Lexus Announces Voluntary Safety Recall for 2006-2012 IS Models
Lexus USA has announced a voluntary safety recall for the 2006-2012 IS.
Kevin · January 30th, 2013
Latest News
A Closer Look at the 2014 Lexus IS Exterior
The 2014 Lexus IS has been revealed, so let’s take a closer look at the exterior of the next-generation sports sedan.
Kevin · January 9th, 2013
Video Preview of the Next-Generation Lexus IS from Australian Drive
Here’s a video of the next-generation Lexus IS prototype from Australian publication Drive.
Kevin · December 12th, 2012
Video Review of the Next-Generation Lexus IS Prototype
The next review of the 2014 Lexus IS prototype is from Colum Wood of Autoguide, and it’s an excellent video overview of the camouflaged model.
Kevin · December 4th, 2012
Carsguide Drives the 2014 Lexus IS Prototype
Paul Gover from Carsguide also had a test drive in the the next-generation 2014 Lexus IS prototype.
Kevin · December 4th, 2012
2012 Lexus IS 250 & ES 350 Included in New IIHS Crash Test Results
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the USA has introduced a new crash safety test simulating an off-center accident, and the results after testing eleven mid-size luxury automobiles were not good.
Kevin · August 14th, 2012
New 2014 Lexus IS Rumors from Australia
The Age in Australia has some new rumours regarding the next-generation Lexus IS.
Kevin · July 4th, 2012
Driving a Lexus IS 250 F Sport along Australia’s Great Ocean Road
Lexus Magazine is currently running a photo essay of the scenic cruise along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, with a Lexus IS 250 F Sport selected as the vehicle of choice.
Kevin · October 19th, 2011
Lexus IS Commercial: Racecar
The new Lexus IS commercial released today features a clever little twist.
Kevin · September 19th, 2011
2012 Lexus IS & IS Convertible Information
After its updates in 2011, the Lexus IS 250 & IS 350 enter 2012 with only some exterior colour changes, with Nebula Gray Pearl replacing Smoky Granite Mica and Fire Agate Pearl replacing Glacier Frost Mica.
Kevin · August 16th, 2011
Lexus IS 250 on 19″ Linea Corse 818 Wheels
Canibeat has a nice photo feature on a Starfire Pearl Lexus IS 250 with a nice set of 19″ Linea Corse 818 wheels.
Kevin · July 15th, 2011
Lexus Ranks First in JD Power’s UK Customer Satisfaction Study
Lexus has ranked first in the UK's JD Power Customer Satisfaction study for the 11th straight year -- a remarkable achievement made even more impressive by the fact that Lexus has won every year since joining the study.
Kevin · May 30th, 2011
Lexus IS on Vossen VVS-CV3 Wheels
Check out these photos of a Lexus IS decked out in a set of Vossen VVS-CV3 wheels.
Kevin · May 25th, 2011
Lexus IS F-Sport Featured on Two Guys Garage
For those with The Speed Channel, Two Guys Garage will be installing a selection of F-Sport parts on a Lexus IS 250 tomorrow — should be interesting to anyone curious about the modifying their Lexus using OEM parts. Showtimes may vary, please check the Speed Channel website for further details. Check the Speed Channel Schedule
Kevin · May 3rd, 2011
Lexus IS Precision Tour Dates
After taking December & January off, the Lexus IS Precision Tour will be starting back up in February with stops at some of the USA’s best tracks — here’s a full listing: Auto Club Speedway Fontana, California Saturday, February 19, 2011 Infineon Raceway Sonoma, California Saturday, February 26, 2011 Texas Motor Speedway Fort Worth, Texas …
Kevin · January 28th, 2011
Lexus Recalls 06-07 GS 350 & 06-09 IS 250/350 Over Fuel Pressure Sensor
Lexus has announced a voluntary safety recall on the select 2006-2007 GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250, & 2006-2008 IS 350 models due to the possibility of a loose fuel pressure sensor — from the Lexus USA press release: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving …
Kevin · January 26th, 2011
Lexus IS Manufacturing Video
The combination of seeing the Lexus LFA manufacturing process and the recent Hard Way commercials reminded me of this 2005 video about the IS assembly line at the Kyushu plant: The level of precision shown in every Lexus never ceases to amaze me — this is the Pursuit of Perfection at work.
Kevin · January 23rd, 2011
Customized Lexus IS Billboards
The New York Times reports about a new IS billboard campaign from Lexus USA customized by highway: Toyota’s Lexus division recently mind-melded this contradiction in an outdoor advertising campaign that declares in supersize lettering that the 2011 Lexus IS is “overqualified for the B.Q.E.,” as the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is known locally. That was just in …
Kevin · October 25th, 2010
Lexus Announces Voluntary Recall on 2006 GS 300, IS 250 & IS 350, 2004-2006 RX 330
Lexus has announced a worldwide voluntary recall on the 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250 & IS350, plus the 2004-2006 RX 330 for an possible issue with brake fluid slowly leaking from the brake master cylinder — here’s the full technical explanation: The Toyota genuine brake fluid used during vehicle assembly for vehicles sold in the United …
Kevin · October 21st, 2010
Hilarious Lexus IS Commercial from China
There’s just no way to describe this Lexus IS commercial from China — you’ll simply have to watch for yourself: I suppose if I went crazy and had to describe driving an IS convertible, I’d probably equate it to pulling the tabs of fifty shaken pop cans strapped to my back.
Kevin · October 8th, 2010
New 2011 Lexus IS Commerical: Music Track
This new IS commercial from Lexus USA is a musical masterpiece: Such a great concept, so well done — love it.
Kevin · September 3rd, 2010
Lexus Japan Art Works: IS in Sunrise
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: …
Kevin · August 25th, 2010
Lexus UK IS Celebration Edition
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 …
Kevin · August 9th, 2010
2011 Lexus IS F-Sport Package
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 …
Kevin · July 16th, 2010
2011 Lexus IS Official Details
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 & …
Kevin · July 16th, 2010
My.IS TO2kX Meet in Toronto
Members of My.IS & Club Lexus gathered last weekend in Toronto, Ontario for some time at the track and a highway cruise: There’s plenty of photos to look through in the My.IS thread — this one caught my eye with the red: Looks like a fun event, I’m hoping to attend myself next year. (Thanks …
Kevin · July 14th, 2010
2011 Lexus IS Interior Option: Sunrise
Another detail about the 2011 Lexus IS has emerged — check out this brand new interior option, Sunrise, which is almost certainly limited to the Japanese market: This is pushing at the very outer limits of interior color combinations, but I have to admire the very idea of these special editions — especially something so …
Kevin · June 25th, 2010
The 2011 Lexus IS
Earlier this month, we saw some leaked photos of the possible 2011 Lexus IS, and now Japanese weblog レクサスとの道 has published proof (click images for larger images): For the most part, the changes are minor — LED daytime running lights, revised bumpers, some small interior updates — however, let’s take a closer look at this …
Kevin · June 21st, 2010
Lexus IS Helicopter Ballet
Not every day you watch a video featuring forty-four Lexus IS 250s performing a choreographed routine that’s filmed by helicopter: Filmed at the Ampthill Millbrook Proving Groundvehicle proving ground (presumbly for the launch of the IS in 2005), this Lexus UK presentation is strikingly similar to their LS 460 orchestra that took place in 2007, …
Kevin · June 11th, 2010
Sleek New IS Website from Lexus Canada
Last month, we saw behind-the-scenes footage for a new Lexus commercial featuring all versions of the IS — now here’s the finished product as part of a new IS section on the Lexus Canada website: Lots of energy to the site, and definitely worth clicking through — the video quality is just fantastic. Very sleek, …
Kevin · May 28th, 2010
Lexus New Jersey F-Sport Event Next Week
A couple weeks back, Lexus USA announced an April 29th F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motor Park, and today, I’m happy to say I will be attending. I didn’t want to miss my chance at a hot-lap in the LFA with Scott Pruett, so I’ll be making the eight-hour drive down to New Jersey …
Kevin · April 21st, 2010
Flickr Find: Lexus IS Dark Knight
I love this atmospheric Lexus IS photo by Jiaren Hui that I found on Flickr: Looks straight out of a getaway movie. [Source: Jiaren Hui’s Flickr Photostream]
Kevin · December 15th, 2009
Lexus Japan IS 250 Black X Orange X-Edition
Lexus Japan has announced a new Lexus IS 250 X-Edition with a custom black interior with orange contrast stitching: I’d like to see some higher resolution images to be sure, but I’m such a fan of these custom interiors. I hope this makes it to North America like the Passionate Black GS interior. Japanese customers …
Kevin · December 11th, 2009
Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 Recall Extended to Canada
The Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 safety recall that was announced in the USA has been extended to Canada. The recall will address the possible risk of unintended acceleration due to improperly installed floor mats by installing a new accelerator pedal and by installing a brake override system that will cut engine power went …
Kevin · November 27th, 2009
Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 Recall Announced
Toyota has announced the recall of the Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 models to have their accelerator pedals reshaped and/or replaced. This recall is to be a permanent solution to the risk of unintended acceleration, no matter what floor mat is being used. Starting in early 2010, dealerships will be equipped to reshape the …
Kevin · November 25th, 2009
Lexus ES & IS to be Recalled over Floor Mats
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recommendation that 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350 & 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250/IS350 owners remove their drivers side floor mat, which may cause the accelerator to become stuck open under certain conditions: “This is an urgent matter,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “For everyone’s sake, we strongly …
Kevin · September 29th, 2009
New 2010 Lexus IS F-Sport Package
The Frankfurt auto show will also mark the debut of this new F-Sport package for the Lexus IS—here’s a photo (click for a larger version): No mention of which F-Sport accessories will be making it into the package, but from the image alone, it looks like a new grille, lowering kit, and new wheels are …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009
White Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Photos
Gabriel Forcier from the Spinelli Lexus Lachine in Quebec sent me this great photo of an IS 250 with all the F-Sport trimmings: I’m a huge fan of the Starfire Pearl, and it goes well with the F-Sport wheels. Gabriel also included some other photos of the IS, I’ve included them here: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1256”}
Kevin · July 17th, 2009
Lexus IS Convertible F-Sport Photo Gallery
To promote the fact that the existing F-Sport performance accessories for the Lexus IS are fully compatible with the IS Convertible, Lexus has released some images with an IS-C decked out to the nines: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1157”} The convertible is still too junky in the trunky for my tastes, but the 19” forged alloy wheels suit …
Kevin · May 22nd, 2009
New Lexus IS Convertible Mini-Site
As part of their IS convertible advertising campaign, Lexus USA has put together a mini-site that’s just as much fun as their new commercials: The website first demonstrates the new features of the IS-C, then asks how you would use each highlighted point—then rates your answer on the Live a Little scale. It’s easy to …
Kevin · May 20th, 2009
Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the Lexus IS 250
In a comment on my last post, TLE reader Jay wanted to know if the current Lexus IS had ever made it onto the Top Gear show. The answer, it turns out, is “No” (though their magazine counterpart did name it the Best Executive/Luxury Car in 2005). Later on, I found something much more interesting—in …
Kevin · April 14th, 2009
2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD Review
The Lexus IS has a special place in my heart. It was the first Lexus I ever drove, back in 2000. It was my birthday, and my future-wife surprised me with a lengthy test drive of a yellow first-generation IS 300, courtesy of Performance Lexus in St. Catharines. I had only just received my driver’s …
Kevin · April 12th, 2009
2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD Photo Gallery
In the time I spent with the Lexus IS 250, I only had a point-and-shoot Canon to take photos with—luckily my friend Billy Plante came out and took some picks as well. Here are the best shots: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1083”}
Kevin · April 12th, 2009
Spending Time with the 2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD
Early this morning, I made my way to Toyota Canada’s corporate HQ outside of Toronto and took possession of a Lexus IS 250 for review. It’s the AWD config, an automatic, with Truffle Mica exterior and Ecru leather interior, a very flattering combination. The rest of the day was spent powering through highway traffic and …
Kevin · March 30th, 2009
Lexus IS Convertible Spotted
A Lexus IS convertible coupe has been spotted out in the wild, and was photographed by an unnamed German magazine. Here’s a blown-up image, for a better look: As for the accompanying text, there’s some horsepower number ranging from 177 to 423, which translates right across the entire IS lineup, from the 220d to the …
Kevin · February 25th, 2008
Special Edition Lexus IS to be released in Japan
Lexus Japan will be releasing a limited edition Elegant White Interior IS, an especially literal name to be sure: Beyond the white/grey two-tone semi-aniline leather seats, the interior will be replete with real wood paneling on the center console and doors, plus a rear privacy shade (not pictured): I think it’s gorgeous, the wood grain …
Kevin · January 16th, 2008
Flickr Find: Lexus IS Tail Lights
There’s so many different ways to photograph a car, there’s the scenic shots, the speed shots, the close-ups, and once and a while, you get something a bit more expressive. This photograph by Flickr user AlieN is a good illustration of this: I’m a big fan of symmetry, so this appealed to me right off …
Kevin · January 6th, 2008
Lexus IS 250 & GS 450h Place First in Australia’s Best Car Awards
The winners of Australia’s 2007 Best Car Awards have been announced, and Lexus was well represented, taking first place in two categories. For the second year in a row, the IS 250 was named the Best Prestige Car. The GS 450h placed first in the Best Luxury Car category, also for the second time in …
Kevin · December 5th, 2007
Flickr Find: Lexus IS 250 Silhouette
There’s something so classy about this silhouette profile shot of the Lexus IS 250 by Jason Kim: It really accentuates the rear slope, it’s such a smooth line. In the same spirit, Jason has another black & white photo of the IS 250, this time from the front. It’s a testament to the quality of …
Kevin · November 29th, 2007
Lexus Issues Recall of 2006 GS 300, IS 250 & IS 350
Lexus has announced a recall of the 2006 editions of the GS 300, IS 250 and the IS 350, in regards to a problem with the fuel pipe design. Over time, a crack may form in fuel pipes located in the engine compartment, the company said today in a statement. The problem is blamed on …
Kevin · November 28th, 2007
Is this the 2009 Lexus IS?
An Autospies reader recently posted up this scanned-in Japanese auto mag page depicting the facelifted 2009 Lexus IS: “Top Secret” banner aside, this is likely a photochop, though subtle enough to be believable. The differences are slight, there’s some GS design incorporated into the front end, and the side panels look to be tucked in. …
Kevin · November 12th, 2007
A Summary of the New Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessory Line
As expected, Lexus debuted their new F-Sport Performance Accessory Line at SEMA, and there’s no shortage of products to choose from, that is, if you have an IS 250/350. Here’s a summary of the offerings: * The most significant upgrades are for the suspension and handling, including a lowering spring set, a sway bar set …
Kevin · October 31st, 2007
New Wald Lexus IS Body Kit Photos
Wald International has updated its website with Lexus IS Body Kit photos, and they’re surely a sight for sore eyes. When it debuted in August, the only official photos featured the car wet, of all things, and were certainly not up to their usual quality. As well, they hightlighted a number of unflattering characteristics, particularly …
Kevin · October 19th, 2007
Comparison: 2008 Lexus IS 250 vs. 2008 Mercedes C200k
British car mag Auto Express has pitted the Lexus IS 250 against the Europe-only C200K version of the new Mercedes C-Class, with the Mercedes coming up with the win: The IS’s V6 has more character than the C-Class’s four-cylinder engine, but isn’t any pacier, unless pushed hard. The IS250 costs more in SE-L trim, too, …
Kevin · October 3rd, 2007
Lexus IS 250 Commercial: The Valet
There’s something about the sound in this Lexus IS 250 commercial that really commanded my attention, the overprocessed blues music, the paddleshift click, the breathlessness, it all comes together so well: I wonder why the IS 250 and IS 350 have separate commercials, wouldn’t it make more sense to market them as a single model?
Kevin · August 27th, 2007
Wald International Releases Lexus IS 250/350/220d Body Kit
Wald International has just released their IS 250/350/220d body kit, and it’s a marked improvement over the photoshop mockups: The sports fender ducts are still in development, and will hopefully stay that way. As it stands, the kit consists of a front spoiler, side step, a rear skirt and a trunk lid spoiler. The front …
Kevin · August 23rd, 2007
The Lexus Body Kit Series: IS 250/350/220d
For the fourth part of my Lexus Body Kit Series, I bring you the IS 250/350/220d. I was surprised to find that the IS 250/350/220d had less body kits available than the third-gen GS, as I was expecting far, far more. Thinking on it, I figure it must have something to do with the great …
Kevin · August 17th, 2007
Lexus IS 250 Commercial: Ball Bearing Precision
The IS 250 may lack the IS 350’s power, but it definitely has a trump card if you need traction, namely All-Wheel Drive: The IS series is a confusing one, the IS 250 has the option of a manual transmission and AWD, while the IS 350 gets the bigger engine (with an extra 100hp) but …
Kevin · July 23rd, 2007
Lexus to Release IS 250X in Australia
Having to make due without the IS 350, Australians will have now have another IS option, the IS 250X. Limited to a run of 260, the IS 250X boasts the following upgrades over a base IS 250: Sports Tuned Suspension 18″ Alloy Wheels Revised Front Spoiler Alloy Pedals X Badging Starting at $64,390 AUD with …
Kevin · July 23rd, 2007
Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 250 with X Sports Package
Edmunds has posted a road test of the IS 250 with the X sports package, and save for the gripes about the embarrassing shift stick and its rubbery gear shifts, Lexus seems to have created a sports sedan capable of competing with the best in its class: Though it’s often overshadowed by the 306-hp IS …
Kevin · June 15th, 2007