|
<< IndexAltezza
The Altezza was first launched in Japan in October 1998 but was later sold as Lexus IS, which was the second generation version of the car. It is an entry level luxury car, in the same class as the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Altezza was launched in 1998, while the second generation Lexus LS 200 was launched in Europe in 1999 and in the USA in 2000 with the LS300 model.
The Altezza came with three variants, the AS200, RS200 and AS300. The AS200 came with a 1G-FE inline-6 engine which generated 160 PS JIS with a 6 speed manual transmission. The RS200 was powered by a 3S-GE inline-4 engine with a powder of 210 PS JIS coming with a 6–speed transmission and an optional 5–speed automatic version. The AS300 had a 2JZ-GE inline-6 engine giving a 220 PS JIS. The versions sold in Europe and America were station wagons with the name Gita.
The second generation of Altezza, called the Lexus IS, was launched in 2006. The new version was completely revamped. It sported a V6 engine as opposed to the I6 engines of the Altezza. The 2007 version features a massive V8 engine. The Lexus IS comes with three versions. The IS-250 features a 2.5 L V6 engine generating a power of 204 Hp. The IS 250 AWD with a 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 engine with 4 wheel drive and the IS350 with 2GR-FSE, V6, 3.5L engine with 204 HP. Here AWD denotes All Wheel Drive, which is the only 4 wheel drive version.
The 2007, LS350 is a high performer. It clocks 0-60 in 4.9 seconds which is among the fastest in its class. It is more of a sports compact car than a luxury one. The looks are very sleek and sporty. The interiors are typical Lexus, rich and comfortable.
|
