2007 Lexus IS 350

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A new transmission will facilitate power delivery to the wheels. A new sequential-shift 6-speed automatic is standard in the IS 350. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the automatic are designed to provide maximum involvement and control for driving enthusiasts.

All new front and rear suspension, steering and brake systems will unite with Lexus’ new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system to provide superior dynamics and control, while continuing the IS legacy of driving fun. The new suspension design optimizes dynamic wheel alignment to help provide precise, confident handling and maximum tire grip.
With its styling clearly influenced by Lexus recent LF-series of concept cars, the new IS shows a strong family resemblance with its stable mate, the 2006 GS, while capturing its own distinctively sporty, yet upscale essence. A notably wide stance and long wheelbase coupled with tightly-drawn bodywork lends a muscular and sophisticated style.

The new look continues inside, where a roomy, luxurious yet sporty cabin is complemented by intelligently designed displays and controls designed to make driving both simple and pleasurable. Bright, clear Optitron gauges and smartly integrated metallic and available maple trim help create a luxurious, yet no-nonsense ambience.

A comprehensive list of safety, comfort and luxury features seldom found in its class will be offered in the newest IS. For example, Smart Access keyless entry with push-button start will be standard, and features such as a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and navigation system with back-up camera will be available.

These and other features available on the new IS, such as the Adaptive Front headlamp System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and ventilated front seats are normally found only in more expensive luxury cars.

New V6 Engine

A newly-designed fuel injection system and dual VVT-i will help the new 3.5-liter V6 engine achieve more than 300 horsepower, resulting in zero-to-60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds. With an estimated combined city/highway fuel economy in the high twenties, the IS 350’s fuel efficiency is similar to the EPA average for compact cars with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. Low-friction engine design and carefully matched drivetrains also make significant contributions to fuel efficiency. And all of the new IS models are expected to carry the ULEV-II emissions rating.

To add to the sporty feel of the IS350, the vehicle features ’light saber’ pointers and a multi-function display. The meter rings change colour depending on driver-designated values of engine rpm and vehicle speed.

With direct injection, gas is squirted directly into the cylinder, improving the air/fuel mix to deliver better mileage and lower emissions. Lexus promises a “substantial” boost in fuel economy, though it’s not yet ready with government-certified numbers.

The high-line IS350 features a new, 3.5-liter V-6. It also uses DI technology, but adds a second set of port injectors for even more control over ignition, an advantage during cold starts. Unfortunately, the larger engine is not available with either a manual transmission or all-wheel-drive, though considering the unexpected success of the AWD option in the recent GS series, Lexus officials broadly hint they may expand the technology’s availability. That would prove particularly attractive in northern climes, where sales of Lexus rear-drive sedans crawls to a halt during the winter months.

The bigger engine does come with a driver-friendly performance suspension package, a good way to keep all that power on the road. This package will launch you from 0-60 in an impressive 5.6 seconds, while top speed is governed out at 142 mph.

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Interior Features

Lush with creature comfort, trimmed with upscale materials, and crackling with electronic wizardry, the interior environment of the new IS models is pure Lexus. Nothing escaped notice in the totally new environment. Even the front sunvisors were redesigned to help absorb noise.

The new keyless entry and pushbutton ignition is so handy we wish this system were standard on every car. It also removes a potential safety hazard, a dangling set of keys, from the steering column and eliminates one of the most abused components from any future repair orders.

A bit roomier than the outgoing model, the cabin is still more sports car than family sedan. A prominent central console clearly establishes the driver and front-passenger zones. The controls wrap around the driver with every gauge and switch within easy scrutiny or close reach. The new Optitron gauges are larger and easier to read than the previous cluster, and their light-saber indicator needles, “ignition on” meter movement and dynamic redline indication are cool modern.

The new, more efficient climate control system features a sophisticated temperature calculation system called Neural-Net, a new humidity sensor, a micro dust and pollen filler and, in IS 350 models, a smog sensor that detects excessive hydrocarbons and automatically reverts to a special recirculation mode until the atmosphere clears.

Still, for all its quality materials and refinement, the interior left this writer a little cold. It wasn’t a case of inferior design or materials, but the cockpit seemed to lack a signature element, such as Volvo’s floating center console, that could have made the IS cockpit as distinctive to sit in as it is to watch race off into the distance.

Plenty of luxury equipment is also available on the IS350, such as a 6-CD changer with 13 speakers and MP3 capabilities. A Mark Levinson audio system is available as an option. All models come standard with a leather and metal shift knob and dual exhaust pipes and come available with power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
Finessing design

The cowl sits low, building into a rear-biased wedge. The tail sits high, a design touch that offers distinct aerodynamic advantages. And indeed, at 0.28, the IS claims about the lowest drag coefficient in its class.

The cabin continues the design theme, carrying over the subtle, reverse-Z lines incorporated into L-finesse. This is not nearly as sophisticated a cockpit as the GS or LS, but its also significantly less expensive. And with that in mind, you may forget you’re at the bottom of the luxury segment here. The look is generally handsome, but as with the exterior, one can say the theme is still evolving.

The L-Finesse design incorporates, as Lexus describes it, firm convex surfaces with bold concave areas and a tapered form for a sense of movement, even when parked. Inside, large surfaces and long character lines creates a sense of quality. Standard features inside the vehicle include auto air conditioning with dual zone control, soft-touch controls, cabin air filter and rear seat heater ducts; and full Optitron instrumentation featuring a multi-information display, tachometer, outside temperature gauge and dual trip odometers.

A completely redesigned suspension system is featured on the IS series of models. The front features an independent double wishbone design with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry and the rear includes multi-link control arms. A rear sport suspension is available on both RWD models.

The rack-and-pinion steering gear is mounted ahead of the front axle centreline for more linear steering response, according to Lexus and every IS model includes a standard anti-lock braking system.

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New “X Package” for 2007

In their second year on the market, the next-generation Lexus IS 250/350 luxury sport sedans ratchet up both handling performance and comfort with reconfigured standard equipment, option packages, and the ability to disengage the stability and traction control systems. The V6-powered Lexus IS models, which debuted in 2006, combine striking styling with one of the most compelling packages of performance, luxury, and safety in this highly competitive segment.

The 2007 IS line again offers three models, each powered by a new-generation, high-output V6 engine. The rear-wheel-drive IS 350 leads the segment with a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The IS 250 is powered by a 204-horsepower 2.5-liter version of the new V6 and is available as a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive model.

New for 2007, the “X Package” option for the IS rear-wheel-drive models combines sport suspension and five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels with a boldly styled front-lip spoiler, sport pedals, and illuminated door scuff plates. A new Premium Package has been made standard for the all-wheel drive IS 250 and optional for the rear-wheel-drive models and includes perforated leather seating trim and heated and ventilated front seats. The comprehensive “Sport” and “Luxury” option packages share much of their content, with the Sport Package also including sport suspension.

“Lexus alone offers a unique choice in the entry-luxury segment, with the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive IS models emphasizing the sportier side and the front-wheel drive ES 350 focusing on ultimate comfort,” said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. “The ES and IS models, of course, deliver the expected Lexus dedication to quality, along with true luxury that enhances the driving experience rather than distracting from it.”

True to Lexus tradition, the IS 250/350 models have been rewarding customers with exemplary quality. Most recently, the IS was named Highest-Ranked Entry Premium Car in the in the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM.

Dynamic Appeal

The Lexus IS sedans show a strong family resemblance to the Lexus GS, while establishing their own distinctively upscale, sporty presence. A notably wide stance and long wheelbase, coupled with tightly drawn bodywork, give the IS an athletic yet sophisticated style. Carefully shaped body contours, a subtle ducktail-curved trunk lid and “air kick” tail lamps contribute to a low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd). Close attention to underbody-airflow management reduces drag and also helps minimize and balance front and rear lift to enhance high-speed stability and handling.

While the sound of powerful V6 engines will resonate with driving enthusiasts, all vehicle occupants will appreciate Lexus’ ability to keep undesirable noises to a minimum. A highly rigid body structure is the starting point for controlling noise intrusion. Strategically placed noise-suppression materials, including special window and door seals, acoustic windshield glass and asphalt sheeting, take over from there. The attention paid to reducing aerodynamic drag is also evident in the A-pillar and outside rearview mirror designs, which lower wind noise from a notoriously difficult area. No detail has been overlooked, down to sound-absorbing sun visors.

High-Technology Safety and Luxury

In addition to their performance-oriented powertrains, the IS models bring a wide array of standard and available features designed to convey the true Lexus feel throughout. Lexus’ focus on safety for the IS models includes standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) for the IS 250. The IS 350 is exclusively equipped with a sport-oriented version of the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, an advanced technology that integrates all of the car’s dynamic-control systems. All IS models feature eight standard airbags, and the IS was the first car in its segment to offer an optional pre-collision system that can help reduce collision damage.

The Lexus IS also offers premium, high-technology options more often associated with prestige-luxury models, such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); heated and ventilated front seats; a power-tilt-telescope steering wheel and – exclusive to Lexus – a 14-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System.

Powerful V6 Engine Family

The IS 250’s 2.5-liter V6 engine delivers 204 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 RPM. The IS 350’s 3.5-liter version delivers a best-in-class 306 horsepower at 6,400 RPM along with 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 RPM. Both of these V6 engines use aluminum cylinder blocks and heads and employ dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. A dual-exhaust system reduces backpressure at higher engine speeds, and a variable-valve system in the mufflers helps reduce noise at lower speeds.

A direct-type fuel-injection system provides a cooling effect in the cylinders, enabling the high compression needed to extract maximum energy from the fuel. Both engines benefit as well from reduced internal friction via chain-driven camshafts and roller-rocker arms. Aside from its larger displacement, the 3.5-liter V6 differs chiefly in that it augments the direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors. In light- and medium-load conditions, these additional injectors help produce a precise burn, increasing power and efficiency.

An advanced six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is standard on the IS 350, IS 250 and the all-wheel drive model. The rear-wheel drive IS 250 comes standard with a crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission, with the paddle-shift automatic offered as an option.

The high technology also pays dividends in fuel economy, with the IS 350 returning an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The IS 250 has an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the six-speed automatic transmission, 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway for the six-speed manual, and the IS 250 AWD model attains 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway. All 2007 Lexus IS models carry the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.