Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motors, continues fine-tuning the IS 300 sports sedan. When it debuted last year as a 2001 model-year offering, IS 300 was part of a two-prong approach for Lexus. The automaker already had the ES 300 sedan in its product mix. Both the ES 300 sedan and IS 300 sedan fall into the entry-luxury segment, the fastest-growing division within the luxury automobile group. Three years ago, entry-luxury vehicles accounted for 375,000 sales industry wide. Three years from now, that figure is projected to balloon to 540,000. Lexus reasons that with two vehicles in this segment, it can capture a bigger slice of a profitable pie.
The ES 300, which receives a major redesign in 2002, is aimed at the higher end of the entry-luxury segment while the IS 300 aims more at the sports enthusiast. During its first year on the market, the four-door IS 300 generated sales of approximately 25,000 units in North America, reaching its targeted goal. The 2002 model year goal for the IS 300 is again to reach the 25,000 unit plateau. To help ensure this figure is met, Lexus adds two major IS 300 tweaks. For the first time, the rear-wheel-drive IS 300 is available with a five-speed manual transmission in sedan editions.
The lack of a true manual transmission was a gripe during the IS 300’s inaugural season among sports-driving enthusiasts who, if given a choice, would gravitate to the clutch-and-shift method of gear movement. Since IS 300 is targeted towards this male-dominated sports audience (64 percent of first-year buyers were male), it’s odd that Lexus waited a year to introduce this feature. However, during its first year and continuing in 2002, IS 300 five-speed automatic transmission models feature “E-Shift,” a system allowing drivers to manually control shift points via buttons behind the steering wheel without the use of a clutch. While several automakers offer similar automatic transmission shifting systems, it does not replace the feel or performance of a true manual transmission. Lexus estimates the new five-speed transmission will account for twenty percent of IS 300 sales in 2002, or approximately 4,800 units.
The other 2002 model-year addendum is a new bodystyle choice. The IS SportCross edition adds a fifth hatchback-like door in the rear and split fold-down 60/40 back seats, providing IS with the functionality of a station wagon, but with a sportier exterior touch. With rear seats up, SportCross boasts 11.3 cubic feet of storage space. When seats folded down, that figure mushrooms to 21.5 cubic feet. SportCross, unlike its sedan counterpart, is available with automatic transmission exclusive. Both sedan and SportCross share the identical 105.1 wheelbase, with SportCross measuring in a half-inch longer and an inch taller. Rear spoilers are standard in SportCross while optional in sedans. New throughout the 2002 model line up are front side-curtain air bags and an all-black instrument panel.
Also, to improve weight distribution which directly contributes to performance and handling, the gas tank and battery get repositioned closer to the middle and the engine shifts 2.2 inches behind the front axle. The Japan-built IS 300 is currently the only vehicle in the Lexus lineup offering two different transmissions and two distinct body styles.
All three models, the automatic transmission sedan, five-speed manual sedan and automatic transmission SportCross share the same in-line, six-cylinder engine delivering 215 horsepower. Also standard is automatic climate control; cruise control; power windows, locks and side-view mirrors; Halogen fog lamps and tilt steering wheel.
Lexus is also the first car brand to offer a DVD-based global positioning satellite navigation system throughout its entire model lineup, including the IS 300. Price wise, the new five-speed sedan model checks in at $29,435 while the all-new SportCross edition lists at $32,305. The returning automatic transmission sedan edition checks in at $30,805. Lexus has been selling cars in the United States since 1989. |