Lexus IS 350 EXTERIOR
“A scaled-down GS – noticeable and aggressive… the details make the difference”
Car and Driver
- All-new exterior featuring Lexus spindle grille frontal design
- Lexus-first independent L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- F SPORT exclusive styling kit
A sporty car demands sporty looks and the all-new IS 350’s tightly proportioned design fulfils this brief to a tee. At 4665mm overall, the new IS is 80mm longer and 10mm wider than its predecessor. The front overhang has increased by just 10mm, and significantly, the wheelbase has been extended by 70mm to 2800mm.
The front of the new IS represents a further evolution of the spindle grille from the GS and LS models. The design has been made more three-dimensional, and its shape accentuated by a chrome plated frame and the muscular projection of horizontal bars (E and EX models) which follow the curvature of the vehicle front.
Beneath a new, Lexus-first, pop-up bonnet design which allows for the lowest possible vehicle front profile while optimising pedestrian impact protection, the grille is flanked by headlamp clusters clearly positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself. Another Lexus first, the headlamp is underscored by Lexus trademark L-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below the cluster, giving the new IS a unique, highly distinctive visual signature.
The deep front bumper design anchors muscular front wings and flared wheel arches. Integral foglamps are housed within secondary, highly sculpted side air intakes which control the flow of air out through the wheel arches to enhance aerodynamic performance.
In profile, the strong horizontal beltline creates the impression of larger rear tyres and a lowered center of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself appears to be concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tyres to enhance the perception of traction – thereby subliminally reinforcing the IS 350’s rear-wheel drive status.
A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and merging into the rear lamp clusters adds further dynamism to the sweeping elegance of the sedan’s sporting profile.
Incorporating an aero-stabilising fin (also known as Sakana fins) designed to smooth airflow and promote enhanced handling stability, the rear lamp clusters feature the trademark L-shape motif which instantly identifies the IS as the latest vehicle to join the Lexus model range.
The clean, elegant, coupe-like lines of the new IS are further enhanced by three additional Lexus firsts; a unique rear wheel arch design treatment which gives the tyre greater prominence by allowing it to be placed further outboard and closer to the wheel arch; a laser-brazed roof structure which joins the roof and flanks without the need for an unsightly roof drip moulding; ditto the antenna which is incorporated into the rear screen.
The new IS is equipped with a choice of two aluminium wheel designs, one 17″ and one 18″ exclusive to the F SPORT variant.
The Lexus compact sedan is available in a range of nine exterior colours, of which three, Nova White, Electric Blue and Sonic Titanium, are exclusive to the F SPORT.
With reference to the latter, Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for this unusual hue. An additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appears finely polished.
