Lexus IS (XE20)

Lexus IS (XE20)
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	September 2005 – April 2013
Assembly	Japan: Tahara, Aichi(Tahara plant); Miyawaka, Fukuoka (TMK)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door coupé convertible
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Platform	Toyota N platform
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L 2AD-FHV I4 (diesel) 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8 (IS F)
Transmission	6-speed RA62 manual 6-speed RA63 manual 6-speed A960E automatic 6-speed A760E automatic 8-speed AA80E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Length	4,575–4,580 mm (180.1–180.3 in) (sedan) 4,636 mm (182.5 in) (convertible) 4,661 mm (184 in) (IS F)
Width	1,800–1,815 mm (70.9–71.5 in)
Height	1,415–1,440 mm (55.7–56.7 in)
Curb weight	1,558–1,685 kg (3,435–3,715 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Lexus IS (XE10)
Successor	Lexus IS (XE30) Lexus RC (for IS C)

The Lexus IS (XE20) is a car produced by the Japanese carmaker Toyota under its luxury division, Lexus. Classified as a compact executive car, it represented the second generation of the Lexus IS. Serving as Lexus's entry-level sedan from 2005 until production ended in 2013, Toyota manufactured the XE20 at the facility in Tahara, Aichi, and the Kyushu factory in Miyawaka, Fukuoka (until 2012). It was available as both a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe—the latter designated by a "C" at the end of their name (e.g., "IS 250 C").

The development of the XE20 began in 2001 under the direction of Suguya Fukusato—chief engineer of the project. Primarily designed by Kengo Matsumoto, a pre-production version of the IS debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2005, the production version of which debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April of the same year. Production of the IS officially began in September 2005 at both the Tahara and Miyawaka facilities. Lexus implemented a staged rollout of the XE20 variants, starting with the IS 250 and IS 350 in 2005. The IS 300 and IS 220d, the latter of which marked Lexus's first diesel model, followed in 2006. In 2010, the IS 220d was replaced by the IS 200d. Lexus also produced high-performance variants of the IS under the F marque, known as the IS F.

The XE20 shared its platform with the fourth generation of the LS and the second generation of the GS, both of which were also built at the facility in Tahara. While several minor updates have been made, the XE20 has undergone one major facelift; this update included a slightly revised front fascia, an interior refresh, and modifications to the suspension. The XE20 has been well-received by car critics, who have most praised its design and reliability. The car has received numerous accolades, including Ward's 10 Best Engines in both 2006 and 2007 for the IS 350 and Car's Performance Car of the Year for the IS F in 2008. Production of the XE20 ended at the Kyushu facility in 2012, while manufacture at the Tahara plant ended in the subsequent year. It was succeeded by the XE30 model, which began production in April 2013. The IS C remained in production until 2014 when it was replaced by the RC.