Lexus has revealed full details of its new IS saloon at the 2013 Detroit motor show. A rival for the established BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-class, as well as the all-new Infiniti Q50, it intends to steal their sales with bold styling and ‘an engaging and rewarding driving experience’.
Full 2013 Detroit motor show coverage here
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Launching in the UK this summer, there will be two options initially – a V6 petrol-powered IS250, possessing 204bhp and 184lb ft and an IS300h hybrid, which combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, offering 217bhp combined. It’s sold instead of a diesel variant and its targets are 65mpg and tax-free, sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. To provide the exciting dynamics Lexus promises, the new IS gets a revised version of its predecessor’s double wishbone front suspension – with a 20 per cent increase in roll rigidity – and a multi-link rear setup similar to that on the larger GS saloon, a car that’s really quite good to drive. Like the GS, it also gets a Drive Mode Select system, with Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ profiles. The IS250 drives its rear wheels via a standard six-speed automatic gearbox, the IS300h utilising a CVT transmission.
F Sport kit – pictured in the main photo and right, on the white car – is available from launch, bringing with it sharper suspension setups front and rear, retuned electric power steering and a subtle bodykit. A replacement for the cult hero IS-F could be on the cards, too, with a big-winged (though heavily disguised) IS being spotted testing at the Nurburgring.
UK prices and specs for the new Lexus IS are yet to be announced, but expect a starting point of around £27,000.
Full 2013 Detroit motor show coverage here
