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2006 Lexus IS Preview

Wristband Policy Now In Effect for Stunning New Lexus IS

In a nutshell, the all-new Lexus IS is what Lexus, as a brand, is becoming. Your eyes, like mine are probably in a state of disbelief: these curves, these shapes, this emotion - in a Lexus? Yes, ladies and gents, this is L-Finesse, and its just one of the many ways that this Japanese firm is redefining itself.

As the smallest, sportiest Lexus in the range, and slated to compete in the stiff entry-level executive market segment around the globe, as its predecessor attempted somewhat unsuccessfully to do, the 2006 update is ideal to lead an internal

These curves, these shapes, this emotion - in a Lexus? (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

evolution, or should I say revolution, boldly showing the world the fundamental redirection in styling that will soon affect all Lexus models.

Diving headlong into the heart of the matter, the IS will be available with two engines in North America, including 2.5-liter and a 3.5-liter six cylinder displacements,

The IS will be available with two engines in North America, including 2.5-liter and a 3.5-liter six cylinder displacements. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

but theres a big difference in configuration this time around. Now the engines are "V" shaped rather than inline. Previously, the latter format was used because of its smoothness and refinement - great for a mid- or full-size vehicle with a long nose, but too long for more compact vehicles. The switch to a vee design allows for the

With variable valve timing and direct injection, the small IS 250 motor makes big power - 204 horses and a respectable 185 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

larger displacements, as well as better positioning: the engines more compact size allows it to be placed further back in the chassis for enhanced weight distribution - in this case a perfectly balanced 50:50. And despite its V6 configuration, Lexus "Pursuit of Perfection" ensures that the engine maintains the extra smooth qualities of the inline-six it replaces.
The entry level IS, the

At 306-hp the IS 350s engine topples BMWs 258-hp 330i and Benzs 272-hp C350, as well as the segments current power-giant, the 300-hp Infiniti G35 Sport. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

250 model, is a direct assault in the heart of the lowest rung of the entry-level segment. Though a V6, its small displacement places it right in line with the four-cylinder Acura TSX, Audi A4 2.0T, Volvo S40, Mercedes-Benz C230 and the base BMW 325i - the latter also a six-cylinder model. With variable valve timing and direct injection, this small motor makes big power - 204 horses and a respectable 185 lb-ft of torque. These technologies, as well as the IS economical six-speed

Lexus claims the automatic IS 350 takes "less than six-seconds" to reach 60 mph, but preliminary tests by other magazines have shown it to be far quicker. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

gearboxes and ultra slick body shape, should enable it to eke by with four-cylinder fuel consumption ratings in the city and on the highway. Of course, a near certain hybrid variant will take care of fuel conscious power mongers in the future.

At its launch, it was thought that Lexus would equip the more powerful IS with the same 3.0-liter V6 as found in the GS 300. That was, until its rivals had upped the ante with 260 to 270 horsepower alternatives, putting the little Lexus output below par. Instead, like nemesis Infiniti, the IS 350 will speak softly

A 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel variant to be made available in Europe produces 177-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

but carry a big stick with the most powerful engine in its class, M and AMG variants aside. The IS 350 uses the same 3.5-liter unit as featured in the Toyota Avalon, but with 26 additional horses. At 306-hp it topples BMWs 258-hp 330i and Benzs 272-hp C350, as well as the segments current power-giant, the 300-hp Infiniti G35 Sport.

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