Being the core model for the Lexus brand the weight of expectation on the third generation IS model is fairly substantial. Positioned in a highly competitive segment, historically dominated by German brands, the pressure to not only provide a platform on which to lure potential new customers into the Lexus family (especially in markets outside of the US) but to also take the fight to the traditional market leaders in terms of dynamics, efficiency, comfort, and versatility is immense. And while the outgoing model was able to hold its own in terms of comfort and efficiency, chief engineer on the new IS project, Junichi Furuyama, is determined that the new car (set to reach South Africa by June 2013) be the most fun to drive vehicle in its class. And the pressure mounts…
Styling
Remaining remarkably true to its LF-CC concept the new IS certainly doesn’t shy away when confronted by a crowd. The design is dominated by the company’s new “spindle” grille design, which looked particularly striking at the car’s Texas-based international launch. Of course on these particular roads the need to break up this design with a wide front number plate is not compulsory so it remains to be seen just how much impact is lost once vehicles are licensed in South Africa. Grille aside there’s a lot of detail in the front bumper to enjoy, not least the integrated LED strips that underline the headlamps. It’s an ultimately more fussy design (especially up front) than many of it traditional rivals in this segment but one that is bound to turn heads and get noticed.
Engines
Lexus South Africa will launch with the IS350. Carried over from the outgoing model this 3,5-litre V6 petrol engine features D-4S direct and port injection and produces 228 kW at 6 400 r/min, with 375 N.m of torque at 4 800 r/min. Mated exclusivity with an 8-speed transmission carried over from the outgoing IS-F performance model the new IS350 has a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5,6 seconds, while returning a combined fuel consumption of just 10,6 L/100 km.
Track time
While I cannot confirm or deny the new IS350s claimed acceleration times I was afforded the opportunity to test the new car (back-to-back with two of its traditional rivals) at the stunning Driveway Austin testing facility in Austin, Texas. This privately owned facility is made up of corners and straights from some of the best-loved (and most challenging) racetracks from around the world, including Fiorano, Laguna Seca, Spa, and the Nurburgring.
With much of the focus on the new IS revolving around driver enjoyment, lots of attention has been paid to weight management (the new car is slightly heavier than the model it replaces), as well as rigidity in order to make the car more manoeuvrable and precise than ever before. You have to commend Lexus for having the confidence in its product to allow journalists to step out of the new IS and directly into the immensely capable BMW 335i, and while the latter is still unmatched in this segment in terms of driver enjoyment and precision, what Lexus proved on the day was that it is learning quickly. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two cars on the track, apart from the fact that the IS felt discernably the heavier of the two, was the difference in the performance of the BMWs eight-speed automatic transmission (which in manual mode shifts whenever asked) and the Lexus ‘box that retains the ultimate decision making duties, even in manual mode.
Away from the track
But then how many buyers are ever going to take their IS350 to the track? On the open road the new Lexus IS350 arguably gains more points against its rivals than it loses at the track. Much of the cabin design is carried down from the larger GS model, while built quality and the use of quality materials are class leading. One gripe I do have is that the new touch sensitive strips for the climate control temperature settings are not ultimately as accurate as conventional switches (even if they do look very cool).
Hugely comfortable front seats (only headroom at the rear is slightly tight) combine with one of the most refined ride qualities in this segment to make the new IS one of the most competent cruisers on the market. An advanced electric power steering system provides good feedback while offering precise response, and occupants have little to want for in terms of luxury (even in entry-level E models) and convenience throughout the cabin.
A drive select function allows the driver to select between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Accordingly powertrain and throttle mapping, as well as steering response are adjusted to suit the prevailing mood of the driver. I was amused to note that Lexus has developed a sound generator (though still mechanical and not completely synthetic) in order to manipulate the engine note according to the drive mode. Where this system will generate its own sounds is in the forthcoming IS300h hybrid model.
Away from the track, and left to its own devices, the eight-speed automatic transmission offers smooth and efficient shifts, the top ratio aimed at delivering maximum fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.
Summary
It’s easy to see where Lexus would like to position the new IS within the market. Its bold new design will certainly turn heads and draw and arguably younger audience than previously towards the brand, while its ultimate refinement and comfort will be welcomed by fans of the brand, both new and established. While I’m not sure the track component of the international launch (especially while having a BMW 335i and Mercedes-Benz C350 present on the day) ultimately proved that the new IS is the most fun to drive model in this segment, Lexus can take heart from the fact its car was only beaten on the fun factor by a very special engine/transmission combination from its Munich-based rival. This in itself should be seen as a victory for the Japanese brand. On road things are even closer still. The new IS is easily one of the most refined cruisers on the market and, with local standard specification lists set to be bursting at the seams, Lexus can feel confident that its core model is more competent, and thus competitive, than ever before.
Specifications:*
Model: Lexus IS350
Engine: 3,5-litre V6
Power: 228 kW @ 6 400 r/min
Torque: 375 N.m @ 4 800 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,6 seconds
Fuel consumption: 10,6 L/100 km
Top speed: 230 km/h
Price: Not yet released
*According to the manufacturer