Lexus Announces EPA-Estimate Fuel Ratings for All-New Lexus IS Luxury Sport Sedans

An all-new six-speed sequential automatic transmission is partnered with either a 2.5-liter or 3.5-liter V6 engine. The new automatic transmission features a Formula One inspired, steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shift system for more spirited driving. The IS 250 rear-wheel drive earned an estimated combined fuel rating of 27 mpg (24 mpg city/32 mpg highway). The IS 250 all-wheel drive has an estimated combined fuel rating of 25 mph (22 mpg city/28 mpg highway). The high-performance 306-hp IS 350 realized an estimated 24 mpg combined fuel-mileage rating (21 mpg city/28 mpg highway). The IS 250 rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission has an estimated combined fuel rating of 23 mpg (20 mpg city/29 mpg highway).

"There's been tremendous anticipation for the debut of the new IS," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. "Not only have ardent fans of the previous generation IS 300 been responding with great eagerness, but we've received an intense interest among owners of competitor sport sedans."

As the all-new sports sedan's launch date approaches, more than 35,000 requests for information on the IS have been received via Lexus.com. Since early August, automotive aficionados have also been able to send questions about the new IS to the vehicle's chief engineer, Suguya Fukusato, via a discussion forum on Car & Driver's Web site, including inquiries on performance, styling and technological advances, among others.

Lexus made it possible for individuals to submit images for potential display on the Reuters mega-screen in New York City's Time Square, along with the chance to win the new vehicle. Beginning Sept. 3, a photo mosaic of the new IS began building on the giant screen, featuring images submitted online at www.theNewIS.com by anyone who wishes to participate. The board is animated to zoom in on individual images throughout the mosaic, enlarging them to 32.5 feet tall.

Images that are submitted onto TheNewIS.com are reviewed for inclusion in the photo mosaic. Participants whose images are accepted will receive an email that allows them to locate their image within the mosaic and view it on the Web site and potentially live via the Lexus Web cam in Times Square. They can also forward the Web link to their friends and family for viewing. During the Labor Day holiday weekend, "Street Teams" took more than 1,300 pictures of people on the street, which went immediately on the board in Times Square for viewing.

Credit: Lexus USA