To the surprise of many, initial tests have shown that the IS has a shot against high-powered specialty models. Lexus claims the
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| Lexus claims the automatic IS 350 takes "less than six-seconds" to reach 100 km/h, but preliminary tests by other magazines have shown it to be far quicker. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
automatic IS 350 to take "less than six-seconds" to reach 100 km/h. By comparison, preliminary tests by other magazines have shown it to be far quicker - expect real life figures to reflect low to mid fives! By comparison the V8-powered Audi S4 can reach 100 km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds when equipped with a six-speed automatic.
Overseas, the IS will also mark the first Lexus diesel. As Jaguar has recently discovered, the diesel market is one of extreme importance, but until recently one that had been left out as diesel technology hadn't yet advanced enough to provide the necessary refinement
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| A 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel variant to be made available in Europe produces 177-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
expected in Lexus models. With Toyota's massive resources, Lexus has come up with a diesel that should send the competition back to their respective drawing boards, trying to best this state-of-the-art design.
At 2.2-litres, this four-cylinder engine is the smallest and least powerful motor offered in the IS range, but not by much. Both the block and head are made of alloy, rather than iron to save weight, while power-improving additions such as four valves per cylinder, and third-generation common-rail turbodiesel technology improve performance, refinement, economy and reliability. With piezo injectors capable of delivering 1800-bar pressurized diesel four times per cycle, it makes a V6-diesel beating 177-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
