2001 Lexus IS300

Lexus Goes After The Heart Of The BMW Market

By Bob Storck

Price Range: $30,500 – 35,000 Pricing And Options

Engine: 3.0 liter, 215 hp I6
Drive Train: Front Engine/Rear Drive

MPG (city/hwy): tbd

Airbags: DP ABS - std.

Features: BMW should be happy that they've improved their reliability with Lexus on their doorstep — IS300 joins the crowd going after the 3-series market

(Solvang, CA) Americans are proud of their country, but have special loves for the foreign and exotic. This little town in the rolling coastal pastures purports to be a slice of Denmark, and Lexus is suggesting that their 2001 IS 300 sport sedan will be a tasty alternative for BMW's three series customers. Well, lots of folks flock to Solvang -- look for similar crowds at Lexus dealers.

When Toyota launched their Lexus second channel their products were upgrades of current Toyotas, but no more. With runaway success has come the funds and confidence for individual Lexus product development, plus some new niche items that created markets of their own. The only vehicle that bears any relationship to a Toyota is the LX470 that is based on the venerated Land Cruiser.

First Lexus took aim at Mercedes with the LS and ES models, then tested the high end two- and four-door sports market with the SC and GS cars. When they out-Ranged Rover with the LX and followed it up with the capable and comfortable alternative RX300 sport ute, their next logical target was the bread and butter entry level sports market.

Unlike competitive models that offer base and optional powertrains, the IS 300 will come standard with a 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine from the GS 300 that produces 218 lb.-ft of peak torque. The engine employs continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to optimize valve overlap throughout the speed range, eliminating the usual compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower.