2006 Lexus IS Preview

Giving it an acceleration edge on some of its competitors is a new 6-speed automatic transmission, featuring steering wheel

Giving the IS an acceleration edge on some of its competitors is a new 6-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: Lexus)

mounted paddle-shift controls in IS 250 trim. The smaller engine also gets a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, which according to insiders, may not be available on the IS 300 anymore, and therefore unavailable in North America.

Lexus claims a body shell of "exceptional torsional stiffness", plus the addition of a lightweight aluminum hood and suspension components, plus its engines are lighter than the previous inline family, all reducing the car's center of gravity and therefore enhancing handling.

Lexus will bolster the IS's performance and safety with its relatively non-intrusive Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which orchestrates key

Lexus is clear in its objective to produce the segment's most engaging driving dynamics while maintaining the brand's traditional ride quality. (Photo: Lexus)

electronic aids to work in unison, such as stability control, traction control, ABS brakes.

Other class-leading safety features include Lexus' Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Bi-Xenon headlights with Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (I-AFS), and no less than ten standard airbags, including double knee airbags.

Wider and lower than its competitors, and featuring a top-tier suspension system, Lexus is clear in its objective to produce the segment's most engaging driving dynamics while maintaining the brand's traditional ride quality.