The 2021 Lexus IS is here, and it is in true Japanese fashion, extremely sophisticated while carrying the famed luxurious air that Lexus is famed for. The new IS has been thoroughly tested and improved upon, to overcome the benchmark set by the outgoing model. T he new IS will have the F Sport available only on the 350 models, offering a 350 F Sport in the price that the present model has a 300 F Sport selling for. Sales will start by October this year.
The 2021 IS is focused on providing an enhanced linear driving experience that is sophisticated yet feels manual to the person on the wheel and the brand tags it as ‘Lexus Driving Signature’. The car has been driven round Toyota’s Technical Center Shimoyama to make the car feel as tactile as it is while maintaining the aura of sophistication and luxury. The testing centre has been modeled after Nurburgring Nordschleife, a track which holds a special place in Akio Toyoda’s heart. The 3.3 mile stretch uses the geographical advantages with a plethora of different surfaces and corners. “What we had foremost in mind in developing the new IS was to make it a car that excelled in communicating with the driver regardless of the road conditions or driving situation,” said Chief Engineer Naoki Kobayashi of Lexus International.
The rigidity of the body has been enhanced, which helps in ride comfort and improves performance which was done by reinforcing C-pillars, radiator side supports and sides of the roof. Inspired by Lexus’s own whining carbon fiber monster, the legendary LFA, the IS has lightweight hub bolts which are better for performance cars, and also help in shedding weight. The new IS will be available with larger 19in wheels, a step taken to enhance performance and control, while 18in is the standard wheel across all models except the F sport. Lighter springs, A-arms, and suspension stabilizer result in dramatic weight loss throughout the car.
The IS F sport has been shuffled, with the performance package only available for the 350 model. A unique bumper, grille surround, rear lip spoiler the F Sport looks immediately distinguishable from the standard car. The larger wheels, center cap, louder exhaust and F sport badging make the car look the part of a sports sedan. The car comes with ventilated seats, heated steering with unique gear lever, pedals and overall design of the interior. Active sound control reduces unpleasant noise and enhances the roar of the V6 engine.
The new IS is wider and lower, a new grille adorns the front which features air intakes for brake cooling. Sharper headlamps, which have an optional triple beam, give the IS an aggressive stance. The car has modern connectivity features, and a Mark Levinson premium sound system with 17 speakers of 1800 watts which provides a true 7.1 surround sound.
The car comes in rear and all wheel drive configurations, with the former powered by a four cylinder 2l turbo engine which gives 241hp and 258lbft of torque. The engines can switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximise efficiency, and is mated to a 8-speed auto transmission with advanced sensors to select optimum gear. The IS 300 all wheel drive comes with a 3.5l V6 that makes 260hp and 236lbft of torque, while the penultimate IS 350 has a 3.5l V6 that gives 311hp and 280lbft of torque, which can accelerate the car from 0-100 in 5.6 seconds(for the RWD).
Favourie Car: Nissan GT-R R35
Quote: What you do in life echoes in eternity- Russell Crowe, Maximus, Gladiator
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