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2006 Lexus IS 250 / IS 250 AWD Road Test

Running With the Giants

The picture next to this writing should tell you everything you need to know about the new Lexus IS. In case you couldnt tell, thats roughly 28 yards worth of shredded tires laid through smoky burnouts and donuts on Downsview airstrip during the cars press introduction last week.

I apologize in advance for any letdowns that may occur as a result of said photo, but the car that did this is out of the scope of this article. Such behavior, might I add, is not advocated by Lexus, rather, it was a once in a lifetime demonstration of the potency of the 306-horsepower IS 350, with all of its governing electronics secretly disengaged by its chief engineer, Mr. Suguya Fukusato. Instead, were here to look at the "base" IS 250, and in this regard

This picture should tell you everything you need to know about the new IS, although such irresponsible behavior is not advocated by Lexus. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the potential for sporting behavior is also clear and present.

Ironically, the word thats most accurate in describing Lexus movement into 2006 isnt potential; its kinetic, considering the brand is carrying all the forward momentum of a barreling freight train as it moves into its next stage in life. At a rate that rivals rapid-fire artillery, Lexus has churned

Witnessing an IS 350 burn out was a once in a lifetime demonstration of the potency of its 306-horsepower V6, with all of its governing electronics secretly disengaged by its chief engineer. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

out new cars, new technology, and concepts in the hopes of making the brand more appealing in Europe and launching successfully it in its home market of Japan, plus bringing attention to it globally while making it even more successful in North America, where it all began.

For any premium car manufacturer, the most expensive and least expensive vehicles matter

Given that blending into the crowd is no longer part of the corporate agenda, the new IS looks bold and beautiful. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

most. Its easy to understand why a high five-figure halo vehicle would sit atop other priorities, but an entry-level compact sedan? For competitors, BMW and Audi, the C-Segment makes up the vast majority of sales, and to achieve top ranking status a vehicle must incorporate the perfect blend between luxury, performance and price. Get it right, and you walk away with the sales figures, street cred and a name that forms a solid foundation for future vehicles. Get it wrong, and youre the dogs

More amazing still, is the fact that the new IS looks as good as it does and produces an aerodynamic drag coefficient as low as it does. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

dinner. Pressure? What pressure?
With that said, on looks alone the IS is up to the task. If youre a regular reader, youll know that a few of us within our various offices are fans of the new L-Finesse design language, the tool that Lexus has armed itself with to create a new, younger, sportier image. Given that blending into the crowd is no longer part of the corporate agenda, and inoffensive styling is so "last year", Lexus has chosen the perfect time to show that it can be recognized on its own

This shapely exterior form is plunked down on a new compact platform derived from the latest midsize GS. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

merit, and not just a brand that builds glorified Japanese domestic market Toyotas.

Where the old IS was an oddity in the luxury divisions range, the latest car actually defines what Lexus, under its new L-Finesse styling direction, is. As this is the smallest and sportiest Lexus, it retains some of the previous IS sharp edges and spunk, which contrasts the softer, rounder GS, and the recently announced LF-Sh concept. The IS is attractive, and through its scalloped doors, character lines that sweep from bumper through hood, and angular lights, it catches the eye without resorting

Where the GS puts luxury before performance, the IS has its priorities reversed. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

to a garish grille treatment or frumpy bottom. Even though the trademark clear taillights have disappeared, the short overhangs and upright rear end design strengthen the link between old and new model.

More amazing still, is the fact that the new IS looks as good as it does and produces an aerodynamic drag coefficient as low as it does. The biggest and most expensive Lexus, the LS 430, slips through the air with efficiency, due as much to its flush surfaces as to its carved-block shape. And the shapely IS? Surprisingly close to the LS at 0.27 Cd, even when fat tires, rakish body panels and wing mirrors appropriate for a jumbo

The new 2.5-liter V6 is quiet and refined, even with normally noisy direct injection on board. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

jet are factored in. Hidden tricks such as tail lamp fins reduce drag, and air-splitters in front of the wheels and valance give this "un-spoilered", and therefore unspoiled sedan zero body lift, a major contributor to the sticks-like-glue feeling it achieves at higher speeds.

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