The new Lexus IS is due to take on sports sedans such as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. We have more info and a photo gallery of this striking vehicle.


Lexus launched the all-new IS at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month and this next generation IS also marks the introduction of the first yet Lexus diesel engine

The new Lexus IS is offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.5 litre direct injection V6 petrol engine and a 2.2 litre state-of-the-art diesel unit.

The diesel engine is constructed entirely from aluminium to optimise weight saving and driving dynamics Lexus also paid specific attention to reducing noise and vibration to levels unprecedented within a diesel engine.

Integrating the first common-rail system with piezoelectric injectors in this displacement category, the new Lexus powerplant thus combines an exceptionally high injection pressure of 1 800 bar with the world's lowest diesel engine compression ratio of 15.8:1.

The marriage of up to 4 separate injections per cycle to an ultra-low compression ratio not only elicits exceptionally quiet combustion, but also a more efficient fuel burn, promoting significant improvements in fuel economy and emissions control.

Additionally, the adoption of a balancer shaft within the unit offers further noise reduction at higher revs, and the electrical activation of the variable nozzle turbocharger increases its efficiency whilst allowing for its operation at lower engine speeds, hence significantly improving low range torque.

The new diesel generates 130 kW at 3 600 r/min and an impressive 400 Nm of torque between 2 000 and 2 400 r/min.

The new, double overhead camshaft, 2 499 cc V6 petrol engine combines a stoichiometric direct injection system with Dual VVT-i. It develops 150 kW at 6 400 r/min and 250 Nm of torque at 3 800 r/min.

The Lexus V6 is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or an entirely new, 6-speed automatic transmission featuring sequential paddle-shift control.