World Premiere of the new Lexus IS 250 convertible at Paris Motor Show
September 10, 2008 – Paris
• World Premiere of the new IS 250 C
• LF-Xh hybrid concept car, highlighting a new tonality of L-finesse design
• Restyled version of the IS compact sedan
• LS 460 to receive permanent All-Wheel Drive
During its press conference at the upcoming Paris Motor Show on the 2nd of October, Lexus will reveal in World Premiere the new Lexus IS 250 C.
After the well-acclaimed launch of the IS F, the model range will be further extended with this third derivative.
Also on display will be the LF-Xh hybrid concept vehicle, the refreshed IS 220d / IS 250, the new LS 460 AWD with permanent all-wheel drive and the Lexus Hybrid Drive range.
Today, Lexus remains the first – and only – premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive hybrid model range comprising the RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid SUV; the GS 450h, the performance hybrid sedan; and the peerless LS 600h flagship.
LF-Xh – Concept car
Highlighting the potential for the application of the company’s unique L-finesse design philosophy in numerous artistic and creative spheres that extend far beyond the language of car design alone, the new Lexus LF-Xh hybrid concept car made its European debut at the Museo della Permanente art gallery at the 2008 Milan Design Week.
The LF-Xh features powerful, highly sculptural bodywork, an elegant, user-intuitive interior and an allwheel drive Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which combines a powerful V6 petrol engine with high output electric motors. With a uniquely dynamic presence, this stunning, all-black concept expresses the combination of advanced environmental technology, outstanding driving performance, nearly silent operation, excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions which perfectly reflect a future generation of vehicles born out of the forward thinking mindset of Lexus.
2009 IS Model Range
Building on the award-winning styling, comfort, refinement and class–leading equipment levels of Lexus’ dynamic compact sedan, the 2009 IS model range has been updated to incorporate comprehensive revisions in design, driving dynamics, safety and technology.
Refreshed interior and exterior styling represents a further evolution of Lexus’ unique L-finesse design philosophy. Modifications to suspension, steering, transmissions and paddle shift technology offer notable improvements to driving dynamics. Aerodynamics and transmission enhancements have reduced the IS 220d’s CO2 emissions by 3%, and by 8% for the Sport version.
The addition of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), as standard, across the model range reinforces Lexus’ commitment to all aspects of occupant safety, and updated equipment specifications further enhance passenger comfort and convenience within the IS’s luxurious interior.
LS 460 AWD
Two years after the fourth generation of Lexus’ flagship sedan went on sale in Europe, the LS 460’s outstanding performance, sure-footed dynamic abilities and ground-breaking active safety systems have been further strengthened by the addition of permanent all-wheel drive.
The all-wheel drive system is a three differential configuration featuring a highly compact Type C TORSEN® Limited Slip Differential (LSD) which distributes drive power between the front and rear axles with a 40:60 rear axle bias in torque distribution. The type C differential’s highly responsive torque distribution, continuously controlled and optimised according to driving conditions, can be varied from between a 50:50 to a 30:70 split between axles. This further enhances the grip, traction and cornering stability under acceleration to class-leading levels.
There will be further news at the official Lexus press conference at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday, October 2nd , at 14:45 in Hall 4.
About Lexus
Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated high technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service.
Today, Lexus remains the first – and only – premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive hybrid model range comprising the RX 400h, the GS 450h, and the LS 600h.
Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, interior luxury and state-of-the-art technology, the L-finesse design philosophy represents a highly significant factor in positioning Lexus as a uniquely desirable global brand.
Lexus vehicles are now available in more than 60 countries and territories, and in 2007 global sales reached over 518,000 units. In Europe, vehicles powered by Lexus Hybrid Drive already account for 35% of total Lexus sales.
Credit: Lexus Europe
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