Lexus IS - Second Generation (XE20)

Second Generation (XE20)

Second generation
Production August 2005–present
Model years 2006–present
Assembly Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan
Body style 2-door convertible
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout / F4 layout
Engine 2.2 L 2AD-FHV I4
2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6
3.0 L 3GR-FE V6
3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6
5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8
Transmission 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2730 mm (107.50 in)
Length 4,575–4,590 mm (180–181 in)
Width 1,800–1,816 mm (71–71 in)
Height 1,410–1,425 mm (56–56 in)
Curb weight 1,558–1,600 kg (3,435–3,527 lb)
Designer(s) Kengo Matsumoto (2003)

The second-generation IS was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005 as a pre-production model, with the production version debuting at the 2005 New York Auto Show that April. Sales began worldwide in September and October 2005 as a 2006 model. with the Toyota Altezza name ceased to be used with the introduction of the Lexus division in Japan, and the slow-selling SportCross station wagon version was dropped from the lineup altogether.

Second generation IS models sold by Lexus in various markets have included:

  • IS 200d – 2.2-liter 2AD-FHV Inline-4 diesel engine, 150 hp (110 kW), rear wheel drive
  • IS 220d – 2.2-liter 2AD-FHV Inline-4 diesel engine, 175 hp (130 kW), rear wheel drive
  • IS 250 – 2.5-liter 4GR-FSE V6, 204 hp (153 kW), rear wheel drive
  • IS 250 AWD – 2.5-liter 4GR-FSE V6, 204 hp (153 kW), all wheel drive (with front:rear torque split of 50:50 to 30:70)
  • IS 300 – 3.0-liter 3GR-FE V6, 228 hp (170 kW), rear wheel drive
  • IS 350 – 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW), rear wheel drive
  • IS 350 AWD – 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW) all wheel drive,
  • IS F – 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8, 417 hp ( 311 kW), rear wheel drive
  • IS C – IS 250 C, IS 300 C, and IS 350 C; same powertrains as sedan equivalents.

The IS 250, IS 350 and IS F feature a D-4 (IS250) or D-4S (IS350 and IS F) direct injection system with both port and direct fuel injectors. Certain Asian markets feature the IS 300 (GSE22) without direct injection.

Safety features on the IS models ranged from multiple airbags to stability control systems. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) was the first offered in the entry-luxury performance sedan market segment. NHTSA crash test results rated the second generation IS the maximum five stars in the Side Driver and Rollover categories, and four stars in the Frontal Driver, Frontal Passenger, and Side Rear Passenger categories; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety scores were "Good" overall score for all fourteen measured categories in the front and side impact crash tests.

The second generation IS marked the next introduction of Lexus' new L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following the premiere of the 2006 Lexus GS performance sedan. The sedan's exterior design featured sleeker, coupe-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows. The IS sedans carried a 0.28 Cd figure. The forward design was reminiscent of the earlier Lexus LF-C convertible coupe concept.

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