For 2011, the Lexus IS 220d in Europe the UK will be replaced by the IS 200d, which will be using an updated version of the same 2.2L diesel engine that brings better fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and a more refined and smoother drive:

The new 148bhp version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine benefits from detailed engineering revisions and is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet Euro 5 emissions standards and enhance the engine’s driving quality.

The changes include a re-shaped combustion chamber and the use of new-generation piezoelectric fuel injectors to give a more efficient, cleaner and complete fuel burn. Pressure in the common rail injection system has been increased. a higher flow exhaust gas recirculation valve has been introduced and the adoption of a new oil-cooled, variable nozzle turbocharger improves torque performance at low speeds and cuts overall engine noise.

Along with the announcement of the new diesel, Lexus UK released some great photos of the updated IS:

I’m all over this photo of the IS 250 F-Sport:

Update: The UK will only be selling the IS 200d, but the rest of Europe will have the choice between both the IS 200d & IS 220d.

For the full details on all the IS options in the UK, I’ve included the full press release after the jump.

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As part of their new Art Works initiative, Lexus Japan has teamed up with design studio Stone Designs to create some extremely unique interior options — the first of which is this Lexus IS in Sunrise:

The IS in Sunrise is the only design we’ve seen previously, and it features a decidedly oceanic color scheme:

Here’s all the special touches:

The entire package is a bit of mishmash of color, but I have to admit, the piano white interior trim is pretty nice. More impressive to me are the LFA-style wheels:

(Stone Designs also created a RX in Sunlight & GS in Sunset, which I’ll be posting shortly.)

[Source: Lexus Japan]

Take a Lexus 2IS rear-end and a Toyota Crown front-end and meld them with the body of a Honda Civic, and what do you get? A crazy modder from Thailand just had to find out:

Regardless of personal taste and the fact the Crown front-end is two sizes too big, it’s hard not to admire the drive necessary to complete a project like this, and you certainly can’t fault the workmanship.

Just wild.

[Source: Stance Nation]

Lexus UK is offering a Celebration Edition of the IS to mark the brand’s 20 years in Britain.

This special edition receives a F-Sport upgrade along with three full years of no-charge servicing, which adds up to some significant savings.

The F-Sport package includes the following:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Leather and Alcantara sports front seats
• Aluminium pedal set
• Sports steering wheel
• Bootlid spoiler
• Mesh front grille
• Lowered suspension (IS 250 F-Sport only)
• F-Sport badging

I’m a massive fan of this F-Sport package — it gives the IS a solid dash of performance upgrades that do a lot for the sedan’s appearance. Love the stance:

[Source: Lexus UK]

Lexus USA will be offering an F-Sport option package on all RWD IS 250/IS 350s that borrows from the IS F — here’s what’s included:

• An all-new suspension with tuned steering
• New 18″ alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish
• A front lip spoiler and a rear deck spoiler
• Dark super-chrome front grille
• F Sport heated front seats with a microfiber insert and leather side bolsters
• Aluminum Sport Pedals with Rubber Inserts
• IS F styled steering wheel
• F Sport badging on the steering wheel, shift knob and doorsill scuff plates

The IS F’s Ultrasonic Blue color will also be available with the F-Sport package, here’s the full gallery:

I’m pretty impressed with the full package, and I’m a big fan of the wheel design. Price is of yet unannounced.

Lexus USA has announced details on the 2011 IS, and as expected, the model will be receiving some minor updates for new year:

• The HID headlights have been redesigned and now include LED daytime running lights. Update: HID lights are optional on the IS 250 and standard on the IS 350.
• The front grille & front bumper have been reworked.
• The taillights have had an update, along with the tailpipes.
• The steering wheel has been tweaked, and the glovebox now has a nice chrome accent.
• New 17″ wheels are standard, new 18″ wheels are optional.

However, the bigger news is that along minor cosmetic update, the IS 350 will now be available in All-Wheel Drive, which brings the grip and improved traction to the IS’ more powerful engine option.

Here’s the full gallery:

Lexus’ full press release after the jump, and there’s plenty more information to come — next up: details on the new IS F-Sport package.

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