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The Lexus IS is offered in two different body styles, sedan or convertible, both available in IS 250 or IS 350 guise. IS 250 models come with a 204-horsepower, 2.5L V6 engine while IS 350 models get a 306-hp, 3.5L V6. Both engines come with variable valve timing for responsiveness as well as fuel efficiency--the IS 250 is quite economical with EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg city and 29 highway. While the IS 250 comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed automatic (and steering-wheel paddle-shifters) are optional. All IS 350 models come with the automatic.
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In all Lexus IS models, a double-wishbone suspension design in front and a multi-link rear setup help reduce weight and increase responsiveness. The suspension in the IS is tuned to be quite firm, yet there's enough give to maintain ride comfort for most.
The IS has rather compact exterior proportions, which means that backseat space is tight for the tallest adults, especially in IS C convertibles. However it's quite comfortable in front. Leather upholstery is standard, with new black-metallic accents in the sedan. Additionally, the IS sedan has a reasonably large trunk.
Although the Lexus IS C convertibles bear a strong likeness to the IS sedans from the front and back, their fast-opening retractable hardtop setup, made of lightweight aluminum, is an excellent way to enjoy open-air motoring without compromises the rest of the year. The top opens or closes in just 20 seconds, and wind buffeting is almost non-existent with it down.
A full roster of airbags is of course standard, but IS models also include anti-lock brakes and brake assist, an advanced electronic stability control system called VDIM. It incorporates the electric power steering to help maintain control in an emergency maneuver.
Standard features on the IS include power front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear seat vents, a power moonroof, a telescoping steering wheel, a HomeLink universal remote and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also standard is a premium audio system with 13 speakers, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, satellite radio and a CD changer. The IS 250 AWD and IS 350 AWD add heated seats.
Options across the lineup include a navigation system that incorporates a Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, which has 14 speakers and 300 watts. The Lexus Enform with Safety Connect feature is an extra for the navigation system, bringing direct emergency operator-assisted service as well as access to information from XM's NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports and Stocks services. HID headlamps and LED running lamps are available on the IS 250 sedan and standard on the IS 350, while other high-tech options include rain-sensing wipers and radar cruise control with a Pre-Collision System. The available navigation system includes a rear backup camera; another option is Intuitive Park Assist, which employs ultrasonic sensors to indicate proximity to other vehicles.
A performance-oriented IS F sedan stands at the top of the IS lineup; it gets an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission with paddle shifters plus Brembo disc brakes, 19-inch wheels and a performance suspension--plus a 416-horsepower, 5.0L V8 engine. Altogether, the IS F can get to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, according to Lexus.
An F Sport Package for rear-wheel drive models adds many of the features of the IS F, including a sport suspension and special steering tuning, along with dark-finish 18-inch wheels, front and rear spoilers and an Ultrasonic Blue exterior hue.
A set of F Sport accessories, available at dealerships for both on the sedans and convertibles, adds many of the appearance upgrades individually.
2012 Lexus IS 350 Model Changes
For 2012, the Lexus IS lineup receives only minor changes. In the 250 and 350 sedan and convertibles, the coin holder has been discontinued, and Smokey Graphite Mica and Glacier Frost Mica have been replaced as exterior colors by Nebula Gray Pearl and Fire Agate Pearl. The performance-based IS F gets wider wheels and tires, along with new shock absorbers, a new seating color scheme and the same changes found elsewhere in the lineup.
2012 Lexus IS 350 Value
The Lexus IS family includes something for everyone, with offerings ranging from conservative all-weather, all-wheel-drive sedans to sunny convertibles and serious track-duty sport sedans. The IS sedans ride and handle well and offer some of the tech options of larger luxury models, while the IS C models have excellent packaging with a tight-fitting, quick-folding automatic hardtop that stows away without taking up the entire trunk. While Lexus makes an ES 350 model that's roomier and more comfortable, the IS is considerably sportier in every way.
2012 Lexus IS 350 Strengths
Wide range of models; choice of rear- or front-wheel drive in sedans; sporty driving feel; high-tech features and options; nicely appointed interior
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