Lexus IS 300 Brings a New Breed of Sport and Luxury to Lexus

The Lexus IS 300 model line gives customers three distinct choices for experiencing the brand’s sporty side.  In 2002 two additional versions of the IS 300 joined the original sport sedan: the IS 300 SportCross with its versatile 4+1-door body style and a second IS 300 sedan featuring a five-speed manual transmission and specially tuned suspension. For 2003, the IS 300 models offer additional wheel packages.

All IS 300 models for 2003 offer the option of all-season tires on the standard 17-inch  five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.  The 16-inch all-season tire package is still available and features a new wheel design for 2003.

 “The IS 300 together with the ES 300 make up the company’s unique two-model strategy for the entry-luxury market,” said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements.  “Each model appeals to different types of customers without forcing anyone to compromise on what they value in a car. Of course, both models share the same competitive advantage of proven Lexus quality.”

With its inline six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive layout and sports car-inspired interior, the IS 300 models challenge Europe’s best sport sedans. The front-wheel drive, V6-powered ES 300 places an emphasis on a smooth, quiet ride and high luxury content, and more closely aligns with the flagship LS 430 sedan.

The IS 300’s 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, shared with the larger GS 300 sedan, produces 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,800 rpm.  The engine delivers both high-revving power and strong low-end and mid-range torque, due in large part to Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a two-stage acoustic-control induction system and an exhaust system with a two-way bypass muffler.

One-in-five IS 300 customers choose the five-speed manual transmission version of the car (the SportCross is not available with the manual transmission).

Distinct Styling and Generous Equipment

While the tightly drawn, sharp-edged lines of all three IS 300 models are like nothing else in the Lexus product line, the grille and headlight detailing make the car immediately identifiable as a Lexus. The taillight housings are smoked gray on dark colors (black, graphite, blue and green) and chrome on light colors (silver, white, yellow, red and gold).   A rear spoiler is optional for the sedans, while the SportCross gets its own unique spoiler as standard equipment. 

The interior blends modern and classic sports car touches, including drilled aluminum pedals with rubber pads and stainless steel doorsill scuff plates.  Supportive height-adjustable sport seats are standard equipment. A chronograph-style combination gauge cluster inspired by sports watches sits within the speedometer and gives the IS 300 a unique interior appearance.

Lexus has equipped the IS 300 like some competitors’ upgrade models but priced it aggressively against their entry models in this segment. Standard with features that are usually extra-cost options on competitive vehicles include 17-inch wheels, low-profile performance-tread tires, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and a premium, high-power audio system with both a cassette player and a six-disc in-dash CD changer.

Optimized Control

The IS 300 four-wheel double-wishbone independent suspension design is similar to that on the GS models.  The Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system is available as an option on the SportCross and automatic sedan. VSC helps control traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by using throttle intervention and/or applying individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading. VSC supplements the standard full-range traction control (TRAC).  A Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential comes with the VSC option and remains a separate option for the manual transmission sedan.

The four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) features Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) to optimize front-to-rear brake balance for added control under hard braking and left-to-right under hard braking when cornering. The Brake Assist safety feature can determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the braking power applied until pedal pressure is released.

The front seatbelts incorporate pretensioners and height-adjustable anchors, along with force limiters that help manage the forces to the upper torso in a serious collision. The Supplemental Restraint Systems include three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. Mounting the side airbags in the seats keeps them consistently placed relative to seat occupants regardless of a front seat’s position.  All

IS 300 models are also equipped with front side curtain airbags (SRS).

 SportCross: Somewhere In Between a Sedan and a Wagon

The IS 300 SportCross has the same sporty performance as the sedan and combines a unique, European-influenced design with the bonus of greater utility from a 4+1-door body style.  The rear tailgate, split fold-down rear seatback and fold-down front passenger seatback allow the SportCross to carry long or oddly shaped items that might not fit easily in conventional sedans.  Because it is based closely on the IS 300 sedan, the IS 300 SportCross avoids some of the typical styling cues that define conventional wagons.

 The IS 300 SportCross includes several features that help owners get the most from its expanded utility, including a tonneau cover to keep valuables out of site, a luggage box, a cargo area “false floor” to keep small items hidden, plus a folding passenger seat with a seatback table and rear power outlet for “tailgating.”  A rear wiper/washer is standard equipment.  Lexus upgraded this model’s audio system to nine speakers from the IS sedan’s eight.

Comfort and convenience features for all IS 300 models include an auto-dimming inside electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a driver’s side electrochromic rearview mirror and a front center armrest. The IS 300 interior can be outfitted with an optional leather/Ecsaine trim package or a full leather-trimmed interior in ivory or black. Customers can choose to replace the standard chrome shift knob with a leather-wrapped knob (dealer accessory).

The optional Lexus Navigation System uses a DVD for map storage, containing the entire contiguous United States, plus major cities in Canada, on one disc.  Functions include high-speed route calculation (about five seconds), multi-route calculation, route preview, simplified highway junction graphics and a dual-map screen mode.  The navigation system screen pops up from the dashboard, allowing the owner to hide it when it is not in use.  Simple-to-use remote controls for the system are located between the front seats in the center console.

Standard Equipment Highlights

·         17-inch aluminum alloy wheels

·         215/45R17 summer tires (225/45R17 rear tires on SportCross)

·         Auto-dimming driver’s side outside mirror and inside rear view mirror

·         Automatic climate control with dust/pollen filter

·         Cruise control

·         Dual cupholders in front and rear

·         Halogen foglamps

·         High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights (auto on-off)

·         Premium audio system with cassette player and a single-feed, in-dash, six-disc CD changer

·         Outside temperature gauge

·         Power door locks

·         Power windows with driver’s one-touch up/down and pinch protection

·         Rear power outlet (SportCross)

·         Rear seat pass-through to trunk

·         Rear wiper (SportCross)

·         UV and infrared-reducing tinted glass

·         Variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle

·         60/40 split rear seats (SportCross)

Every 2003 Lexus comes with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty.  Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 month/70,000 miles.  Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage.

Lexus Debuts New IS 300 SportDesign Edition

DETROIT, Jan. 5, 2003 – Lexus will add a distinctively sporty new edition of the IS 300 compact sport sedan this spring with the introduction of the IS 300 SportDesign.

This latest SportDesign marks the second installation in a series after the GS 300 version introduced last spring.

Designed to exude a sophisticated yet sporty style, the IS 300 SportDesign Edition provides several exclusive enhancements to the interior and exterior that buyers of premium sport sedans might look for.

New 11-spoke 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels provide solid footing for the fresh exterior look, which features an exclusive new body color, Thundercloud Metallic.  Black Onyx and Graphite Gray Pearl are also available.  All are set off by black pearl trim around the headlights, fog lights and taillights, as well as black pearl emblems front and rear. 

Adding further distinction to this special edition IS 300 is a new SportDesign grille and fender emblems, and a special exhaust tailpipe.

The interior is designed to match with a new Ash Gray color on the seats, door inserts and carpets.  Perforated leather seat inserts with contrasting gray piping add visual detail and completes the sporty, sophisticated look.

The well-equipped SportDesign Edition includes a moonroof and Leather Trim Value Package, and is available with regular production options such as a Lexus DVD Navigation System, TORSEN limited-slip differential, and a rear spoiler.

Approximately 3,000 of the IS 300 SportDesign Editions will be produced with an estimated premium of $1,350 over the base IS 300.