Lexus IS300

2001 August: Lexus (Toyota) .au relased the 3-litre IS300. The 2997cc, straight-6 engine indicates the BMW target market and produces 157kW of power at 5800rpm and 288Nm of torque at 3800rpm. It is fitted with a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Safety features include vehicle stability control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and front seat side curtain shield airbags.

Australian IS300s get "full leather seat trim, self levelling high intensity discharge headlamps, 17-inch polished aluminium wheels, moon-roof, rear spoiler, yellow foglamps instead of white [whoopee], and glare-resistant electrochromatic mirrors."

There are three variants in the IS200/ IS300 range: IS200, IS200 Luxury Option and IS300. Price: $73,960 ($au, 8/2001). Rivals: BMW 3-series, Audi A4.

• Lexus IS300 sedan August 2001 ...
• sedan, 5-seats, 4-doors, ABS, multiple airbags
• loa: 4400mm, width: 1720mm, height: 1420mm
• wheelbase: 2670mm, track: 1495mm/1485mm
• turning radius: 5.1m (kerb)
• weight: 1505kg (unladen)
• 2JZ-GE, 2997cc, petrol (91 RON), 6-cyls, mpfi, 4-valves/cyl, dohc
• bore: 86.0mm, stroke: 86.0mm, c.r.: 10.5:1
• power: 157kW at 5800rpm, torque: 288Nm at 3800rpm
• transmission: 5a
• suspension: double wishbones/ multi-link double wishbones, brakes: disc/ disc
• tyres: 215/45ZR17, fuel-tank: 70L
• prices: $73,960 ($au 8/2001)

Go to the IS200 and Toyota pages