We recently testdrove the new 2002 IS 300s both on the winding roads beyond
Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak International Raceway - and as you
might have guessed, this impressive quality car performed with style and
grace. Building on the momentum of the 2001 models, here are the salient
features:
2002 will see 2 new versions of the IS 300: the IS 300 SportCross with its
+1-door body style and a second IS 300 sedan featuring a five-speed manual
transmission and specially tuned suspension. The two new models join the
original IS 300 E-Shift sport sedan introduced for 2001, which continues
for 2002 with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Two new safety systems include Brake Assist and front side curtain airbags
supplemental restraint system (SRS). The Lexus Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
system helps control traction and stability while cornering on slippery or
dry road surfaces by using throttle intervention and/or applying individual
wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is
steering and where the vehicle is heading.
New comfort features for all IS 300 models include an auto-dimming inside
electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a driver's side electrochromic
rearview mirror and a new front center armrest. The dashboard features more
black coverage and softer materials.
The Lexus Navigation System uses a DVD for map storage, containing the
entire contiguous United States, plus Canada, on one disc. Compared to
previous Lexus navigation systems, this new system includes a new
navigation computer. The resulting improvements include multi-language
selection and route calculation that's twice as fast as before, with
speedier map scrolling, as well. New functions include multi-route
calculation, route preview, simplified highway junction graphics and a
dual-map screen mode.
The IS 300's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine -- shared with the larger
GS 300 sedan -- produces 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of
peak torque at 3,800 rpm. The engine delivers both high-revving power and
strong low-end and mid-range torque, due in large part to Variable Valve
Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Engine specifications are the same for
all IS 300 models.
- Editor
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