Providing a comfortable grip for sports control, the stylish design features a large circular pad in the center that contrasts with the thin metallic base plate. The prominent Lexus L emblem and quality leather finish add a luxury touch to the IS sports driving experience.
The extended vehicle dimensions including the wheelbase create the foundation for the outstanding comfort of the spacious cabin. It is especially noticeable in the rear seats where the thin front seatbacks and good space around the knees contribute to excellent legroom and access, providing even more reason to share the IS’s sports driving pleasure with family and friends.
The easy-to-read, self-illuminating 2-eye Optitron meters provide vital driving information at a glance. The illumination of the multi-information display in the center of the meters changes color to highlight the drive mode selected. In Eco and Normal Modes, it turns a tranquil blue. Switching to Sport/Sport S or Sport S+ Mode changes the illumination to a vibrant red.
This function coordinates the display of information from the multimedia systems on the 7-inch EMV (Electro Multi-Vision) display in the center of the instrumental panel and the 4.2-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information display in the center of the meter cluster. For convenience and easy control, audio system, incoming mobile calls, and some navigation information on the EMV display can be displayed on the multi-information display, and controlled using switches on the steering wheel.
It integrates control of multiple systems so you can tune the performance of the IS to suit your driving style. Selecting Eco Mode changes the engine output, throttle control and air conditioning characteristics required for fuel-efficient eco-driving. Sport/Sport S Mode refines the powertrain settings and amount of EPS (Electric Power Steering) steering assist for excellent acceleration and sports steering feel. In addition, Sport S+ Mode refines the powertrain and chassis settings for dynamic sports driving.
High performance ventilated disc brake on all four wheels provide the quick, smooth and linear braking expected of a Lexus sports sedan. High friction brake pads further contribute to the excellent stopping power and braking feel. The use of lightweight aluminum for brake components helps to reduce weight, contributing to fuel efficiency.
The unseen foundation of the IS’s direct and engaging sports handling, stability and ride comfort is high rigidity body structure. To achieve the balance of light weight with excellent rigidity that makes this sports performance possible, it required the adoption of innovative production techniques. They include the extensive use of body adhesive which enables the joining of panels over an extended area, and laser screw welding.
A key component of the IS’s exhilarating sports driving performance is a suspension system that is both agile yet stable, inspiring confidence with superb grip ad excellent response to steering input. To achieve these demanding and very sports driver-friendly characteristics, each element of the double wishbone front suspension was fine-tuned, and the stabilizer refined to provide superb steering repose and feel, helping to reduce roll while cornering, and contributing to ride comfort.
At the heart of sports driving and the interaction between the driver and the IS is the quick selection and changing of gears. With its astonishing linear acceleration, the 8–speed SPDS (Sport Direct Shift) blends sharp response times with the outstanding smoothness and efficiency of eight gears. For drivers it offers the refined characteristics of two exciting worlds: an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear changes and exceptional ride comfort in normal driving.
i. 3.5-liter V6 engine
The sophisticated 3.5-liter engine delivers both exceptional power and excellent fuel efficiency. It integrates advanced technologies that include a D-4S fuel injection system that features both direct injection into the cylinders and port injection to balance high power output with fuel efficiency, and Dual VVT-I which increases torque and output, and contributes to better fuel economy and reduced emissions.
