Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation, debuts the third-generation 2014 IS sport sedan, with a bold design highlighted by the new dynamic signature spindle grille and for the first time separated LED Daytime Running Lights. A combination of “aggressive elegance,” a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity help make the new IS models more alluring than ever.

Thanks in large part to substantially increased overall body rigidity, the 2014 Lexus IS provides a more dynamic driving experience with enhanced stability and body control while delivering improved ride comfort. New, laser-screw welding and adhesive body-bonding techniques, along with additional spot welding, have made the higher rigidity possible. An all-new multilink rear suspension, revised front suspension and steering derived from the well-received GS sedan are adopted in the smaller IS package.

Two IS models are available for 2014, the IS 250 and the IS 350. Available for both IS models, an electronically controlled all-weather drive system is designed to help enhance traction and grip under all driving conditions by automatically varying front-to-rear torque balance from 50:50 to as much as 30:70.

The IS 350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 with D4-S direct and port fuel injection. The 3.5 engine produces 306 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 277 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,800 rpm. The IS 350 inherits the eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission from the IS F high-performance model. This transmission features paddle shifters and the G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system, which automatically selects the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to G force.

First introduced in 1989 in the USA, Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan with operational centers in Brussels, Belgium and California, USA.

SPECS

IS 350 | 3.5-liter V6 | 306 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 277 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,800  rpm | RWD starts $39,465  [Fuel 19/28/22]  | AWD starts $41,700  [Fuel 19/26/21]

www. lexus.com