2009 Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept review and pictures

Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept review:

IS 250 SPORTS CONCEPT REVS UP LEXUS RANGE

Lexus Australia has previewed a sports-inspired IS 250 at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show.

Based on the popular IS 250, the Sports Concept features a number of performance and visual enhancements designed to enhance the driving experience of the IS range.

Enhancements include brakes, shock absorbers, sway bars, chassis braces, air intake, clutch*, short shift kit*, exhaust, 19-inch wheels, engine cover and spoilers.

Each component has been designed and tested to strict Lexus standards and provides a quantifiable benefit to the vehicles` handling, performance or visual appeal.

The Sports Concept`s braking package is designed to increase stopping power and reduce fade. It features six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston at rear.

The larger cross-drilled, two-piece brake rotors at front and rear assist with reducing vehicle weight and aid in retardation performance.

The IS Sports Concept is also fitted with co-developed Bilstein shock absorbers and springs, which deliver a firmer ride, increased stability for track use and reduced body roll - resulting in increased handling.

Body roll and chassis flex is further reduced with the adoption of sway bars and a chassis brace - increasing overall cornering performance, stability and rigidity.

Under the bonnet, the IS 250 receives a performance air intake, resulting in a three per cent power^ increase and a carbon-fibre engine cover.

Vehicles with manual transmissions also receive a short shift kit, resulting in a 35 per cent reduction^ in fore and aft gearshift movement

A performance clutch delivers a 16 per cent increase^ in clamping force, delivering a sportier pedal feel and increased power delivery.

The Sports Concept has a stainless steel "cat-back" exhaust system, delivering a deeper, richer exhaust note and a power increase of 1.5 per cent^.

To top it all off, the Sports Concept also features front and rear lip spoilers and striking lightweight graphite grey, 10-spoke, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels.

Lexus chief executive John Roca said the performance accessories fitted to IS 250 Sports Concept were currently under consideration for Australia.

"The introduction of the IS 250 Sports Concept is still in preliminary stages but it`s something we definitely want to investigate," Mr Roca said.

"The addition of the performance enhancements to the IS range would assist in attracting younger buyers to the Lexus brand - and give Lexus a vehicle that aspiring IS F customers could step into.

"In the meantime, Lexus will concentrate on introducing the IS F performance sedan to the local market," Mr Roca said.

"Once we get the hero car into the marketplace, the rest will fall into place."