The IS series is one of the youngest and most watched members of the Lexus family. Inheriting the fabulous luxury features of the Lexus brand, the IS series has also made breakthroughs in drive configuration and design, making them more stylish, active and full of passion. The new premium sports sedan Lexus IS250 and the luxury hardtop sport convertible IS250C, which are being launched in the China market, are the shining stars of the IS family. There are three models in the IS250 lineup--the IS250 Sports, IS250 Premium Sports and IS250 Luxury, with MSRPs of RMB 369,000, RMB 460,000 and RMB 528,000. The MSRP of the IS250C is RMB 645,000.

Power: Surging Passion
Both the Lexus IS250 and IS250C are equipped with the all-new 2.5-liter 24 valve V6 DOHC engine coupled with Dual VVT-i. This engine adopts the D4 in-cylinder direct-injection technology which makes it more compact, lighter and the in-cylinder fuel injection system is more efficient with more complete atomization. Its outstanding A/F ratio has greatly increased the power output and fuel efficiency of IS models, allowing the IS250 and IS250C to reach world-class levels of drive performance, reaching maximum power output of 153 kW at 6,400 rpm as well as a maximum torque of 252Nm at 4,800 rpm. The vehicles are capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. More importantly, while providing drivers and passengers with a surge of power, the new IS series with smaller displacement has also reduced exhaust emissions in consideration of the environment.

The new IS250 and IS250C are fitted with a six-speed manual/automatic electronically controlled transmission system (ECT-i) and Al-Shift Control, which ensures that the transmission runs smoothly during driving while improving acceleration performance, thereby providing the most comfortable experience in its class. The AI-Shift Control, which judges whether the car is going uphill or downhill according to sensor information, automatically changes the gear shifting schedule. When going uphill, the car can reduce unnecessary up-shifts through judging the driver's intention and driving habits, and when going downhill, the car can automatically down shift. Choosing the proper gears, the car offers each driver personalized shift control while improving driving smoothness.

The new IS250 and IS250C adopt the Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive layout, which gives balances the weight distribution of the entire car. As a result of an improved suspension structure and the use of light materials, the cars' pitching movement during start-up and parking are put under effective control, and drivers can thus enjoy more spirited driving. The IS250 and IS250C both use the independent double-wishbone suspension in the front and light multi-link independent suspension in the back. The independent double-wishbone suspension provides better tire grip, better road feel and more agile driving. The light multi-link independent suspension can offer greater comfort. The latest suspension system can deliver comfort to passengers in the rear seats while giving the driver good command of road conditions and a pleasurable driving experience.

Exterior: Driving the Wind
The most distinctive feature in the new IS250's exterior locates in the front of the car body. The more powerful front bumper creates a remarkably striking look. The redesigned front grille adopts an arrow head shape made from chromium, strengthening the low center of gravity of the new IS250. This exquisite design creates a new power in the IS250, ready to burst forth. The new front headlamps include a layer of smoked-glass that makes them visually more stylish. The more eye-catching LED clearance lamps clearly increase the techno-luxury feel of the new IS250, generating a refined visual beauty.

The rear section of the new IS250 has a distinctive style. The simple but powerful rear, the bulging rear bumper, the redesigned rear combination lights, and the dual exhausts exhibit the high quality and excellent performance of this luxury sports sedan. The short front and rear suspensions and the overall spacious and stable design give the IS250 speed and agility. The 17-inch light aluminum alloy hub is both trendy and vibrant, highlighting the vehicle's sporty style.

A masterpiece of passion and inspirations, the new IS250C elevates the enduring free spirit shown in the IS family to a completely new level. Simple but vivid, the smooth car body lines flow from the front fender to the rear. The low, horizontal waistlines indicate a continuation of the IS tradition of start-up power. When the convertible top is open, the trunk cover is pushed up slightly, perfectly in line with the waistline, creating an especially elegant feel. When the convertible top is closed, the arc of the hardtop outlines the IS250C's sporty look, while offering a slippery drag coefficient of 0.29. At the touch of a button, the hardtop roof and side windows elegantly glide away in 21 seconds, giving people the perpetual joy of "one car, two worlds".

Quality: Outstanding and Extraordinary
Lexus has always embraced its L-finesse design philosophy, a perfect union of highly-advanced technology (Leading) and sophisticated craftsmanship (Finesse) while realizing simplicity, elegance, as well as superior quality. The three core elements, "Incisive Simplicity", "Intriguing Elegance" and "Seamless Anticipation", that constitute the L-finesse philosophy are embodied in the interior design: the pilot-like driving seat, the metallic-finished braking pedal, the center console, and the top quality sporty seats highlight the outstanding quality and distinctive style of the IS250 and IS250C.

When the engine is started, the speed and tach indicators run across the dashboard illuminated by a mild blue light. The back light will send an amber or red light to remind the driver when the tach or speed reaches the preset level. The shift paddles are placed at the rear of the steering wheel. Like in true F1 racing car fashion, the down-shift is located on the left and the up-shift on the right. Such a setup produces greater driving pleasure by helping drivers feel the racecar-like passion.

The new IS250 and IS250C are attentive to each detail, exhibiting exquisite craftsmanship found in the designs of the Front Seat Heater & Ventilation and S shape arm rest, etc. All these features represent a distinctive style while delivering a comfortable and sporty driving experience.

Technology: Pleasurable Intelligence
Passionate driving is created by intelligent technologies. The new IS250 and IS250C are equipped with the LEXUS G-BOOK, which can help drivers enjoy real time connection, via the wireless network, to the LEXUS G-BOOK Service Center. The LEXUS G-BOOK provides seven intelligent communication services including emergency rescue, anti-theft tracking, roadside assistance, vehicles maintenance notices, operator service, information provision and G-route search. The LEXUS G-BOOK is intended to deliver luxury car consumers safety and convenience anytime, anywhere. This intelligent communication system equipped on both the IS250 and IS250C is free to use for four years following the car's purchase.

The entertainment system of the IS250 and IS250C contribute to a more trendy and pleasant driving experience. In-dash 6 DVD/CD disc changer and USB/Audio port work with the Mark Levinson® premium audio system to create theater-like surround sound, presenting the excellent driving experience of luxury sports cars.

Safety: Carefree Driving
The new IS250 and IS250C are equipped with a range of active and passive safety systems including Lexus' unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which seamlessly integrates both active and passive safety features. In addition, they are equipped with the Brake Override System, which provides drivers and passengers with a safety guarantee.

Integrating with the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA), the VDIM works seamlessly with ETCS (Electronic Throttle Control System), collecting, analyzing and organizing all of the car's information and sending commands to the brake system, steering system and the engine, eventually leading to optimized control. Meanwhile, the driver can extract the vehicle by turning off the TRC and VSC when the car is stranded in mud or snow.

The IS250C adopts the Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system to detect obstacles and the possibility of a crash according to the vehicle's position, speed and moving track. If the possibility is large, the alarm will be activated, and the vehicle can subsequently adjust a series of safety measures, including the Pre-Collision System (PCS) and the seat belt pre-tensioners. Addressing passive safety, the new IS250C provides all-around protection through 6 SRS standard airbags and 3 point ELR front seat belts and 3 point ELR and ALR rear seat belts as well as the ISOFIX Child Restraint System.

The new IS250 features 8 SRS standard airbags. The two-stage airbags are for the driver and the twin-chamber airbags for the passenger. In addition to the curtain airbags and front and front side airbags, the front knee airbags are the standard configuration of the IS250. In the meantime, total care from Lexus is demonstrated in the 3 point ELR front seat belts, 3 point ELR rear seat belt for center seat and 3 point ELR and ALR rear seat belts for outboard seats as well as the ISOFIX Child Restraint System.

The new premium sports sedan IS250 and luxury hardtop sport convertible IS250C are targeted toward young professionals or business people aged between 25 and 35. Trendy and vivacious, this group of people lives positively and has a passion for driving. They prefer sporty cars in an effort to be individualistic and idealistic. We are confident, with its strong power, agility and dynamic style, the new IS250 and IS250C will stand out in the segment market, providing a passionate driving experience to elite people who love to challenge themselves, yearn to move freely and care for the environment.