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For a complete overview of all IS models, see Lexus IS.

Lexus IS (XE20)
Front three-quarters view of a silver sedan
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
ProductionSeptember 2005 – April 2013
AssemblyJapan: Tahara, Aichi; Miyawaka, Fukuoka
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car
Body style
Layout
PlatformToyota N platform
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,730 mm (107.5 in)[1]
Length
  • 4,575–4,580 mm (180.1–180.3 in) (sedan)[2][3]
  • 4,636 mm (182.5 in) (convertible)[4]
  • 4,661 mm (183.5 in) (IS F)[5]
Width1,800–1,815 mm (70.9–71.5 in)[2][6]
Height1,415–1,440 mm (55.7–56.7 in)[1][6]
Curb weight1,558–1,685 kg (3,435–3,715 lb)[7][8]
Chronology
PredecessorLexus IS (XE10)
Successor

The Lexus IS (XE20) is a car produced by the Japanese carmaker Toyota under its luxury division, Lexus. Classified as a compact executive car, it represented the second generation of the Lexus IS. Serving as Lexus entry-level sedan from 2005 until production ended in 2013, Toyota manufactured the XE20 at the facility in Tahara, Aichi, and the Kyushu factory in Miyawaka, Fukuoka (until 2012). It was available as both a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe—the latter designated by a "C" at the end of their name (e.g., "IS 250 C").

The development of the XE20 began under the direction of Suguya Fukusato—chief engineer of the project. Primarily designed by Kengo Matsumoto, a pre-production version of the IS debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2005, the production version of which debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April of the same year. Production of the IS officially began in September and October 2005 at the Miyawaka and Tahara facilities, respectively. Lexus implemented a staged rollout of the XE20 variants, starting with the IS 250 and IS 350 in 2005. The IS 300 and IS 220d, the latter of which marked Lexus's first diesel model, followed in 2006. In 2010, the IS 220d was replaced by the IS 200d. Lexus also produced high-performance variants of the IS under the F marque, known as the IS F.

The XE20 shared its platform with the fourth generation of the LS and the second generation of the GS, both of which were also built at the facility in Tahara. While several minor updates have been made, the XE20 has undergone one major facelift; this update included a slightly revised front fascia, an interior refresh, and modifications to the suspension. The XE20 has been well-received by car critics, who have most praised its design and reliability. The car has received numerous accolades, including Ward's 10 Best Engines in both 2006 and 2007 for the IS 350 and Car's Performance Car of the Year for the IS F in 2008. Production of the XE20 ended at the Kyushu facility in 2012, while manufacture at the Tahara plant ended in the subsequent year. It was succeeded by the XE30 model, which began production in April 2013. The IS C remained in production until 2014 when it was replaced by the RC.

Background and development

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Front-three quarters view of a silver sean
The XE10 IS, which preceded the XE20

Lexus—the luxury division of the Japanese automaker Toyota[9]—debuted the first generation of the IS in 1999.[10] The development of the IS began in the middle of the 1990s decade under the direction of Nobuaki Katayama.[11] It was the subject of positive reception, with services company RAC Limited describing the car as "sharp and sporty" and its engine as "smooth", "torquey", and "agreeable",[12] and magazine Motor Trend stating that, "In terms of luxury, looks, and sport, the Lexus is excellent, beautiful even".[13] However, the XE10 underperformed in terms of sales, with only 2,457 units sold in the first quarter of 2004—a decrease of 27.5 percent compared to the same period last year.[14]

Lexus began development of the second generation of the IS under the direction of Suguya Fukusato, a rally driver.[15] Design work was initiated under the direction of Kengo Matsumoto, the general manager of global design at Lexus.[16] Design patents were filed at the United States Patent Office on 25 February 2005 by Matsumoto, Katsuhiro Suzuki, Hiroyuki Tada, and Tomoyasu Nishi.[17] The XE30 debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2005,[18][19] followed by another showcase at the New York International Auto Show in April that year.[20][21] Official series manufacture began at the Kyushu factory in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, in September 2005,[22] with manufacturing at the facility in Tahara, Aichi, following in October.[23]

Design and technology

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Interior of the IS 250, with black and beige colours
Interior of the IS 250, exclusively in black
The interior variants of the IS 250 (GSE20; Australia): the Sports Luxury trim level is pictured on the left while the Prestige trim level is on the right.[note 1]

The second-generation Lexus IS marked the second application of Lexus' L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following its debut on the 2006 Lexus GS sedan.[24] The design elements of L-finesse, such as the fastback profile, lower-set grille, and the interplay of convex and concave surfaces,[25][26] are influenced by Japanese cultural motifs, including the phrase kirikaeshi, seen in arrowhead shapes.[24] Lexus described L-finesse as "dynamism based on the visual contrast between simplicity and elegance" and "powerful, sweeping lines with contrasting convex and concave surfaces".[27] The exterior surfaces are designed for a sleek, flush integration between the sheet metal and glass. An "air kicker" is molded into the taillight lenses to direct airflow, reducing drag created by the rear fascia's license plate indentation.[28]

The IS has been described as a compact executive car,[29][30][31] a compact car,[32][33][34] and a mid-size car.[35][36] It is a four-door sedan with a unibody chassis, featuring a front, longitudinal engine layout and available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.[2][37][note 2] The XE20 IS is 175 millimeters (6.9 in) longer and 75 millimeters (3.0 in) wider than its predecessor, with a 40-millimeter (1.6 in) increase in front and rear track width. This resulted in improved leg and shoulder room for both the driver and passengers, while improving the vehicle's handling capabilities.[38][39] The IS retains the drag coefficient figure of Cd=0.28[40] of the previous generation.[41] The bodyshell stiffness has been increased by 20 percent, while weight reduction was achieved through the use of aluminum for the hood, suspension components, and engine.[39] The IS uses a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension systems featuring monotube shock absorbers. It has anti-roll bars at both the front and rear.[42][43]

The interior of the IS features leather seats, an electroluminescent instrument display, and ten-way power seats for the driver and front passenger, which include lumbar support.[43][44][45] There was an option for faux-metallic trim or a maple wood grain trim crafted by Yamaha artisans using materials from sustainable plantations.[46][47] The interior design also incorporated elements from Japanese concepts, such as hazushi, where an object maintains its individuality while remaining part of a larger whole, exemplified by the side air vent.[48][49] Additional interior features include perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a moonroof, electrochromic side mirrors, and aluminum scuff plates.[50][51] The IS features rain-sensing wipers, Intuitive Park Assist, bi-xenon headlamps, an Adaptive Front-lighting System, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.[51][52] Standard features include Lexus' SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start and a memory system that recalls the driver's seat, side mirror, and steering wheel positions.[53][54][55] Optional features included a high-resolution touchscreen, a navigation system with voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, and a fourteen-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system.[24][56][57]

The IS' standard safety features that include dual front airbags, front knee airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and front side torso airbags.[58] The new IS also introduced the manufacturer's twin-chamber front passenger airbag.[59] Initially, the IS 250 featured the Vehicle Stability Control system,[59] while the IS 350 was equipped with a more advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, offering a quicker response with less intrusive operation.[60] The IS was also available with a Pre-Collision System and electric power steering.[54][37] In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the IS the maximum five stars for Side Driver and Rollover categories, and four stars for Frontal Driver, Frontal Passenger, and Side Rear Passenger categories.[61] The European New Car Assessment Programme gave the vehicle five stars for Adult Occupant safety, four stars for Child Occupant safety, and two out of four stars for Pedestrian safety.[62] The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the Lexus IS sedan "Good" overall for both front and side impact tests, but gave it a "Poor" rating for the small overlap front test.[63]

Models

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GSE20 / GSE21 (2005)

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Front three-quarters view of a silver sedan
Rear three-quarters view of a silver sedan
2005–2008 Lexus IS 250 (GSE20; Australia)

The IS 250 (chassis code GSE20), IS 250 AWD (chassis code GSE25), and IS 350 (chassis code GSE21) were the first models to debut, launched in September 2005.[64] The IS 250 was available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations.[65] It features a 2.5-liter 4GR-FSE V6 engine with either an RA62 six-speed manual gearbox or a then-newly introduced A960E/A760H six-speed automatic gearbox featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.[66] Its engine produces a power output of 152 kilowatts (204 hp) and a torque output of 251 newton-meters (185 lbf⋅ft).[43] Initially, the IS 350 was available exclusively in a rear-wheel drive configuration.[67] Its 2.5-liter 4GR-FSE V6 engine produces 228 kilowatts (306 hp) and 375 newton-meters (277 lbf⋅ft).[68][69] The IS 350's transmission is a six-speed A760E automatic gearbox.[66]

The IS 250 and IS 350 both came standard with four-wheel disc brakes. The IS 350 features thirteen-inch ventilated turbine discs with four-piston monoblock calipers providing front-wheel stopping power, while the IS 250 is equipped with 11.6-inch two-piston front brakes. Lexus also introduced a electric-assist steering system.[43] In October 2010, Lexus introduced an all-wheel drive option for IS 350.[70]

ALE20 / GSE22 (2006)

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The IS 220d (chassis code ALE20) was Lexus' first diesel-powered vehicle.

Notes

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  1. ^ Trim levels may depend on market; the mentioned trim levels may not be available in other markets.
  2. ^ For information on which models use front- or all-wheel drive, refer to the § Models or § Technical specifications sections.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Griffith 2007, p. E.1.
  2. ^ a b c Healey 2005, p. D.13.
  3. ^ "2010 Lexus IS 4dr Sport Sdn Man RWD Features and Specs". Car and Driver.
  4. ^ Healey 2009, p. B.3.
  5. ^ "2012 Lexus IS F 4dr Sdn Features and Specs". Car and Driver.
  6. ^ a b Phelan 2008, p. E.1.
  7. ^ "Passes the DNA test". Winnipeg Free Press.
  8. ^ Dowling 2008, p. 1.
  9. ^ Dawson 2011, pp. 6–7.
  10. ^ Morley 2006, p. 8.
  11. ^ Clifford 2019.
  12. ^ Enright 2006.
  13. ^ Davis 2001.
  14. ^ Rechtin 2004, p. 32.
  15. ^ Sloane 2005.
  16. ^ Guilford 2005, p. 32.
  17. ^ Matsumoto et al. 2005.
  18. ^ Dowling & Hagon 2005, p. 8.
  19. ^ Kenzie 2005, p. G01.
  20. ^ Printz 2005.
  21. ^ "More power to 'em: New York Auto Show features cars and SUVs with lots of horsepower". The Morning Call.
  22. ^ "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.". Toyota.
  23. ^ "General status of plants in Japan". Toyota.
  24. ^ a b c Morrison 2005, pp. 12–13.
  25. ^ Rechtin 2003, p. 52.
  26. ^ Toljagic 2011, p. W.25.
  27. ^ Simister 2005.
  28. ^ Vasilash 2005, pp. 52–53.
  29. ^ Malone 2017.
  30. ^ Cunningham 2009, p. 44.
  31. ^ "Lexus IS 220d SE". Auto Express.
  32. ^ Ryan 2008.
  33. ^ Quiroga 2007.
  34. ^ Dyer 2009.
  35. ^ Miller & Gluckman 2008.
  36. ^ Cho 2006, p. C3.
  37. ^ a b "War of the off buttons". Autoweek.
  38. ^ Hardy 2005.
  39. ^ a b "Introducing The New Lexus IS". Lexus.
  40. ^ "Cadillac CTS vs Lexus IS - specifications". Auto Express.
  41. ^ Law 2000, p. OD02.
  42. ^ Moore 2005, p. 18.
  43. ^ a b c d Gritzinger 2005, pp. 14–16.
  44. ^ McNaughton 2006, p. W.10.
  45. ^ Chao 2006, p. 36.
  46. ^ Couture & Solochek 2011, p. G.1.
  47. ^ Burton 2007, pp. 1–2.
  48. ^ Smith 2006.
  49. ^ "Lexus inches closer with IS 250". Malay Mail.
  50. ^ Moore 2007, p. D8.
  51. ^ a b Duarte 2009, p. E.6.
  52. ^ "Lexus IS 250 luxury sport sedan offers new 'X Package'". Asbury Park Press.
  53. ^ Moore 2006, p. G27.
  54. ^ a b Booth 2007, p. W10.
  55. ^ "Accomplished performer: It's love at first drive with the Lexus IS 250's poise, refinement and easy-going nature". Bay of Plenty Times.
  56. ^ Torpey 2010, p. 54.
  57. ^ "2010 Lexus IS 250 Review & Ratings". Edmunds.
  58. ^ "2012 Lexus IS250 Expert Review". Motor Trend.
  59. ^ a b Fallah 2006.
  60. ^ Russ 2005.
  61. ^ "2008 Lexus IS250/350 4-DR w/SAB". NHTSA.
  62. ^ "Official Lexus IS 2006 safety rating". Euro NCAP.
  63. ^ "2009 Lexus IS". IIHS.
  64. ^ "Lexus IS (IS350/IS250)". Toyota.
  65. ^ "2006 Lexus IS 250 AWD: Also Featured: 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX, 2005 Nissan Xterra SE". Autoweek.
  66. ^ a b "Luxury and performance redefined". Kelowna Capital News.
  67. ^ Arrais 2006, p. C6.
  68. ^ Neil 2005, p. E3.
  69. ^ "2006 Lexus IS350 & IS250 V6 lineup AWD VVT-i". Motor Trend.
  70. ^ Elmer 2010, p. D.4.

Works cited

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