New review on IS300
05-15-01, 06:45 PM
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IGN.com For Men has a new review out on the 2001 IS300. It's a generally positive review, as opposed to the one which was posted when the IS300 first came out. That particular review garnered plenty of flak from some ClubLexus members, and a few of us even emailed the author to let him know how we felt. I'm not sure if this reviewer is the same as before, but he's getting his comeuppance for sure.
Here's the link!
In case the story is ever archived, here's a text only version:
The 2001 Lexus IS300
Perfection? Close enough!
May 14, 2001
Looking for a classy way to break away from your 9 to 5? The new 2001 Lexus IS300 may mark the end for Lexus’s endless pursuit of perfection. A drastically different car not expected from a luxury car manufacture, the IS is definitely a head-turner.
A wild new car based on the proverb, "do you want to be the sheep, or the shepherd," the IS breaks away from the traditional bondage of society’s demand of a large executive flagship. Lexus created the IS as a small luxury sport sedan - Why be driven, when you can have so much fun driving yourself?
The heart of this foxy lady is a 3.0-liter, DOHC, in-line-6 popping out 215-horses. Featured is Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing Intelligence (VVT-i) ensuring peak performance by continuously adjusting the valve opening for optimal power and fuel efficiency. For more fun, the IS has adapted the Electronically Controlled Transmission Intelligence (ECT-i) straight from the cars in F1 Formula racing. With rapid-fire shift buttons located under your thumb and index finger, you’re hands will never leave the steering wheel as you cut through an S-curve.
Ground works prove the heritage of the car. Four-wheel, power-assisted, vented front/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) stops the car with confidence. A limited-slip differential (LSD) provided by TORSEN®, is also installed. For the auto-tech unsavvy, LSD makes the car quickly respond to changing driving conditions, managing the distribution of torque between the driving wheels to boost control and acceleration. Rear-Wheel Drive is power where it belongs. No self-respecting performance sedan is equipped without rear-wheel drive. The IS300 also comes with Traction Control (TRAC), and a computer-controlled Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system providing greater control. F1 adapted Double-Wishbone Suspension is equipped with offset coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and front and rear stabilizer bars. Combined with exceptional weight distribution, handling becomes a lascivious vice. Oh, and top that off with a set of spicy 17 x 7.0-inch Alloy Wheels/Tires.
On first look the car resembles nothing of a Lexus. After gliding through a winding mountain road, the true heritage of the car is unveiled. As a Lexus, the car delivers a smooth refined ride with excellent handling. The car just grips the road like its life depends on it. Road noise is controlled graciously, and the engine revs a gentle roar. Power is competent, but not breathtaking.
Rest assured that performance is complimented by safety. With abilities to reach 143.7 mph on a racetrack, safety precautions are a must. Traction control, LSD, electronic brake assistance… what else would you need? Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags (SRS) are standard along with the traditional dual front airbags. Also available is Lexus’s pre-tensioner automatic seatbelt which limits and manages the force exerted on your body. Side impact door beams are standard. And even a window-pinch protection system is in-tact, so you won’t ever get your hand stuck in the power window again.
The interior houses race-like attributes with a somewhat IKEA modern twist. First up the sexy looking chronograph gauges and chrome shift-**** tease the eye. Comfortably seating four, the Leather/Ecsaine seats inspired by the racing world provide luxury and sport function in keeping passengers in place when taking aggressive turns. Automatic climate control with interior air filter is factory. For the audio freak, how about Lexus’ AM/FM/cassette eight-speaker 240-watt (maximum power) Premium Sound System with single-feed, in-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer?
For an MSRP of $31350, the new Lexus IS300 is a definite fun ride for anybody. Also available is a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) version of the IS300 featuring numerous upgrades to suspension and engine. Remember to wipe your drool off the dash when you’re through.
Here's the link!
In case the story is ever archived, here's a text only version:
The 2001 Lexus IS300
Perfection? Close enough!
May 14, 2001
Looking for a classy way to break away from your 9 to 5? The new 2001 Lexus IS300 may mark the end for Lexus’s endless pursuit of perfection. A drastically different car not expected from a luxury car manufacture, the IS is definitely a head-turner.
A wild new car based on the proverb, "do you want to be the sheep, or the shepherd," the IS breaks away from the traditional bondage of society’s demand of a large executive flagship. Lexus created the IS as a small luxury sport sedan - Why be driven, when you can have so much fun driving yourself?
The heart of this foxy lady is a 3.0-liter, DOHC, in-line-6 popping out 215-horses. Featured is Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing Intelligence (VVT-i) ensuring peak performance by continuously adjusting the valve opening for optimal power and fuel efficiency. For more fun, the IS has adapted the Electronically Controlled Transmission Intelligence (ECT-i) straight from the cars in F1 Formula racing. With rapid-fire shift buttons located under your thumb and index finger, you’re hands will never leave the steering wheel as you cut through an S-curve.
Ground works prove the heritage of the car. Four-wheel, power-assisted, vented front/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) stops the car with confidence. A limited-slip differential (LSD) provided by TORSEN®, is also installed. For the auto-tech unsavvy, LSD makes the car quickly respond to changing driving conditions, managing the distribution of torque between the driving wheels to boost control and acceleration. Rear-Wheel Drive is power where it belongs. No self-respecting performance sedan is equipped without rear-wheel drive. The IS300 also comes with Traction Control (TRAC), and a computer-controlled Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system providing greater control. F1 adapted Double-Wishbone Suspension is equipped with offset coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and front and rear stabilizer bars. Combined with exceptional weight distribution, handling becomes a lascivious vice. Oh, and top that off with a set of spicy 17 x 7.0-inch Alloy Wheels/Tires.
On first look the car resembles nothing of a Lexus. After gliding through a winding mountain road, the true heritage of the car is unveiled. As a Lexus, the car delivers a smooth refined ride with excellent handling. The car just grips the road like its life depends on it. Road noise is controlled graciously, and the engine revs a gentle roar. Power is competent, but not breathtaking.
Rest assured that performance is complimented by safety. With abilities to reach 143.7 mph on a racetrack, safety precautions are a must. Traction control, LSD, electronic brake assistance… what else would you need? Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags (SRS) are standard along with the traditional dual front airbags. Also available is Lexus’s pre-tensioner automatic seatbelt which limits and manages the force exerted on your body. Side impact door beams are standard. And even a window-pinch protection system is in-tact, so you won’t ever get your hand stuck in the power window again.
The interior houses race-like attributes with a somewhat IKEA modern twist. First up the sexy looking chronograph gauges and chrome shift-**** tease the eye. Comfortably seating four, the Leather/Ecsaine seats inspired by the racing world provide luxury and sport function in keeping passengers in place when taking aggressive turns. Automatic climate control with interior air filter is factory. For the audio freak, how about Lexus’ AM/FM/cassette eight-speaker 240-watt (maximum power) Premium Sound System with single-feed, in-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer?
For an MSRP of $31350, the new Lexus IS300 is a definite fun ride for anybody. Also available is a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) version of the IS300 featuring numerous upgrades to suspension and engine. Remember to wipe your drool off the dash when you’re through.
05-16-01, 06:56 PM
#3
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Posts: n/a
That's cool!! At the end of the article they were talking about trd offering an upgraded version with better suspension and engine mods. Are there any more details to this in terms of specifics??? Like how much horsepower do they offer with this version...
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