02 Mar 05
THE LEXUS IS. So shouted the display to the side of the Lexus stand. But the Lexus is what? Very baffling... but in fact it was the world premiere of the new Lexus IS, in IS 250 V6 and IS 220d turbodiesel forms. The IS follows the recently revealed GS in defining a new Lexus design language, which the company calls L-finesse ('seamless anticipation', 'intriguing elegance' and 'incisive simplicity').
What it actually means is that the new Lexus look has minimal adornment and surfaces which are quite flat, divided by ridges themselves formed in gentle curves. The flanks are deep (and potentially car-park vulnerable), the tail is short and the rear window line very 'fast'. Inside, the old chronograph-look dials have gone (shame!), replaced by something with needles akin to a Star Wars light sabre. The front wheels are well forward, like a BMW's, and are attached to double-wishbone front suspension. The diesel engine is a new, all-aluminium, 2.2-litre, four-cylinder unit with 177bhp and 295lb ft of torque, while the petrol V6 offers 204bhp. The European market launch is in November.
