The Lexus IS series entry-level luxury cars sold by Lexus since 1998. The Lexus IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the Lexus ES in the Lexus (outside of North America, the Lexus GS). The ANYWAY originally sold under the nameplate Toyota Altezza in Japan (the word “altezza” is Italian for “heard”) until the introduction of the Lexus brand and the second-generation Lexus IS design in 2006. The Altezza name is still used at times look Chromed car taillights like placed in the first model generation, known as ‘Altezza lights’ or ‘Lexus-style’ lights.

Lexus IS First Generation (XE10, 1998-2005)

Is made as direct as luxury sport sedans of the leading European luxury marques, XE10 series Toyota Altezza and Lexus IS was designed with emphasis on the performance of greater than usually seen on Japanese cars. Engineering work was led by Nobuaki Katayama since 1994 to 1998, who is the project AE86. At its introduction to Japan, the Japanese dealerships as Toyota Vista Store, Lexus launched in Japan in 2006. S200 and AS300 Altezza sedans formed the basis for the Lexus IS 200 IS 300 models in markets outside Japan, primarily in North America and Europe. A wagon hatchback version of the station sold in Japan as the “Altezza Gita”, and the US and Europe as the Lexus IS SportCross. All in all, the XE10 came in three variants:

Introduced in 1998 with the S200 (chassis code GXE10) and RS200 (chassis code SXE10) sedans, compact car produced using a shorter, front-engine, rear-wheel drive midsize platform, which allows Japanese consumers to take advantage of tax savings Japanese government imposed laws about car ratings exterior and engine displacement, and large parts replaced second-generation Risto / Lexus GS. The 2.0-liter 1G-FE inline six-S200 electric (GXE10, sedan) contained the transmission six-speed manual as standard, and a four-speed automatic was optional. The 2.0-liter with 3-GE inline-four RS200 electric (SXE10, sedan) featured a manual transmission and six-speed, and a five-speed automatic was optional.

All Lexus IS S models 300 US at first only available automatic transmission five-speed, this was also the case in Europe. However, a manual 5-speed used in the US in 2001 model year of 2002. Visually the outside of the European IS 200 Sport and 300 almost identical, with the difference being sealed boot and a great model Ned early in the clear front indicators (normal later to IS 200 range).

In 2000, TTE had released a compressor kit for the 200 European market. An Eaton supercharger at 0.3 bar pressure boosted the power of 153 kilowatts (205 hp) without sacrificing petrol (+ 3.3%). The kit was first available as fitment aftermarket, but it may also have received OEM Lexus accessory on new cars through the official Lexus dealer network and fully covered by the standard warranty. This is similar to the model was discontinued when the IS 300 was released European market.

Lexus IS Second Generation (XE20, 2005-2013)

The second-generation IS was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005 as a pre-production, with a production version debuting at the 2005 New York Auto Show in April. Sales of the sedan began around September and October 2005 as model 2006, with the name Toyota Altezza ceased to be used for the introduction of division Lexus in Japan, and station wagon version of the slow-selling SportCross was dropped from the program. Production of the sedan began September 2005 at the Miyata plant in MIYAWAKI, Fukuoka, supplemented in October 2005 Tahara plant at Tahara, Aichi. Production of the F began in December 2007 at Tahara. At Miyata began Lexus IS C product in April 2009.

In North America, Lexus IS models sold at the launch included the Lexus IS 250, Lexus IS 350 sedans, European countries, such methods sold by Lexus included 250 IS ANYWAY sedans 220d. The IS 250 was also available in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, (automatic only), Taiwan, South Africa and South Korea.

Lexus IS Third Generation (XE30, 2013-present)

A number of concept models in advance of the launch of third-generation IS. The first was the LF-LC (2012). It is a rear-wheel drive Coupe concept mesh pattern of the spindle grille in 3D sculpture form, daytime running lights shaped like an “L”, the vertical front fog lights fading dot matrix pattern, glass roof with cantilevered pillar with a glass- Today glass being inspired by modern architecture, rear fog lamps, twin-12.3 inch LCD screens provide information and navigation display, Sweden upholstery leather interior with brushed metal trim and wood accents, front race-inspired seats are formed of multiple layers and repeat the interlacing curves that define the cabin interior, racing-style steering wheel upholstered in carbon fiber with integrated controls and start button. The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 North American International Auto Show.

As part of the 2014 Lexus IS sport sedan introduced in the US, Lexus and the Tony Hawk Foundation will be asking their followers and supporters to be part of kopitanchik fan based on that will be featured on the Lexus IS F CCS-R race car competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Fans will be able to enter their names with the answer to a post Lexus Facebook, a post Lexus Google, commented a YouTube Lexus IS F CCS-R video and through Twitter and Instagram using # Lexus14K.

Tthe 2014 Lexus IS sport sedan introduced in the US, 2 new television ads were agency Lexus’ record, Team One, Original from Devo Mark Mothersbaugh, and directed by Jonas Akerlund. The ‘crowd’ ad emphasizes that things are designed to draw a crowd are good, but leave the crowd behind a joy. The ‘Shift Color’ ad to show that it’s fun and exciting to blend in combination. The two additional ads was created by agency Lexus’ multicultural, Walton Isaacson, as part of the campaign. ‘This Move Your’ geared to African-American audience, features Los Angeles Dodgers center Fielder Matt Kemp as he seeks something that matches his personality ambitious and driven. ‘The Struggle’ is aimed at the Hispanic audience and follows a young couple as they experience the joy of driving Lexus IS 250.

Lexus IS Motorsport

The first generation Lexus IS 200/300 and RS200 series used by many racing teams, including TRD, race in various touring car racing series across Asia. In Europe, the Lexus IS 200 was raced in the British Touring Car Championship, and IS 300 was raced in the US with Motorola Cup North American Stock Street Championship touring car series (maker accredited Team Lexus).

In 2008, the second-generation IS 350 was entered in the Super GT race series GT300 class (cars with approximately 300 horses). The # 19 Team Racing Project Andoh IS 350 driven by Manabu Got and Tsubasa Abe achieved its first victory in the race for his fifth at the race Motegi GT300. In 2009, The Project Andoh WedsSport IS 350, driven by Manabu Got and Tatsuya Kataoka, won both the driver and team title in the GT300 class of the season.

In 2012, Japanese drift racer Daigo Saito entered the IS 250 C in the Formula Drift Asia series. The car, which was a victim of the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami and expected to be scrapped, it was purchased by Saito and heavily customized drift racing use. Very good conversion was swapping the engine stock to a 2JZ-GTE from Mark IV Toyota Supra. With 1200 horsepower under the hood, Daigo finished the race in that season, winning all the rounds and get a championship in convincing fashion.

Lexus IS 300h Executive Edition