Beijing 2016: Lexus unveils new IS

Lexus has taken the covers off the new IS at the ongoing 2016 Beijing Auto Show, armed with a fresh new look and a number of important changes.

From what we can see, the entire front fascia of the new model has undergone a transformation, highlighted by new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and an evolution of Lexus’ spindle grille.

The bumpers, with incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically from the fenders, giving the new front end a high level of aggressiveness. The new grille folds back at a higher point, changing its top and bottom proportions that enhance its sporty feel with a visually lower center of gravity.

And then, we have the F Sport grille, which features an exclusive 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern, with jet-black metallic coating that incorporates functional brake ducts. Meanwhile, changes to the rear are highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides that are now triple layered within the taillight housing and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips that accentuate the car’s sporting nature.

In keeping with the same theme as the exterior, improvements have been incorporated into the new IS’s cabin. The first thing that’s sure to catch your eye is the multimedia display screen that has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. The new high-resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer image of the various functions of Lexus’ innovative multimedia system. Also, “Enter” buttons have been added to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console.

On the center dash the audio and ventilation-control panel has been refined to fit completely within the knee bolsters, with a new hairline-finish surface that provides both a high-quality feel and improved appearance. For interior colors, Moonstone and Ivory have been replaced by Chateau, a new light shade that blends the elegance of Ivory with a more modern light-gray hue. Other changes to the new IS include new cup holders, a new larger leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for the RTI and new markings on the in-dash analogue clock.

Under the hood however, the new IS remains unchanged. Power is supplied by the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 engine with intercooler, which comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. While maximum power is rated at 240hp at 5,800rpm, peak torque readings stand at 350Nm at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

Safety wise, the new IS has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +. It combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.

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