2006-12-12 06:43:33Mike O’Lee
LEXUS IS250
Lexus introduced the original IS in 2001 to combat the BMW 3-series. Another mission of the IS was to attract younger audience to Lexus’ aging and mature image. The IS300 had edgy angular exterior styling, sporty and unorthodox interior. Quickly, it became one of the favorite sports sedans for the young adults, successfully lowered the average owner age for Lexus.
The new IS250 ditched the edgy exterior and controversial interior styling. Following the big brother GS’s footstep, the new IS employed the L-finesse concept. The exterior is more modern looking; multi-curvature exterior tightly wrapped around an athletic chassis. Bulging fender flares accentuate the wide tires beneath; euro-style rear end provided a nice luxury feel. Lexus successfully created an athletic yet luxurious image for this new IS.
Luxurious interior is another departure from the original IS. Instead the old chronograph gauges, the new gauge cluster features large and easy to read meters. Large center stack features a multi-purpose LCD screen. High quality material is everywhere inside the cabin, added additional luxury feel. The front bucket seats are soft and well supported. Intelligent keyless start is easy to use.
The new power plant is a 2.5 liter V-6 unit, with maximum output of 204 HP and 185 lb-ft of torque. The new V-6 is a high-revving unit, with maximum horsepower delivered at 4800rpm. This is not an impressive number, but thanks to the new 6-speed automatic transmission featuring pedal shift on the steering wheel, the power delivery is smooth and useful. The transmission can hold any gear in place with driver’s command, extracting the maximum power of the engine is only one finger tap away.
Dynamically, the carefully tuned chassis combined with many electronic devices provide a flawless drive even when the driver is not so capable. At normal driving speed, the suspension is supple with plenty of cushion, the driver can feel plenty of the feedback through the steering wheel, but the passenger can still enjoy a comfortable smooth ride.
The new IS250 ditched the edgy exterior and controversial interior styling. Following the big brother GS’s footstep, the new IS employed the L-finesse concept. The exterior is more modern looking; multi-curvature exterior tightly wrapped around an athletic chassis. Bulging fender flares accentuate the wide tires beneath; euro-style rear end provided a nice luxury feel. Lexus successfully created an athletic yet luxurious image for this new IS.
Luxurious interior is another departure from the original IS. Instead the old chronograph gauges, the new gauge cluster features large and easy to read meters. Large center stack features a multi-purpose LCD screen. High quality material is everywhere inside the cabin, added additional luxury feel. The front bucket seats are soft and well supported. Intelligent keyless start is easy to use.
The new power plant is a 2.5 liter V-6 unit, with maximum output of 204 HP and 185 lb-ft of torque. The new V-6 is a high-revving unit, with maximum horsepower delivered at 4800rpm. This is not an impressive number, but thanks to the new 6-speed automatic transmission featuring pedal shift on the steering wheel, the power delivery is smooth and useful. The transmission can hold any gear in place with driver’s command, extracting the maximum power of the engine is only one finger tap away.
Dynamically, the carefully tuned chassis combined with many electronic devices provide a flawless drive even when the driver is not so capable. At normal driving speed, the suspension is supple with plenty of cushion, the driver can feel plenty of the feedback through the steering wheel, but the passenger can still enjoy a comfortable smooth ride.