than Toyota President Akio Toyoda, who notes the vehicle’s special place in his heart during the introduction to the Art of Lexus book, where he credits the IS as “The car that really taught me what performance driving was, and it was the moment when my love affair with Lexus began.”
With this refinement of the IS, and it's focus on the experience of the drive, it seems Lexus is dedicated to getting back some of that enjoyment in driving that is so often lost in modern cars. The entire philosophy behind the "Lexus Driving Signature" is refreshing and I look forward to seeing how it is developed in their product line going forward.