Hot New Lexus IS 250 & 350 Now For Sale

Posted By: Park Place Lexus Plano - 2011-08-03

Unlike most entry-level luxury sedans, the Lexus IS 250 and 350 makes zero compromises between luxury comforts and performance traits. The Lexus IS is the result of a fiery hot engine, sizzling styling, new technology and quick reflexes.

If you like your car as you like your salsa, the Lexus IS serves up various flavors that will more than satisfy every preference. For the spiciest one, go for the Lexus IS 350 F Sport Package with supreme comfort and sportiness. Those who prefer vehicles more akin to jalapenos or habaneros will enjoy the Lexus IS 350 and 350C convertible. The Lexus IS 250 is milder, but still offers the comfort and luxury that you expect from a Lexus.

Each Lexus IS model is so comfortable that if you compare comfort to the Scoville scale, which measures the heat of peppers, Lexus IS cars would be right at the top along with the ghost chili. "Simple, clean and tasteful, the interior of the 2011 Lexus IS is the epitome of Lexus' restrained approach to cabin comfort," writes KBB.com. Know your heat level or not sure? Either way, check out the spicy Lexus IS cars at one of the Lexus dealerships serving you in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex: Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine.

The Lexus IS 350 engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that uses both direct injection and port injection. Lexus created this innovative system to maximize efficiency by taking advantage of direct injection, and at the same time, preserve the luxury character of the vehicle with the quieter port injectors. The IS 350 engine yields 306 horsepower at 6,400rpm, and 277 lb-ft of torque at 4,800rpm. The IS 350 EPA fuel economy is 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. In the Lexus IS 250 is a 2.5-liter 204 hp V6 engine that provides 185 lb-ft of torque.

The 2011 Lexus IS 250 and Lexus IS 250C have received IntelliChoice's 2011 Best Overall Value of the Year Award because they're dependable cars that retain their outstanding value over an extended period. In determining ownership costs and selecting the winners, IntelliChoice analyzes the car's depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance. The Lexus IS 250 wins for premium company passenger car category and the Lexus IS 250C for premium convertible category.

The 2011 Lexus IS receives new telematics service and available LED daytime running lights. Also new to the Lexus IS is the F Sport package and optional all-wheel drive. "While the 2011 Lexus IS 350 is the prime mover of this family, even the 2011 Lexus IS 250 feels fairly quick around town. Both models easily cope with the cut-and-thrust of daily commuting as well as freeway passing moves. For the ultimate performance driving experience, opt for the F Sport Package (rear-drive cars only)," writes KBB.com in its Lexus IS review.

The reshaped front bumper comes with a more assertive grille, more pronounced chrome exhaust finishers, lower body paneling and sleek tail lamps to bring the Lexus IS closer to sports car status. Together these turn the Lexus IS into a hot aerodynamic car with a drag coefficient of 0.28, enhanced riding experience, quieter cabin and improved fuel economy.

The Lexus IS 350 and 250 come with all the ingredients you need in one spicy package that will make you so happy, you'll feel like doing the salsa every day. Your first step to a Lexus IS-spiced life is to dance your way to Dallas - Fort Worth Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine.

Interior

IS 250 and 350 interior colors: Ecru Leather, Light Gray Leather and Black Leather.

IS 250 and 350 wood trims: Espresso Bird's-Eye Maple Wood Trim, Dark Gray Bird's-Eye Maple Wood Trim, Black Metallic Finish and Silver Metallic Finish.

Bluetooth and USB Audio Support. Compatible portable audio players enabled with Bluetooth audio profile capability can be controlled using the onboard audio system in the Lexus IS all while remaining in your pocket or purse. An available USB connection offers an even greater degree of control of your compatible iPod audio player, providing access to your entire music library through the IS interface. This connection also enables you to view artist, track and album names on the audio or available navigation screen and has the added benefit of powering the player whenever it is plugged in.

Push-Button Start. Another convenience of the SmartAccess system is the push-button start. Simply press the brake pedal and the ignition button will glow green, which means the engine is ready to start.

Voice-Activated HDD Navigation System. The available next-generation voice-activated Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System on the Lexus IS features a touch-sensitive screen for inputting information, as well as an advanced voice-command system that allows you to search for destinations using your natural speaking voice. For example, if you say, "Show me gas stations," within the destination menu, you'll be presented with locations in your immediate vicinity. And once you select a destination, the system will calculate up to three different routes and provide audible and visual directions as you drive.

The system also features an XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather, XM Sports and Stocks trial subscription, which can provide real-time traffic reports on specific highways or routes, and even reroute you around congestion. XM NavWeather can provide real-time weather reports for specific cities and send you alerts as you get closer to poor weather conditions. To find out more about XM Radio, please visit www.lexus.com/xmradio.

HomeLink Remote Control. Located on the lower frame of the rearview mirror is the HomeLink universal transceiver. It allows you to control up to three compatible remote devices -- "the garage door, your entry gate, even the living room lights" -- all with the touch of a button.

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats. Whatever the weather, the available heated/ventilated front seats will be appreciated. On cold days, the seatbacks and cushions can be heated to one of three settings. In warmer weather, you can select from three ventilation settings to have special blowers in the seatbacks and cushions circulate air through perforations in the leather trim. The Lexus IS 250 AWD is equipped with heated front seats as standard equipment.

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control. In addition to offering separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger, the dual-zone automatic climate control automatically manages the heat, ventilation and air conditioning to maintain a set temperature. The system also features an air filter with an automatic recirculation mode and a smog sensor (Lexus IS 350 only).

Electroluminescent Gauges. A cluster of brilliant Optitron electroluminescent gauges complements the modern interior of the IS. Initially blank, the moment the push-button start is activated, the tachometer and speedometer come to life. Their needles illuminate from the base to the tip, then sweep around their respective dials to come to rest. Not only are these gauges easier to read, their outer rings can be set to glow amber or red when the vehicle reaches a specific speed or rpm level.

Mark Levinson Surround Sound. For serious audiophiles, we recommend the available 300-watt at less than 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System with 7.1-channel architecture. It features a 10-channel amplifier powering 14 speakers specifically arranged to complement the acoustics of the IS interior. The end result is an unparalleled listening experience.

Exterior

IS exterior colors: Tungsten Pearl, Starfire Pearl, Glacier Frost Mica, Cerulean Blue Metallic, Ultrasonic Blue Mica, Matador Red Mica, Deep Sea Mica, Smoky Granite Mica and Obsidian.

SmartAccess. By recognizing the unique secure code transmitted from your key fob, the SmartAccess system allows you to unlock and open your vehicle's door and trunk without having to remove your key from your pocket or purse. The system also activates an entry lighting system that illuminates your path of entry, from the door handle to the ignition button

Backup Camera: Backing out of tight spaces is much easier with the available backup. camera. Offered only with the available voice-activated HDD Navigation System, this system uses a tiny camera located above the rear license plate to help show what's behind the vehicle. Place the Lexus IS in reverse, and the camera's view is displayed in full color on the seven-inch LCD screen.

Intuitive Parking Assist: With six ultrasonic sensors (two in the front, four in the rear), available Intuitive Parking Assist detects how close your vehicle is to surrounding objects. Distance is indicated by an LCD display, accompanied by an audible beep. The closer the vehicle is to the object, the fewer lines appear on the display and the more frequent the beeping becomes.

Alloy Wheels. Boosting both the aesthetics and performance of the 2011 Lexus IS are new 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels fitted with high-performance tires. IS models with rear-wheel drive are also available with 18-inch five-spoke wheels , which are 8 inches wide at the front and 8.5 inches wide at the rear. And those with the available F Sport™ Package receive unique 18-in, split-five-spoke wheels with Dark Superchrome finish.

Exterior Lighting. These available Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are brighter than conventional halogen headlamps, use less energy and last significantly longer. In addition, an auto-leveling feature helps to ensure that the headlamps remain pointed at the proper angle. These available headlamps also include LED daytime running lights, which use less energy while adding a dramatic air. For additional safety, the IS comes with LED brake lights. Since they illuminate faster than standard bulbs, they can help give the driver behind you more time to respond in emergency situations.

Integrated Fog Lamps. Integrated stylishly into the lower corners of the front bumper is a set of fog lamps. Not only do they help you see better in inclement weather, they help reduce glare for oncoming drivers.

Rain-Sensing Wipers. The available rain-sensing wipers are equipped with a sensor that can detect water on the windshield, thereby activating the wipers. The system then adjusts the speed as often as necessary depending on the amount of rainfall.

F Sport Package. Designed to enhance the looks of your Lexus IS 350 or IS Lexus IS 250, as well as its performance. With exclusive features like front-lip and rear-deck spoilers, an F Sport grille, special 18-inch Dark Graphite finished wheels and a suspension system tuned by the same team that engineered the first Lexus supercar, the LFA. Also exclusive to this package: an attention-grabbing Ultrasonic Blue exterior paint finish and a range of interior styling upgrades to complement its more aggressive-looking exterior.

Safety

Vehicle Stability Features. All IS models include Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which uses a sophisticated network of sensors designed to anticipate a skid before it occurs. When VDIM detects a potential loss of traction, it seamlessly integrates steering, braking, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) to help the driver maintain control.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) employs computerized control to help prevent the wheels from locking up or skidding during braking. For additional control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) monitors and manages the force between the front and rear brakes to help prevent the vehicle from diving. When the system detects an attempted emergency stop, Brake Assist automatically boosts braking force when the driver does not apply enough pressure to the brake pedal.

Smart Stop Technology. For additional peace of mind, this safety feature is designed to automatically reduce engine power when the driver is pressing down the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time under certain conditions. When the brake pedal is released, the Smart Stop Technology disengages. The feature does not engage if the brake pedal is pressed before the accelerator.

Airbags. With your safety in mind, the Lexus IS interior is filled with an array of airbags to help protect you and your passengers during different types of collisions. There are driver's and front passenger's knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The driver's and front passenger's system utilizes dual-stage airbags that are designed to inflate at two different speeds depending on the severity of impact.

The driver's airbag system takes into account the distance between the steering wheel and the front seat in determining the speed of deployment. The Lexus IS also comes equipped with a twin-chamber airbag for the front passenger. Unlike a single-chamber airbag, the SRS twin-chamber airbag deploys with a slight depression in its center. This is designed to help disperse the forces applied to the passenger immediately after deployment.

Lexus Enform with Safety Connect. One button. That's all it takes to speak to a live response center agent, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don't have to memorize any numbers, navigate through seemingly endless screens or even have your cell phone with you.  

Looking for a particular destination? Simply press the Destination Assist button. Once you've decided on a location, your Lexus Enform agent can send turn-by-turn directions straight to your vehicle's Navigation System. Planning a trip? You also have the option of using eDestination to pre-select up to 200 destinations online and have them all sent to your vehicle.

But the available Lexus Enform with Safety Connect isn't just about finding your way. It's also about receiving emergency help at a moment's notice, whether that means assisting the police with locating your stolen vehicle using Stolen Vehicle Location or just sending Enhanced Roadside Assistance to your vehicle's location through its GPS signal. The Safety Connect service also features Automatic Collision Notification, which sends emergency assistance if the vehicle's airbags have been deployed or there is a rear-end collision.

Lexus Enform with Safety Connect are separate subscription services. A one-year trial subscription is included with new Lexus IS purchase. Navigation is needed for the use of Lexus Enform.

For further information, please see http://www.lexus.com/enform.

Theft-Deterrent System. The IS comes equipped with a state-of-the-art theft-deterrent system. This includes an engine immobilizer that helps prevent the car from starting if it cannot recognize the code transmitted by your key. The system changes the code each time you arm and disarm the alarm.

Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System. The Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System constantly checks the air pressure of all four tires. When the tire pressure drops to a critically low level, a light on the instrument panel alerts the driver.

Reinforced Body: All Lexus IS models are built with side-impact door beams to help protect occupants during side collisions. In addition, the front and rear of the vehicle are engineered to crumple at a controlled rate to help absorb energy and manage the impact forces on the driver and passengers.

Four-Wheel Disc Brakes. The ventilated disc brakes of the IS have special ducts inside to help dissipate heat, resulting in improved braking performance. The Lexus IS features ventilated front discs, while the IS 350 has ventilated disc brakes for all four wheels. For additional assurance, the IS comes with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, which makes it easier for the driver to perform emergency maneuvers while braking.

Performance

IS 350 3.5-Liter V6 Engine. At the heart of the Lexus IS 350 is a potent 3.5-liter V6 that churns out an incredible 306 horsepower. And with 277 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, the IS 350 can go from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds.

IS 250 2.5-liter V6 Engine. The Lexus IS 250 is swiftly propelled by a 2.5-liter V6, providing 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Six-Speed Manual (IS 250 RWD). A feature only included with the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Lexus IS 250 is a six-speed manual transmission. Its close gear ratios and short throws help ensure the driver will get the most performance out of the V6 engine.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission: The smooth automatic transmission that's available on the IS employs an additional sixth gear. This results in exceptional performance at any speed and enhanced fuel economy.

Dual Variable Valve Timing. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimizes both the intake and exhaust valve timing throughout the rpm range, according to engine and driving conditions. The system continuously monitors the engine's speed and load to respond to the driver's demands. This helps provide improved fuel efficiency, lower exhaust emissions and optimum power across all driving ranges. Torque is increased at lower speeds for better thrust. And power is boosted at higher speeds for better acceleration.

Sequential Paddle Shifters. Lexus IS sport sedans with the available automatic transmission are fitted with race-inspired steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. They allow drivers to quickly upshift or downshift gears without taking their hands off the wheel.

Ultra-Low Emission. While high performance can often mean higher emissions, the Lexus IS has been certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II). For more information on emissions ratings, please visit www.epa.gov.

Direct Injection. By injecting gasoline directly into the combustion chamber, the direct injection system results in a more effective mixture of air and fuel. Not only does this boost overall power, but with the extra control over the air/fuel ratio, mileage is also significantly improved.