TO THE POINTWhat’s New? Virtually everything. The 2005 Lexus IS is similar to the GS sedan, with more engine displacement and a more aggressive character. Selling Points: Sexy design, well executed interior, powerful engines with smooth power bands Deal Breakers: No manual transmission offered with the IS 350 – the real performance variant, virtually silent exhaust note, IS 250 misses some power. Our Advice: Test drive today
How much will the IS cost? Pricing will be announced later during the summer. For now, our guess it that it will be very competitive with the BMW 3 Series, from a base sticker price of about $30,000 to a top-trim sticker of around $38,000.
When will the IS be available? Check back in October, at a Lexus dealer near you.
Will they build a convertible IS? Don’t bet against it. Though Lexus officials are mum, they are reportedly looking at additional variants. An obvious choice would be convertible.