| After bringing high class limousines
(as we refer them in Europe) to the
market, Toyota's luxury division is
trying to compete in the crowded sports
sedan market already dominated by the
German brands such as Audi, BMW and
Mercedes (in alphabetical order). For
that reason, Lexus choosed to get ass
close as possible to the most prestigious
brands by using their technology: inline
6 engines and rear wheels transmission. Meanwhile,
Mercedes changed from inline motors to V
engines, but it is only true for
displacements bigger than 2.3 liters, as
smaller displacement are still inline
fours.
As usual for Lexus, they took the
models and improved them everywhere they
could. we will not even compare the car
to the Audi, which are front - or all-
wheel drive, but if we look at the BMW
320i, we see that power is 5hp higher,
the car comes with a 6 speed manual
transmission standard and equipment is
much higher than the standard beemer.
|
|
| Dimensions |
|
| Length |
4,400mm |
| Width |
1,720mm |
| Height |
1,410mm |
| Wheel Base |
2,670mm |
| Weight |
1340kg |
| Mechanical |
|
| Motor Type |
2.0 liter
inline 6 VVT-i |
| Max. output |
114kW@6200rpm
|
| Torque |
195Nm@4400rpm
|
| Gearbox |
6 speed
manual / 4 speed auto |
| Transmission |
Rear wheels
|
| Performance |
|
| 0-100kph |
9.5s |
| Max speed |
215kph |
| Price |
|
| |
42kCHF |
|
| The IS200 is also sold in Japan under
the toyota brand, as Toyota needs to
upgrade it's image for the young
generation. That is also why you will see
some pictures with Altezza on it, but
don't worry, there is already an
aftermarket that will allow you to
"upgrade" your Toyota to a
Lexus! |
|
 Take a look at
the gallery!
IS
200 Press Release
(PDF)
|
|
