The 2001 Lexus IS 300. The IS 300 features a 3.0-L inline six engine with VVT-i. A cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, intake manifold, pistons, and oil pans make up the IS 300 engine. The IS 300 features Formula One-inspired E-Shift steering wheel-mounted shift controls. The interior of the IS 300.

According to Lexus, unlike competitive models that offer entry-level powertrains, the company's new IS 300 will come standard with a 160-kW (215-hp), 3.0-L inline six-cylinder engine. The IS 300 inherits its powertrain from the larger GS 300 sedan. As in that model, the engine employs variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to optimize valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range (not just at one or two set speeds). VVT-i reduces the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm power, giving the IS 300 the feel of having a larger-displacement engine.

A two-stage acoustic control induction system and dual exhaust system with two-way bypass muffler enhance power throughout the engine speed range. The IS 300 engine is produced from a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, intake manifold, pistons, and oil pans. It offers 295 N¥m (218 lb¥ft) of peak torque at 3800 rpm.

The IS 300 can accelerate from 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) in 7.1 s and achieve the quarter-mile in 15.3 s. The standard electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission features Formula One-inspired E-Shift steering-wheel-mounted shift controls. The driver can choose to let the transmission shift automatically, or for a more engaging driving experience, control gear shifting with steering-wheel buttons. A five-speed manual transmission will be available for the 2002 model year. The vehicle's estimated EPA rating for highway driving is 23 mpg.

The IS 300's low 0.29 Cd ensures low wind noise. External detailing that highlights the angular lines includes clear-lens taillights, standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights set behind composite covers, and a low-slung front airdam with built-in foglights.

The Lexus IS 300 interior design blends modern and classic sports car touches, including drilled aluminum pedals and stainless steel doorsill scuff plates with rubber pads. The gearshift and other interior accents feature a metallic finish. The IS 300 includes supportive height-adjustable sport seats as standard equipment, with optional eight-way power combination leather/suede-like seats.

A chronograph-style combination gauge cluster inspired by sport watches sits within the speedometer and dominates the instrument panel. The chronograph instrument cluster allowed designers to package eight instrument readouts within clear view through the standard leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel. The cluster contains gauges for coolant temperature, battery level, and average fuel consumption. Flanking the cluster are a tachometer on the left and a fuel level gauge and gearshift position indicator on the right.

To optimize weight distribution in the IS 300, Lexus located the engine center 56 mm (2.2 in) behind the front wheel center, the battery behind the front suspension tower, and the fuel tank under the rear seat. The layout gives the vehicle a low yawing moment of inertia for quick steering response.

The four-wheel independent suspension features a double-wishbone layout in the front and rear, similar to the GS sedans. Engineers developed the IS 300 suspension tuning on Germany's famous Nurburgring racetrack, as well as on Australian and European roads. As befitting a high-performance sport sedan, four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front) provide ample stopping power. The standard 16 x 6.5 in alloy wheels mount 205/55 R16 all-season performance tires.

The standard four-sensor antilock brakes feature electronic brake distribution. The ventilated front brake discs measure 296 mm (11.65 in) in diameter and 33 mm (1.3 in) thick, and the solid rear discs measure 307 mm (12.1 in) in diameter and 13 mm (0.5 in) thick. The vehicle features standard full-range traction control to help give the IS 300 sure-footed performance, whether the road is dry or wet. A Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential is available.

The IS 300 shares in the latest Lexus safety technology, starting with a reinforced passenger compartment protected by front and rear crumple-zone structures, and three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions. The supplemental restraint systems includes dual front airbags and front-seat-mounted side airbags. Mounting the side airbags in the seats keeps them placed consistently to the occupant regardless of a front seat's position.

The front seatbelts incorporate pretensioners and height adjustable anchors, along with force limiters that help manage the impact energy to the upper torso in certain serious collisions. Impact dissipating upper interior trim helps manage the forces to the head in an accident.

Jean L. Broge

AEI October 2000