2011 Lexus IS250

CHARACTERISTICS:
Lexus engineered the IS; this vehicle was designed so that it could rival Audi A4s, the C Class by Mercedes Benz, the G37 by Infiniti, and the 3 Series by BMW. The Lexus IS entered the market in 2000 and by 2005, it entered a new generation. The IS is offered in several trims: the IS 250 and 350 sedans. The 250 sports a 2.5 Liter V-6, 204 horsepower engine coupled with a manual or auto tranny.

The 350 sports a 3.5-Liter V-6, 306 horsepower engine joined to a six-speed auto tranny. Both configurations are offered with all-wheel-drive. The IS F, a lot like the M3, the AMG, and the Audi S, is new too. It sports a 5.0-Liter V-8, 416 horsepower engine joined to an eight-speed auto tranny. It has a cabin large enough for four, it is sport-tuned, and the suspension is lowered.

Another addition is the 250 and 350 C version. These versions are convertibles with hardtops that retract. These cars have the same tranny and engines as other IS configurations, but all-wheel-drive is not an option.
The Range
Body styles: Sedan, convertible
Engines: 2.5L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.0L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Models: IS 250, IS 250C, IS 350, IS 350C, IS F
What's New
IS 250/350 receives a new grille and front bumper, as well as a new exhaust tip. All-wheel drive is now available on the IS 350. Interior trim has changed; it's now a black metallic finish. Convertibles add a new Luxury Package with new interior colors, while sedans are available with the F Sport Package (18-inch wheels, sport suspension, sport seats). Adaptive Front Lighting has been discontinued.
Exterior
A new front grille and bumper, plus revisions to the rear end help refresh the looks of the IS lineup. There are new 17- and 18-inch wheels, too. Style is modern and sporty, and the IS F looks lower and meaner.
Interior
Leather and wood touches abound throughout the interior of the IS. Heated and ventilated front seats, driver seat memory, 14-speaker surround sound audio, Bluetooth, and navigation are available. The IS F receives new optional orange and black leather seats.
Performance & Handling
The IS has an excellent chassis and provides a fun drive on twisty roads. Ride is a little rough in the standard IS, which is worse in the IS F. Having said that, the IS F is immensely entertaining on the road -- it scoots to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Braking from 60 mph only takes 108 feet.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags are standard. The IS line also comes with four-wheel disc brakes, four-channel ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist; traction control; and stability control.
EPA Fuel Economy
IS 250, 250C: 18-21 mpg city/ 26-29mpg highway
IS 350, 350C: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway
IS F: 16 mpg city/23mpg highway
You'll Like
Fire-breathing IS F
High-quality interior
Excellent chassis
You Won't Like
Stiff suspension
Intrusive stability/traction control