Rising Sun
Lexus' IS300 is a worthy challenger to the German sports sedans

It’s funny how history has a way of repeating itself. Just over a decade ago, Toyota unveiled its Lexus division and helped to revolutionize the luxury car market in this country, once the playground for the German elite. BMW and Mercedes had to go back and build a better mousetrap if they hoped to continue to count the U.S. as their largest non-Europe market.

Back in the late ’80s, it was the big sedans like the S Class and 7 Series that Lexus set its sites on. This time, the group from Toyota City has focused its attention on the segment that BMW has owned forever, the entry level sport sedan.

The IS300 helps fill a niche that to this point went untapped in the Lexus catalog. True, the EX300 is a wonderful sedan, but its leanings were more Park Avenue than LeMan. This new pocket rocket isn’t priced as rich as the GS series, and it gives those younger buyers something that has an edgy, youthful appearance with top-flight engineering and workmanship.

The IS300’s sporty n’ stylish look is all boy racer. Besides being angular and athletic, the car’s wedge shape is also functional, providing a .29 drag coefficient that is still distinctive but representative of others in the Lexus brand.

The engineers chose a front engine-rear drive arrangement for its near perfect 50-50 weight distribution and to further impress its intentions on the performance market. In addition, power assisted, variable ratio rack and pinion steering plus four wheel disc brakes and the standard ABS paired with low profile Z-rated tires on 17-inch alloy rims finish-out the sport package. A standard safety feature, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), enhances braking by controlling brake-line pressure and with it wheel lockup

The IS300 comes with the familiar but always popular dual overhead cam, 3.0 liter inline six cylinder, enhanced with Toyota’s VVT-i continuously variable valve-timing system, to produce 215 horsepower and 218 bhp of torque. The standard five speed automatic transmission is similar to Porsche’s Triptonic S system, in that it gives the driver the freedom to up-and downshift if he so desires.

The engineers jazzed-up the inside, using aluminum drilled pedals and an interesting display cluster that mounts the ammeter, coolant and mileage displays chronograph-style onto the speedometer. Other niceties include full leather seating surfaces, automatic climate control and a 240 watt hi-fi stereo.

Lexus has helped to further develop the Lexus brand – first as a world class luxury division and now one with seriously sporty aspirations. This car has that feel that few car companies can deliver – a sense of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. The IS300 is a terrific first step towards reshaping this prestigious and profitable segment of the industry.

Chris Taylor is a contributing writer to The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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