RWD love: 2021 Lexus IS revealed in global digital launch

MANILA: The new Lexus IS had its world premiere today, June 16, and is expected to go on sale in Japan, the Middle East, North America, and in selected countries in Asia, Oceania, and South America.

Since the launch of its first generation in 1999, the IS has placed its focus on the pleasure of driving compact and unique rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedans. Aside from being a vehicle that enhances the Lexus driving experience, the new IS has gained popularity through its sporty styling and highly competent driving performance. Some 1.09 million units have been sold over 20 years.

As part of its distinct value, Lexus takes on a pursuit for linear operation that focuses more on the intentions of the driver, such as having a smooth transition from deceleration to steering, then to acceleration during cornering, in all driving scenarios. This is referred to as the “Lexus Driving Signature,” and this is considered to be the innovation standard that each Lexus model will embody moving forward.

To enhance this driving performance, the new IS went through meticulous testing and honing at different areas worldwide, including the new Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in Japan, which began operations in 2019.

The rigidity of the body was improved through optimization of structures from the C-pillars to the roof sides, increase of the number of front side-member weld points, and reinforcement of radiator side supports. This has led to the enrichment of driving performance in the form of responsiveness to steering wheel operation, enhanced riding comfort, and removal of unwanted noise and vibration.

Swing-valve shock absorbers have been included, and these are armed with ultra-low-velocity valves in the pistons to handle oil flow while responding to minor road anomalies and producing ideal damping force.

Active sound control improves quietness and comfort when driving in in urban areas. It also brings a powerful engine sound that generates a sense of driver-vehicle unity in circumstances ideal for aggressive driving.

Three-dimensional bumper garnishes, straight-line-type rear combination lamps with an “L” configuration, and muscular fenders supplement the strong appeal of the new Lexus IS. Meanwhile, the new-design 19-inch wheels and broad dimensions based on an extensive track exhibit a sporty driving look.

The reconfigured spindle grille is characterized by a three-dimensional, polyhedral structure that begins from the foremost tip of the grille to highlight a sense of existence.

Two new exterior colors were created, namely, the Sonic Chrome, which demonstrates a metallic appeal in a high-gloss finish, and the Sonic Iridium, which utilizes sharp shadows to emphasize more on the form of the vehicle.

The F Sport version takes pride in a distinct “F” mesh pattern. Other specialized accessories that improve the image of delivering an emotional driving experience include the F Sport-exclusive radiant red contrast layering external panel color, rear spoiler, and grille-bottom air intake.

The 2.0-liter turbo engine version includes an adaptive transmission control that assesses the driving environment according to factors like the lowering of the accelerator. It also chooses the most suitable gear for each driving scenario, attaining a linear response to driver intention and accelerator operation.

The multimedia system includes a new touchscreen that is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SmartDeviceLink. Connecting an iOS or Android device of a user to the full 10.3-inch touchscreen enables the remote control of the audio and screen functions, thereby improving user-friendliness.

Moreover, the new IS boasts the use of advanced safety technologies, which include a modified version of the Lexus Safety System+. These safety technologies were developed to help abolish traffic fatalities and accidents, generate driver-assist systems that offer a safer and more natural driving experience, and minimize driver burden.

While the design of the millimeter-wave radar and the single-lens camera utilized in the conventional Lexus Safety System+ has been retained, Lexus has supplemented other functions as the Emergency Steering Assist and has enhanced the lane recognition performance of the system.

The advanced safety technologies of the new Lexus IS include the pre-collision system (for monitoring daytime pedestrians and bicyclists in intersections and low-light conditions); lane tracing assist and dynamic radar cruise control (for assisting drivers in keeping in the current lane on a motor-vehicle-only roadway), and the automatic high beam (for detection of oncoming and preceding vehicles and low-beam and high-beam headlights).

Road sign assist helps lessen possible driver failure in recognition of signs and support of safe driving. Another advanced safety feature is the driver emergency stop assist, which reinforces the driver through gentle deceleration and visual and audio alerts.

Other features include the panoramic view monitor, which reinforces periphery safety checks, as well as parking support brakes, which minimize the damage during vehicle collisions.

The full launch video can be viewed  here. 

Photos from Lexus

Also read: Lexus moves launch of all-new IS to June 16