Lexus unveiled the all-new 2006 IS 350 luxury sport sedan at a press conference at the New York Auto Show. "We're taking dead aim at the top of the class with the new IS," said Lexus Marketing Vice President Mark Templin. "We plan to offer a compelling range of models and options with class-leading perfo rmance and luxury."

2006 Lexus IS350

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Lexus IS350
  • Segment: Array
  • Horsepower: 306@6400
  • Torque: 4800
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

1966 - 1967 Ferrari 330 P3 one of the most beautiful race cars in the world

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1966 - 1967 Ferrari 330 P3 one of the most beautiful race cars in the world
  • Horsepower: 840@0
  • Torque: 4800
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

A new transmission will facilitate power delivery to the wheels. A new sequential-shift 6-speed automatic is standard in the IS 350. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the automatic are designed to provide maximum involvement and control for driving enthusiasts.

All new front and rear suspension, steering and brake systems will unite with Lexus' new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system to provide superior dynamics and control, while continuing the IS legacy of driving fun. The new suspension design optimizes dynamic wheel alignment to help provide precise, confident handling and maximum tire grip.

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With its styling clearly influenced by Lexus recent LF-series of concept cars, the new IS shows a strong family resemblance with its stable mate, the 2006 GS, while capturing its own distinctively sporty, yet upscale essence. A notably wide stance and long wheelbase coupled with tightly-drawn bodywork lends a muscular and sophisticated style.

The new look continues inside, where a roomy, luxurious yet sporty cabin is complemented  by intelligently designed displays and controls designed to make driving both simple and pleasurable. Bright, clear Optitron gauges and smartly integrated metallic and available maple trim help create a luxurious, yet no-nonsense ambience.

A comprehensive list of safety, comfort and luxury features seldom found in its class will be offered in the newest IS. For example, Smart Access keyless entry with push-button start will be standard, and features such as a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and navigation system with back-up camera will be available.

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These and other features available on the new IS, such as the Adaptive Front headlamp System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and ventilated front seats are normally found only in more expensive luxury cars.

New V6 Engine - Powerful and Socially Responsible

A newly-designed fuel injection system and dual VVT-i will help the new 3.5-liter V6 engine achieve more than 300 horsepower, resulting in zero-to-60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds. With an estimated combined city/highway fuel economy in the high twenties, the IS 350's fuel efficiency is similar to the EPA average for compact cars with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. Low-friction engine design and carefully matched drivetrains also make significant contributions to fuel efficiency. And all of the new IS models are expected to carry the ULEV-II emissions rating.

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To add to the sporty feel of the IS350, the vehicle features 'light saber' pointers and a multi-function display. The meter rings change colour depending on driver-designated values of engine rpm and vehicle speed.

With direct injection, gas is squirted directly into the cylinder, improving the air/fuel mix to deliver better mileage and lower emissions. Lexus promises a "substantial" boost in fuel economy, though it's not yet ready with government-certified numbers.

The high-line IS350 features a new, 3.5-liter V-6. It also uses DI technology, but adds a second set of port injectors for even more control over ignition, an advantage during cold starts. Unfortunately, the larger engine is not available with either a manual transmission or all-wheel-drive, though considering the unexpected success of the AWD option in the recent GS series, Lexus officials broadly hint they may expand the technology's availability. That would prove particularly attractive in northern climes, where sales of Lexus rear-drive sedans crawls to a halt during the winter months.

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The bigger engine does come with a driver-friendly performance suspension package, a good way to keep all that power on the road. This package will launch you from 0-60 in an impressive 5.6 seconds, while top speed is governed out at 142 mph.

Power + Control = Driving Pleasure

Recently introduced on the new GS 430 (and the soon-to-be-released RX 400h), Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system will also augment the inherently excellent dynamics of the new IS 350. In this iteration, VDIM will be programmed to allow drivers to probe deeper into the limits of handling before discreetly, but effectively applying braking, throttle and steering control. This approach is designed to maximize driving fun without giving away control to the elements.

An important contributor to performance, fuel economy and stability lies in the new IS' aerodynamic package. Low exterior drag is enhanced with careful attention to underbody airflow management designed to minimize and balance front/rear lift. The low drag body makes best use of engine power and the low lift enhances high-speed stability and handling balance.

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Interior Features

Lush with creature comfort, trimmed with upscale materials, and crackling with electronic wizardry, the interior environment of the new IS models is pure Lexus. Nothing escaped notice in the totally new environment. Even the front sunvisors were redesigned to help absorb noise.

The new keyless entry and pushbutton ignition is so handy we wish this system were standard on every car. It also removes a potential safety hazard, a dangling set of keys, from the steering column and eliminates one of the most abused components from any future repair orders.

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A bit roomier than the outgoing model, the cabin is still more sports car than family sedan. A prominent central console clearly establishes the driver and front-passenger zones. The controls wrap around the driver with every gauge and switch within easy scrutiny or close reach. The new Optitron gauges are larger and easier to read than the previous cluster, and their light-saber indicator needles, "ignition on" meter movement and dynamic redline indication are cool modern.

The new, more efficient climate control system features a sophisticated temperature calculation system called Neural-Net, a new humidity sensor, a micro dust and pollen filler and, in IS 350 models, a smog sensor that detects excessive hydrocarbons and automatically reverts to a special recirculation mode until the atmosphere clears.

Still, for all its quality materials and refinement, the interior left this writer a little cold. It wasn't a case of inferior design or materials, but the cockpit seemed to lack a signature element, such as Volvo's floating center console, that could have made the IS cockpit as distinctive to sit in as it is to watch race off into the distance.

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Plenty of luxury equipment is also available on the IS350, such as a 6-CD changer with 13 speakers and MP3 capabilities. A Mark Levinson audio system is available as an option. All models come standard with a leather and metal shift knob and dual exhaust pipes and come available with power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

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