Lexus Introduces Two New IS
300 Models
...In Detroit - IS 300 SportCross and New Five-Speed
Manual Transmission Sport Sedan to Arrive in Summer
(01/09/2001) Detroit...
Lexus today announced two new versions of the IS 300 for 2002:
the versatile IS 300 SportCross and an IS 300 sedan featuring
a five-speed manual transmission. Both new IS 300 models were
introduced at the North American International Auto Show and
will be available in August 2001.
The Lexus IS 300 sedan, currently on the market, offers a
compelling challenge to European sport sedans, packaging a
high-performance powertrain, rear-drive chassis layout, and a
sports-car inspired interior in a taut, wedge-shaped body.
Lexus will offer the 2002 IS 300 sedan equipped with the
five-speed manual transmission as a separate model that will
also feature slightly firmer suspension tuning than the
automatic model. The crisply shifting five-speed manual
transmission will satisfy drivers who prefer more control over
the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine’s broad power band.
The IS 300 engine, also shared with the larger GS 300
performance/luxury sedan, produces 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm
and 218 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,800 rpm. The engine
delivers both high-revving power and strong low-end and
mid-range torque, due in large part to Variable Valve Timing
with intelligence (VVT-i).
Lexus expects to sell 1,600 in the shortened 2001 year with a
projected 4,800 units sold in the following years.
Younger Buyers
"When we introduced the IS 300 for 2001, we promised that
we’d offer a manual transmission model for 2002, and we’re
fulfilling that promise," says Lexus Group Vice President
and General Manager Denny Clements. "The IS 300 has been
attracting younger customers to Lexus showrooms, and many of
them have been waiting for a manual transmission."
Lexus also expects the 2002 IS 300 SportCross to appeal to
younger customers, many of whom have small families or need
room for outdoor activities, such as mountain biking. The
SportCross has the same sporty performance as the sedan and
combines a unique, European-influenced design with the bonus
of greater utility from a five-door body style. The rear
tailgate, split fold-down rear seatback and fold-down front
passenger seatback allow the SportCross to carry long or oddly
shaped items that might not fit easily in conventional sedans.
Because it is based closely on the IS 300 sedan, the IS 300
SportCross avoids some of the typical styling cues that define
conventional wagons.
"Like the IS 300 sedan, the IS 300 SportCross was
initially designed for the European market, and there is a
sizeable – and vocal – portion of our customer base that
appreciates that we’ve brought these models to the U.S. with
no compromise in design or performance," says Clements.
Lexus plans initially to sell approximately 5,000 SportCross
models annually.
Not A Sedan, Not A Wagon – Something In Between
The Lexus IS 300 SportCross blurs the lines between body
types, offering a new silhouette that admittedly places unique
design ahead of maximum utility.
"We wanted to preserve the
image of dynamic performance with the IS 300 SportCross,"
says Nobuaki Katayama, chief engineer for the car. "We
felt that a conventional wagon body would detract from that
image, and on the other hand we also knew that IS 300
customers were less inclined to require the full utility of a
boxy shape."
The IS 300 SportCross uses the hood, front fenders and front
doors from the IS 300 sedan. The roof, rear quarter panels,
rear doors and rear side glass are all unique to the
SportCross. The tailgate area shares no parts with the sedan,
but does feature the same taillight design. In addition, the
front fascia is different from the sedan. A subtle rear roof
spoiler adds a touch of flair to the car’s profile.
Sharing the same engine and five-speed automatic transmission
as the IS 300 sedan, the SportCross also features the
racing-inspired E-Shift steering wheel shifting controls, as
featured on the IS 300 and larger GS series performance/luxury
sedans. The five-speed manual transmission will not be
available in the IS 300 SportCross.
The Utility Bonus
The IS 300 SportCross includes several features that will help
owners get the most from its expanded utility, including a
tonneau cover to keep valuables out of site, a luggage box, a
cargo area "false floor" to keep small items hidden,
plus a folding passenger seat with a seatback table and rear
power outlet for "tailgating." A rear wiper/washer
will be standard equipment. Taking advantage of the extra room
in the cargo area of the SportCross, Lexus upgraded this
model’s audio system to nine speakers from the sedan’s
eight.
New Safety Technology for 2002
Like the IS 300 sedan, the IS 300 SportCross will be offered
in one high-content equipment level, with just a few options
and option packages available. All IS 300 models for 2002 will
benefit from new safety technology and interior detail
enhancements. The standard anti-lock brake system (ABS)
already includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and
for 2002 will add the Lexus Brake Assist feature. Brake Assist
can determine emergency braking and, if the driver has not
stepped hard enough on the brake pedal, supplement the applied
braking power.
New standard side curtain airbags for 2002 offer supplemental
head protection for front occupants in side impacts. (Front
seat-mounted side airbags are already standard on the 2001 IS
300.)
The 2002 IS 300 SportCross and the IS 300 automatic sedan also
will offer the Lexus Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system as an
option in addition to the standard full-range traction control
(TRAC). A Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential
comes with the VSC option and will remain a separate option
for the manual-transmission sedan.
Inside, all IS 300 models for 2002 get a new electrochromic
auto-dimming rearview mirror with integral compass as standard
equipment. An optional DVD-based satellite navigation system
also will be available.
All 2002 IS 300 models will continue to offer the long roster
of standard equipment that makes the 2001 model such a good
value in its segment: 17-inch wheels, low-profile
performance-tread tires, automatic climate control,
high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, and a premium,
high-power audio system with both a cassette player and a
single-feed, in-dash, six-disc CD changer.
A New Look for Lexus
While the tightly drawn, sharp-edged lines of all three IS 300
models are like nothing else in the Lexus product line, the
grille and headlight detailing make the car immediately
identifiable as a Lexus. Interior surfaces blend modern and
classic sports car touches, including drilled aluminum pedals
and stainless steel doorsill scuff plates with rubber pads.
The IS 300 includes supportive height-adjustable sport seats
as standard equipment.
A chronograph-style combination gauge cluster inspired by
sports watches sits within the speedometer and gives the IS
300 a unique interior appearance. The chronograph cluster
allowed designers to package eight instrument readouts within
clear view through the standard leather-wrapped, three-spoke
steering wheel. The instrument panel also includes LCD-type
digital odometer and trip meter displays and an exterior
temperature gauge.
Every IS 300 will come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic
limited warranty. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is
provided for 72 month/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation
protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. all free games . monster truck games
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