Lexus IS350 2015 News

Lexus believes four-wheel steer could give it the edge over its competitors in the competitive sports sedan segment. The system has the rear wheels turn at the same time as the front ones -- but only a small amount -- to help the car through corners.The idea gained some traction with Japanese car makers in the 80s, notably with cars like the Honda Prelude and Mazda MX-6 coupe. At the time, it was touted as the next big thing but the system was clunky and could be expensive to repair if things went wrong.That was then this is now. Technology has moved on and BMW already offers the system with its 5 and 7 Series models and Lexus introduced four-wheel steer in the first of its cars last year with its GS line.It has also been trialling the system in the smaller IS range in Japan and the Australian arm of the company is keen to get a piece of that action. Lexus Australia boss Sean Hanley believes it could give the car a much-needed competitive edge.HOW IT WORKSLexus calls its system Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), and has it turn the rear wheels of the car two per cent – a seemingly tiny amount but enough to make a difference to the cornering. At low speeds the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the car's turning circle and the level of steering effort required.But at speeds of more than 80km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. This makes the steering more responsiveness and gives it an intuitive feel at medium speeds, plus greater stability and vehicle posture for increased safety and comfort at higher speeds.The net result is the turning circle is reduced by almost half a metre at parking speeds and it also reduces the tendency of rear wheel drive vehicles like those produced by Lexus to step out or oversteer in a corner. We had the opportunity to put a car fitted with the rear wheel steer system through its paces on a recent trip to Japan. Unfortunately we had no car with standard steering to compare it with and Lexus has apparently not quantified the difference it makes to track times (although we thought that would have been an obvious thing to do). Having said that the car was plenty of fun to drive.WHEN MIGHT WE SEE IT HERE?Lexus wants to add the system to its F Sport models. "We think it gives us another progressive edge in the market place," Hanley says. "And the other thing is that it is significantly well developed now. So we're bringing to market a very credible technology, with great safety and performance that is aligned very very well to Lexus's innovative and fun to drive performance car strategy."At this stage the system is available only in Japan but it is under evaluation for other markets. If it is approved for overseas use it is likely to find its way into Aussie cars within the next year or so, probably when the car receives its mid-life facelift. Rear or four-wheel steer is part of the Lexus Dynamic handling System (LDHS) that features the world's first integration of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS}.

Take some high-tech projection mapping software, an empty warehouse, an F1 driver and the new Lexus IS Hybrid and it becomes the recipe for the world's first full-sized, real time video game. Created for the Italian branch of Lexus, to launch the Hybrid IS there, the project chose 10 of the brand's Facebook fans and paired them with F1 driver Jarno Trulli and a projection mapping iPad app to compete against each other.Each had to design a race circuit, then ride shotgun with Trulli while tracing their course on the iPad, which projected their circuit onto the warehouse floor. Called 'Trace Your Road', the competition set the task of hitting seven designated touch points while completing the circuit in the fastest time.  Watch the 'Trace Your Road' video game action.  This reporter is on Twitter: @Karla_Pincott  

It's hard to see what's happening under the camouflage, but Lexus is aiming for Audi-style quality and BMW-style driving dynamics with a car that's definitely going to be much more adventurous in design. 

If not quite as hot as the IS-F released last year, the IS 350 ups the ante within the mainstream IS lineup – midway between the IS F’s V8 grunt and the IS 250’s smaller 2.5-litre V6, now retuned for strict Euro 5 emissions regulations. The IS 350 features a gutsy 3.5-litre V6 powerplant clearly designed to compete with the bigger six-cylinder prestige offerings from BMW, Benz and Audi.  You’ll see the new IS 350 at the Australian International Motor Show alongside the newly facelifted IS 250 and the jaw-dropping LFA supercar. The IS 350’s new 3.5-litre engine develops a healthy 228kW and 375Nm, and is mated to a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.  Together with the IS 350’s trim dimensions and light weight, the package will see 100km/h on the dial from a standing start in just 5.6 seconds – a significant performance improvement over and above that of the IS 250. Something else that’s new, and hints at Lexus’s new sportier DNA – the IS 350’s ‘F Sport’ ID, together with more sport-oriented suspension, a unique wheel/tyre package, edgier front end plus HID xenon headlamps and LED-based daytime running lights. Pricing is, at the time of writing, still anyone’s guess. That’s due to be announced as the Motor Show kicks off – with the likely best guess in the $90,000 ballpark.

The punchy IS 350 finally joins the local line, Lexus is bringing the F-Sport sub-brand to Australian showrooms, and there are improvements to everything from safety to economy and emissions. There is unlikely to be any price hike despite the changes, although Lexus refuses to discuss showroom stickers ahead of the local IS unveiling at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. "It's a true facelift. It's not just a tickle," says Peter Evans, the new corporate manager for marketing and aftersales at Lexus Australia. It's suspension, it's daytime running lamps, it's the dashboard, its a whole bunch of stuff. And we'll have a range of IS 350 models, as well as the launch of F-Sport. We're planning to price it competitively against its competitors." But there is no diesel for the Lexus IS, as Toyota's luxury brand continues its commitment to hybrid cars in Australia. There is a diesel in Australia but Lexus will soon have the CT200h for Australia and Japanese sources point to a full hybrid in the next generation of the IS in around four years. The importance of the IS update is reflected in its position in Australia. "It's our key model for Australia. Ultimately there are three cars that should drive the brand, and this is number one," says Evans. "The car is doing well. We're happy with the IS but the one we're having more trouble convincing people to consider is the RX." European information on the IS upgrade points to cleaner engines which meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards, with better efficiency and reduced emissions for the IS 250 automatic and IS 250 coupe-convertible. Exterior changes run to LED daytime running lamps in the nose, a new grille, new rear lamps and new alloy wheel designs. The F-Sport model picks up more of the impact of the V8-powered IS F, with a deep front spoiler, 18-inch alloys, and a big rear spoiler. Inside, there is a sports steering wheel with leather-and-alcantara trim.