New Car Overview of the 2006 Lexus IS Series Compact Near-Luxury Sports Sedan

Description: Compact Near-Luxury Sports Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $29,990 - $35,440
Invoice Price Range: $26,389 - $31,186
Where built: Japan

With wheels at corners and the body marked by flat flanks with a stubby prow and tail leaving scant overhangs, the Lexus IS series of compact-class sports sedans resembles high-strung rally cars and acts like road-hugging German touring sedans. Designs are new in 2006 for the second generation with a longer and broader platform cast in the squatty stance of a sports car.

Two new V6 engines define models. The 2.5-liter V6 with 204 hp drops into IS 250, with options for RWD or AWD traction. The 3.5-liter version goes to IS 350 and nets 306 hp. A new six-speed manual transmission works on IS 250 only, or optional six-speed sequential-shift automatic with paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. A VSC device is stock for IS 250, but IS 350 scores the advanced VDIM equipment.

Optional 18-inch alloy wheels employ tires of 225/40R18 front and 255/40R18 rear.

The line of luxurious performance machines by Lexus, elite upscale label from Toyota of Japan, features elegant sedans, sporty coupes and rugged yet refined sport-utility vehicles. In 2006, Lexus rolls out new iterations of the IS series of wily compact-class sports sedans and recasts the GS series as perhaps the most sophisticated luxury sports sedans on our planet. The world's first gas-electric luxury vehicle also emerges badged as the RX 400h. Derived from the RX 330 crossover SUV, it packs a powerful V6 engine and multiple electric motors plus optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction.