2014 Lexus IS Preview


Last week, Lexus invited me to Austin, Texas, where I was able to drive the new third-generation Lexus IS in all its various forms. The following is a technical overview of the new model — my personal impressions of the car will follow this weekend.

Debuting at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, the 2014 third-generation IS is a critical model for Lexus — not only as one of the company’s best selling vehicles, but also for its central role in pushing the brand’s performance credentials.

Along with a new design, many of the upgrades to the new IS focus on its “fun-to-drive” mission — let’s take a deep look at how Lexus engineers went about improving the third-generation of the Intelligent Sport sedan.

Please note — clicking any image will display a larger version.

Exterior Styling


The exterior of the third-generation IS is dominated by two new design elements. First, the Lexus signature spindle grille serves as the IS “face” and establishes many of the lines & curves that carry throughout the body — these two photos illustrate the point perfectly:

Lexus IS Spindle Grille

Lexus IS Spindle Grille Shape

Another defining design feature is the side profile, where the combination of a strong horizontal beltline and a bodyline extending from the rocker panel to the taillight:

Lexus IS Third Gen Profile

Two other exterior details worth pointing out — first of all, Lexus is employing a new method of hemming the wheel arch edge:

Lexus IS Wheel Arch

This new technique reduces the distance between the wheel arch and the tire from 20mm (0.787 inch) to 11mm (0.433 inch), and also allows the wheel to be set 5mm (0.196 inch) further out.

An additional adjustment is the use of laser brazing to connect the roof and the side of the car — this eliminates the need for a roof drip molding:

Lexus IS Laser Brazing on roof

Lighting


Standard on the 2014 IS are HID headlights and separate LED daytime running lights:

Lexus IS HID Headlights

Available in the Luxury package are LED headlights, with intelligent high-beams that turn off when oncoming traffic is detected:

Lexus IS LED Headlights

Other lighting details:

  • LED rear taillights are standard across the board
  • Fog lights are standard on every model except the F SPORT package
  • Chromed-out headlight washers are included as part of the All-Weather Package on AWD models.

Aerodynamics


While the IS coefficient drag remains the same as the current generation at 0.28 (AWD is now 0.29), overall aerodynamics have been refined to improve downforce and better control the air around the vehicle — this is done by adding stabilizer fins on the A-pillars and taillights:

Lexus IS Rear Stabilizer Fins

The underbody panels also utilize fins to smooth out the airflow:

Lexus IS Underbody Fins

Dimensions


Lexus IS Dimensions

The third-generation Lexus IS has grown slightly in size, increasing 85mm (3.4 inches) in length, adding 70mm (2.7 inches) to the wheelbase, and expanding 10mm (0.4 inch) in width.

Increasing the overall size adds more room inside the IS, with legroom now improved by 22.9mm (0.9 inch) in the front and 40.64mm (1.6 inches) in the back seat. The front seats also have 25.4mm (1 inch) more headroom and 38.1mm (1.5 inches) more shoulder room.

Lexus IS Capacity

Perhaps the best comparison between the current & new models is this video:

Body Structure


In order to build a highly rigid body while minimizing weight, the new IS makes extensive use of body adhesive bonding and laser screw welding:

Lexus IS Body Bonding

By using adhesive to join body panels over a larger area, IS engineers were able to make significant improvements to body rigidity — in total, the new IS uses 25 meters (82 feet) of bonding throughout the body.

Along with additional spot welds, IS engineers utilized laser screw welding around the door openings:

Lexus IS Laser Screw Welding

Lexus also revised the body platform, reconfiguring the rear floor, adding a new rear subframe, and increasing the underbody bracing:

Lexus IS Revised Platform

Suspension


Lexus IS Suspension

The standard IS has a coil-spring suspension with a new multi-link rear suspension adopted from the fourth-generation GS:

Lexus IS Rear Suspension

The coil spring and shock absorber have been separated, and the toe control arm has been moved to the back — these changes have improved cornering tire grip by 15% while increasing overall trunk space.

The electric power steering system has also been updated, with a revised gear ratio and improved responsiveness. The four-wheel disc brakes remain mostly unchanged from the previous model, but pedal travel has been reduced and the brake ducts have been straightened for improved cooling.

Drivetrain


Lexus IS Drivetrain Options

Both engines from the previous generation have been carried over with only minor adjustments — horsepower remains the same:

  • IS 250: 2.5L 2GR-FSE V6 engine with 204 horsepower
  • IS 350: 3.5L 4GR-FSE V6 engine with 306 horsepower

Standard on the IS 250 F SPORT and all IS 350s is a new intake sound generator that increases engine sound during acceleration:

Lexus IS Intake Sound Generator

All IS 250s and the IS 350 AWD will retain the six-speed transmissions of the previous generation — however, the IS 350 RWD will now be equipped with the eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission from the IS F:

Lexus IS 8-Speed Transmission

The eight-speed transmission has a new G-Force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) control system, which selects the optimal gear during cornering — here’s an illustration demonstration:

Lexus G-AI System

Both the six-speed and eight-speed transmission can also be controlled in Manual Mode through the gear shift or via the standard paddle shifts.

Drive Mode Select


Lexus IS Drive Mode Select

IS 250s and non-F SPORT IS 350s will have three Drive Mode Select options:

  • Normal mode: Balance between driving performance & fuel efficiency
  • ECO mode: Maximizes fuel efficiency by smoothing out throttle response and adjusting air conditioning settings
  • SPORT mode: Adjusts throttle response and electric power steering with a bias towards driving performance

Interior


The third-generation IS employs the now-signature Lexus interior design, with separate display & operation zones meant to reduce driver distraction:

Lexus IS Interior

Central to driving experience, the seating hip point has been lowered 20mm (0.78 inch) and the steering wheel angle has been reduced 3 degrees — this brings the driver closer to the vehicle’s center of gravity and improves the seating position:

Lexus IS Driver Seat

Both front seats are 8-way adjustable, with power lumbar and adjustable headrests — synthetic leather NuLuxe is standard, with leather available as an option:

Lexus IS Interior Seats

The IS now has 60/40 split/folding rear seats:

Lexus IS Rear Folding Seats

Displays & Controls


Lexus IS Display

Beyond the standard speedometer & tachometer in the instrument panel, the new IS has a 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display in the cluster center — here’s a sample of the available screens:

Lexus IS Multi-Information Display

The multi-information display is controlled via a new circular input on the redesigned LFA-inspired steering wheel:

Lexus IS Steering Wheel

In a Lexus first, the IS uses capacitive touch pads to adjust driver and front-seat passenger temperatures:

Lexus IS Capacitive Touch Controllers

Also standard in the new IS is a 7 inch VGA display mounted high in the dashboard above the center console:

Lexus IS 7 inch VGA Display

On non-navigation models, the screen is controlled by the Display Audio dial in the center console:

Lexus Display Audio Controller

On models with the available navigation system, the IS is equipped with the Remote Touch controller:

Lexus IS Remote Touch Controller

Both the non-navigation & navigation-equipped IS models have access to subscription-free weather & traffic information via Clear Channel HD radio — here’s how the systems differ:

  • Standard Display Audio system: Weather forecast & simplified static traffic map refreshed every 10 minutes
  • Navigation/Mark Levinson system: Weather forecast, Doppler radar map overlay and dynamic traffic information display

The navigation system boasts improved graphics, with both a flat view and a new 3D map with visible buildings — it also includes a new home screen that can be customized with up to three functions:

Lexus IS Customized Home Screen

(Interesting side note: HD radio provides coverage of most major metropolitan areas, but when out of range of this service, users with the Enform app suite can receive weather & traffic updates via cellphone data.)

Audio Systems


Lexus IS Mark Levinson Audio System

There are two audio systems available in the IS:

  • Standard 8-Speaker Audio System: AM/FM/HD/SAT/CD, two USB ports and AUX input jack
  • Mark Levinson 15-Speaker Surround Audio System: 835 watts over 10 channels, including 5.1 channel/7.1 channel surround sound.

Both systems are equipped with Cache Radio, a DVR-like capability that stores up to 20 minutes of audio programming — this makes it easy to rewind live radio or return to a program after an interruption.

Safety Systems


Lexus IS Safety

The third-generation IS is now available with the following safety systems:

  • Blind Spot Monitor: Side mirror indicators that alert the driver to vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Side mirror indicators and an audible tone that alert the driver to approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space
  • Lane Departure Alert: Camera-based system that recognizes road lane markers and can alert the driver if the vehicle leaves the lane
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Cruise control that uses radar to maintain a set distance between the IS and the vehicle ahead
  • Pre-Collision System: Millimeter-wave radar that can warn the driver about a possible frontal collision, plus adjust braking response and activate the pre-collision seatbelt system in the event of an unavoidable accident

The IS is also equipped with 10 standard airbags.

Color & Wheel Options


The 2014 IS will debut the new Atomic Silver exterior color — the remainder are all existing Lexus colors:

Lexus IS Exterior Colors

Three wheel designs are available:

Lexus IS Wheel Options

There are four interior colors to choose from:

Lexus IS Interior Colors

Matte Black trim is standard, with Dark Gray & Brown wood available in the Luxury package.

F SPORT Package


Lexus IS F SPORT

The F SPORT package is available on every IS including AWD, and while the package includes a revised suspension for all models, the IS 350 is equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Varible Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS, only available on IS 350 F SPORT RWD).

Adaptive Variable Suspension

Lexus IS Adaptive Variable Suspension

Adaptive Variable Suspension, or AVS, controls the damping force of the shock absorbers — this allows the suspension to configure itself based on road conditions and help to maintain handling stability during cornering.

Variable Gear Ratio Steering

Lexus IS Variable Gear Ratio Steering

Variable Gear Ratio Steering, or VGRS, is available in combination with AVS, and can automatically adjust the steering gear ratio depending on vehicle speed and driving conditions — at high speeds, this system helps to improve vehicle responsiveness and stability.

Drive Mode Select

Lexus IS F SPORT Drive Mode Select

The Lexus IS 350 F SPORT adds a SPORT S+ setting to the Drive Mode Select dial, which makes a number of adjustments:

  • Adjusts throttle power curve
  • Remaps transmission shift timing
  • AVS damping force is increased
  • For the IS 350 F SPORT RWD, the VGRS gear ratio is configured to enhance steering responsiveness

Exterior Styling

Lexus IS F SPORT Front Grille

The IS F SPORT has a distinctive large mesh front grille, a unique front bumper, and LFA-inspired 18-inch aluminum wheels:

Lexus IS F SPORT Wheel Design

Exterior Color Options

The IS F SPORT is available in five colors, including F SPORT exclusive Ultra White:

Lexus IS F SPORT Colors

Interior

Lexus IS F SPORT Interior

Inside, the IS F SPORT has a number of changes compared to the standard model:

Lexus IS F SPORT Interior Details

  • 8-inch color TFT LCD instrument panel patterned after the LFA dial
  • F SPORT front seats with additional bolstering
  • Aluminum interior trim
  • Aluminum pedals & scuff plates

Interior Color Options

The IS F SPORT is available in three NuLuxe interior colors, including F SPORT exclusive Rioja Red:

Lexus IS F SPORT Interior Colors


This ends my technical overview of the 2014 IS — please check back on the weekend for my personal impressions of the IS 250, IS 250 AWD, IS 350 AWD, and the IS 350 F SPORT. Special thanks to Lexus for inviting me to this event.

FeaturesLexus IS: Second GenerationReviews
Comments
A
Thanks for technical low down on the 2014 IS all is well apart from the F-sport Exterior colour the is no Starfire Pearl guess Nebula Pearl grey is my new favourite colour after pearl white.
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    MT
  • March 25, 2013
Still don't get the US Lexus guys for not offering the 300h.
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      Peter
    • March 25, 2013
    Here in Belgium, we won't get the non-hybrid versions as they are not tax friendly :)
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      MT
    • March 25, 2013
    Same goes here in Austria. Taxes on the 250 are so much higher, that the 300h ends up cheaper. So Lexus Austria decided not to offer the 250 at all. The 300h gets 2% consumption tax on the cars sticker-price. The 250 would get 12%. So the 250 doesn't make any sense economically. We get five trim lines. Base, Business, Limited, F-Sport and Executive. Interesting is, thet the F-Sport and Executive can be (according to that papers I seen at the dealership) can optionally be equipped with a lane-keep assist. Is this a typing error and they wanted to write lane departure warning or do we europeans really get LKA?
    P
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      Peter
    • March 26, 2013
    In Belgium we get 4 versions: Base, Executive Line, F-Sport Line, and Privilege Line. The choice of options is pretty ridiculous as some are specific to a line. For example: Lane Departure Alert and Blind Spot Monitor options are only possible on the high-end Privilege line. Card Key and EC/auto folding outside mirrors are standard to the Privilege Line, but not available as option to the other lines.
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      OlFius
    • March 26, 2013
    Little correction, Peter. The 'EC/auto folding outside mirrors' is also available on the F-Sport Line in the (expensive = 3280€) "F Sport Leather pack" option. But, you're correct about the options selections. We must select the same option for 'seats with memory' on the F Sport and are not directly intrested in the Navigation pack 2 on the F Sport, which is standard.
    P
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      Peter
    • March 26, 2013
    You are correct (also about the F-Sport leather pack pricing). Too bad the LDA & BSM safety options are really only available to the Privilege Line. Lexus should offer that on all lines imho. The PCS & ACC option dropped significantly in price btw (about 50%), compared to the previous IS model.
    B
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      BlackDynamiteOnline
    • March 25, 2013
    They don't see how they can sell 3 hybrids in the $30k range..... BD
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      corradoMR2
    • March 25, 2013
    Ditto. Like this writeup from Krew though - thanks!
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    BlackDynamiteOnline
  • March 25, 2013
The IS has some inherent flaws: No manual transmission, dash that comes only in black, no improvement to the base engine that needs improvement. But the bolder exterior styling, improved handling and interior tech, and larger rear seat and trunk should help it stay fresh and relevant These numbers for the rear seat legroom (32.2 inches) and cargo volume (10.2 Cu ft) don't add up. Lexus USA lists the current model with 30.6 inches of rear legroom and 13.0 cu ft of cargo room. So I know the cargo room number is wrong. They didn't make the already small trunk much smaller..... I know they didn't add 3-4 inches in wheelbase to net 1.6 inches more rear legroom. Other preview articles have mentioned a 3 inch legroom increase out back. 32 inches is horrible. And the trunk measurement listed here would make the trunk smaller? As Keith Sweat used to say "Something Just Ain't Right"...... BD
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      F1orce
    • March 27, 2013
    In Australia the base C-class & 3-series come with much worst engines than the IS250 I would much rather the 2.5L 4GR-FSE in the IS250 than a 316i LOL
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    BeatofA
  • March 25, 2013
No Leather on F-Sport and no more Flame blue? :(
    D
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      darkride
    • March 25, 2013
    There are certain things I hope come with the F-Sport. Leather, LED Headlights, Nav, Mark Levinson, and would be nice to have an available wheel option *cough* 19's. I guess you can still order 19 F-Sport wheels separate from dealer.
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    Carmaker1
  • March 25, 2013
Seeing the second photo, I should've known the LF-CC was a 2-door version of the original conceptual 3IS design from 2010. The LF-CC likely wasn't even drawn up last year, but likely 3-4 years ago and just re-done a bit about several months before Paris 2012. It's even the same color, so in this case it was true inspiration for the new IS like some were stating last year.
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    joshd
  • March 25, 2013
what happened to that blue? That color looked awesome!
S
That'll be a good training. Looking forward to it. Hopefully we get to go on a track or anywhere we can test the competition as well at higher speeds.
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    Guest
  • March 25, 2013
Noticed a minor typo: 4GR should be on the IS250 (2.5L), and 2GR on the IS350 (3.5L)
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    gsxr
  • March 25, 2013
where is ultra blue?!?
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    Hamed Al Sayes
  • March 26, 2013
Yeah where is the Ultra Blue!.. Also it's Beautiful but still waiting for the F-Model :D
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    F1orce
  • March 27, 2013
Big update! Can't wait till i see these new IS on the roads!
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    Abdulaziz
  • February 21, 2014
"There are two audio systems available in the IS" How can I know what is the system I have? "Both systems are equipped with Cache Radio, a DVR-like capability that stores up to 20 minutes of audio programming — this makes it easy to rewind live radio or return to a program after an interruption." How can I use this feature?
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      LF_EH
    • February 21, 2014
    If you have Nav - you have cache radio Only works on AM or FM On the radio screen, click on the white arrow on the right side of the screen to bring up the controls
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    Hamed
  • December 22, 2014
what about normal audio system(8 speakers) is it good???? please explain about this audio system! thanks.

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