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April 04, 2005

Two New Sedans From Lexus

Lexus takes the wraps off its next-generation IS and the innovative GS 450h hybrid.

When Lexus first introduced the IS sport sedan for the 2001 model year, the automaker had the BMW 3-Series in its sights. It seems appropriate that within hours of BMW debuting its next-generation 3-Series, Lexus would show the next version of the IS, too.

The new IS is the second example of styling that Lexus refers to as L-Finesse. The first was the new GS, which just went on sale this month. L-Finesse is represented by simplicity in design with a look of understated luxury.

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At the top of the IS lineup will be the IS 350. Powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6, the new sport sedan will have more than 300 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters will be standard. The IS 350 will also feature a revised version of teh Lexus VDIM stability control system that was introduced in the new GS.

The IS lineup will also include an IS 250, which will get a new 2.5-liter engine expected to produce more than 200 horsepower, teamed with a 6-speed sequential manual transmission. The IS 250 will be available with either rear-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. The automaker expects the IS 250 will make up around half of annual IS sales.

Sales of the new IS will begin this fall. Pricing information will be made available closer to the vehicle's on-sale date.

In addition to the new IS, in the Big Apple Lexus introduced a car that continues the prominence of hybrid vehicles for its parent company Toyota. The Lexus GS 450h will be the first luxury sedan—as well as the first rear-wheel drive vehicle—to feature a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.

This new hybrid powertrain is unique to the GS 450h. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with a high-output electric motor that, when combined, will produce "substantially" more than 300 horsepower, according to Lexus vice president of marketing Mark Templin. Lexus claims that this hybrid will be quicker than the new V8-powered GS 430, yet it should achieve fuel economy similar to that of a compact sedan with a 4-cylinder engine.

Similar to the way Honda has marketed its Accord hybrid, the GS 450h will be at the top of the GS lineup. The new hybrid is expected to go on sale as a 2007 model in the spring of 2006

06:00 AM in Lexus | Permalink