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From YourSITE.com Press Pass 2004
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 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)
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.
IS Chronology
MILESTONES
¨ Jan. 1999 – The Lexus IS compact sport sedan is shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in ¨ Jan. 2000 – Lexus debuts the production 2001 IS 300 compact sport sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. ¨ June 2000 – The IS 300 goes on sale. ¨ Oct. 2000 – Lexus introduces the IS 300 pace car for the CART/Fed Ex Championship. ¨ Jan. 2001 – Lexus unveils the IS 300 SportCross and the IS 300 5-speed manual transmission sport sedan at the NAIAS. ¨ Aug. 2001 – The all-new IS 300 SportCross and IS 300 5-Speed manual transmission models go on sale. ¨ Aug. 2001 – The IS 300 L-Tuned is launched as a limited edition in the western states. Awards and Recognition
¨ Nov. 2000 – Popular Science gives its “Best of What’s New” award to the IS 300.
2003 IS 300 SPECIFICATIONS EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (in.)
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (in.)
2003 IS 300 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL
2003 IS 300 SPECIFICATIONS DRIVETRAIN
STEERING
VEHICLE WEIGHT
2003 IS 300 SPECIFICATIONS SUSPENSION Four wheel independent double wishbone suspension (M/T sedan has firmer suspension tuning) Front – double wishbone with A-shaped upper arm Rear – double wishbone with L-shaped upper arm BRAKES Four-wheel power assisted, front ventilated/solid rear disc brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA)
WHEELS AND TIRES
PERFORMANCE (TMC figures)
2002 IS 300 FEATURES – EXTERIOR Overall Exterior/Body Design · Standard 17" five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with 215/45R17 summer tires (225/45R17 for rear tires on SportCross) · Optional 17” five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with 215/45R17 all-season tires (225/45R17 for rear tires on SportCross) · Optional 16” aluminum alloy wheels (new design for 03 MY) with 205/55R16 all-season tires · Optional 17" graphite polished alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 summer tires (225/45R17 for rear tires on SportCross) · Unique wedge character sweeps up from the rear flare emphasizes sportiness · Color coordinated front airdam with low grille · Integrated halogen type foglamps · Horizontal bars on front grill with metallic finish · High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps · Color-keyed outside rearview mirrors · Aerodynamic black-out sash between front and rear door windows · Rear combination lamp with stop lamp inside chrome extension · Rear deck lid featuring an aerodynamic "ducktail" and low cutout for easy trunk access · Stainless steel exhaust pipe with chrome tip · Top shade/tinted glass on front windshield · Ultraviolet and infrared ray reducing glass on all windows · Rear spoiler (optional on sedan, standard on SportCross) · Rear combination lamp chrome extension receives smoked finish on the following exterior colors: Black Onyx, Graphite Gray Pearl, Intensa Blue Body Structure & Paint· Large door reinforcement panels · Body reinforcement at critical connection points · Small number of individual body stampings · Window weather stripping and double door seals · Flush surface body panel and glass · Use of sound dampening asphalt sheets in roof and floor pan · Narrow and precise body gaps · Foam rubber body noise insulation inserts · Multi-layered composite panels on cowl and floor 2003 IS 300 FEATURES - EXTERIOR Body Structure & Paint (continued) · Galvanized steel used in all areas of the body except the passenger compartment and the roof · Chip resistant front fender liners and wheel arch protectors · One piece color-keyed Super Olefin Polymer front and rear bumpers · Anti-chip paint on lower body panels · Stainless steel exhaust system · PVC sealer and undercoating · Cathodic Electro-Deposition treatment · Exterior colors include: Crystal White, Millennium Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Pearl, Black Onyx, Absolutely Red, Solar Yellow, Electric Mica Green, Intensa Blue Convenience
· Automatic on/off crystal-like multi-reflector headlamps · Auto-dimming electrochromic outside rearview mirrors · Heated outside rearview mirrors · Heavy duty rear window defogger with timer which extends down to cover Center High Mounted Stop Light area · Variable intermittent wipers with mist cycle · Variable intermittent rear wiper (SportCross only) · Fuel cap hanger 2003 IS 300 FEATURES – INTERIOR Interior Trim · Layout design of the controls ensures fun-to-drive feel and achieves a space that is appropriately tight to support driving performance · Upper door treatment, which is similar to that of the instrument panel, provides integrated interior look · Visual and control systems are laid out compactly in a simple three dimensional form · Fabric sunvisors and headliner · One piece cut pile carpeting · Floor mats · One front and two rear assist grips · Optional leather/Ecsaine interior trim available in ivory or black · Optional full leather interior in ivory or black · Optional leather-trimmed shift knob (dealer installed) · Stainless steel scuff plates with "Lexus" embossed on surface · Brushed aluminum sports pedals enhance sporty appearance Seats
· Optional 8-way power adjustable driver's and passenger side seat (Power fore/aft slide, recline, and front and rear vertical cushion height) with 4-way manual headrest adjustment · Height adjustable front shoulder belt anchors · Front seatback pockets (passenger seat back table on SportCross) · Rear seat pass through to trunk on sedan · 60/40 split rear seat on SportCross · Optional leather/Ecsaine trimmed seats with piping · Optional full leather-trimmed seats with piping · Optional heated seats Instrumentation/Controls
· Chronograph-style speedometer offers an innovative look and excellent visibility, featuring a 160 mph speedometer, coolant temperature, battery voltage, and fuel consumption gauges within the “chronograph.” These are flanked by an 8,000-rpm tachometer and fuel gauge in the cluster. · · Door open, overdrive off, TRAC off, high beam, hazard and cruise control indicator lights · Electronic digital quartz clock; exterior temperature gauge · LCD type electronic digital twin trip meters and odometer display · Headlights-on indicator in instrument panel · Automatic climate control display: speed and air flow indicators 2003 IS 300 FEATURES – INTERIOR
Comfort/Convenience
· Manual tilt steering wheel · Front center armrest · Dust/pollen interior air filter · Power windows; driver’s door window with auto up/down with pinch protection · Optional power moonroof with tilt-and-slide functions and pinch protection · Power door locks with anti lock-out and driver's door two-turn unlock features · Retained accessory power for operation of power windows and optional moonroof · Optional Lexus Navigation (pop-up screen & remote controls located between the front seats) · Inside auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror with compass · Rear power outlet (SportCross only) · Rear cargo area with false floor and 12V accessory connector; tonneau cover (SportCross only) · Cruise control · Optional Homelinkâ programmable garage door opener (transmitter in driver's sunvisor) · Cable trunk lid and fuel filler door releases · Sun visors with vanity mirrors · Door courtesy lights, glove box light and trunk light · Dome light and front individual map lights integrated into headliner · Dual front cup holder located conveniently behind the shift lever · Console mounted dual rear cup holders · Covered center console storage box · Coin holder in instrument panel · Cigarette lighter, front/rear ash trays · Assist grips (one front/two rear) · Coat hooks · First aid kit · Tool kit 2003 IS 300 FEATURES – INTERIOR AUDIO SYSTEMS STANDARD Lexus Premium AM/FM ETR with auto-reverse cassette/in dash, single-feed six-disc CD auto-changer: - Dolby B and C noise reduction system for cassette - Cassette Scan · Eight speakers (nine for SportCross): - Two 160 mm (6.3 inch) full range speakers mounted in the front doors - Two tweeters 25 mm (1.0 inch) mounted high in the front doors to enhance front "staging" and improve sound imaging - Two tweeters 70 mm (2.8 inch) mounted on the rear package tray - Two 6x9 full range speakers mounted on the rear package tray - One woofer mounted in the rear cargo area (SportCross) · Four-channel high power amplifier with a maximum output of 240 watts · Electronic crossover network · Roof-mounted radio antenna with FM diversity antenna on rear window glass 2003 IS 300 FEATURES – SAFETY · Daytime Running Lights (DRL) · Impact absorbing door and body construction · Driver's and front passenger’s airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) · Front side curtain airbags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) · Front seat-mounted side-impact airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for front seats · Three-point belts for all seating positions, including center rear, front with force limiting pretensioners; height adjustable front shoulder belt anchors · Automatic locking retractor (ALR) and Emergency locking retractor (ELR) function for all positions except driver (driver's only equipped with ELR) · Front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes with tandem brake booster and four-sensor, four-channel Anti-locking Brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) · Traction Control (TRAC) · Optional Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) (Automatic transmission only) · Optional Limited Slip Differential (LSD) · Front and rear door side impact beams · Front and rear energy managing crumple zones · Collapsible steering column · Energy absorbing soft upper headliner and pillars · Child Restraint Seat (CRS) top tether anchor brackets (adopted to comply with phase-in of the new CRS Anchorage Points Regulation) 2003 IS 300 FEATURES –SECURITY · Vehicle theft deterrent system with engine immobilizer · Remote activated/key linked illuminated entry: dome light and ignition key cylinder ring illuminate when doors are unlocked (remains illuminated for 15 seconds or until door is opened) · Headlight off delay feature: after locking vehicle, headlights remain illuminated for a certain period of time (approximately 30 seconds) before automatically shutting off · Multi-function in-key remote · Entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, trunk open and “panic” features, volume-adjustable confirmation tone & rolling code technology 2003 IS 300 KEY FEATURES – MECHANICAL · Twin cam 24 valve 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) · Cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, intake manifold, pistons, and oil pan · Meets Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) certification · Emission control system meets 50 states emissions certification · Electronically controlled ignition with two knock sensors (D-TDI) · Two-stage Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) · Electronically controlled sequential electronic fuel injection system (EFI) · 5-speed automatic, Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECTi) and E-Shift (Automatic Sedan and SportCross) · 5-speed manual transmission ( · Automatic transmission oil cooler · Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) · Aluminum radiator core · 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension (A-shaped upper arm front and L-shaped upper arm rear) · Front and rear stabilizer bars · Manual transmission sedan has firmer suspension tuning · Cradle subframe for front suspension, transmission and engine; rear suspension sub-frame · Engine speed controlled power rack and pinion steering · On-board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system · Leather Trim Interior -Full leather trim interior with piping -Eight-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats -Homelinkâ system · Leather/Escaine Trim Interior -Leather/Escaine trim interior with piping -Eight-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats -Homelinkâ system · 16” All-Season Tires with Aluminum Wheels -205/55R16 all season tires -6.5 J aluminum wheel · 17” All-Season Tires with Five-Spoke Aluminum Wheels -215/45R17 tires (sedan) -215/45R17 front tires/225/45R17 rear tires (SportCross) -7.0J five-spoke aluminum wheels · 17” Summer Tires with Five-Spoke Graphite Polished Al. Wheels -215/45R17 tires (sedan) -215/45R17 front tires/225/45R17 rear tires (SportCross) -7.0J five-spoke graphite polished aluminum wheels · Value Package with Leather Trim Interior - Full leather trim interior with piping - Eight-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats - Homelinkâ system - Moonroof · Value Package with Leather/Escaine Trim Interior - Leather/Escaine trim interior with piping - Eight-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats - Homelinkâ system - Moonroof · Lexus Navigation System with Compass - Electrochromic inside rearview mirror · Power Tilt-and-Slide Moonroof with Sunshade · Limited Slip Differential · Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) (Automatic transmission only) · Heated Front Seats · Rear Spoiler (standard on SportCross) · Wood Switch Plates
Look for more of Lexus' 2003 product line here in Press Pass at www.motorsportscenter.com © Copyright 2001 by YourSITE.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
