2001 Lexus IS 300
Body style(s): 4-door sedan

Trim Levels: base
MSRP range: $29,435

Notes: New for 2001, the Lexus IS 300 came to America for the first time. Previously sold around the world as the Toyota Altezza, Lexus added the 3.0L I6 from the GS 300, replacing the miniature 2.0L inline-six of the European market, and providing Lexus with a BMW 3-Series fighter. Interestingly, Lexus continued to sell the ES 300, thus creating a lineup with two entry-lux sedans, one biased toward sport and the other toward more traditional luxury. Although a luxury sedan, the IS 300 was much more of a driver's car than the ES 300, with a rear-drive setup and seventeen-inch tires. Conceptually, then, it was a smaller, sportier brother to the GS 300/430 sedans. For 2001, only an automatic with "E-shift" buttons for manumatic control was available.

Series: 2001-current

DESIGN

Layout:
Seats:

Engine(s):		 longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive, steel unibody
5

3.0L 24-valve dohc SFI I6
Bore x stroke: 86.0x86.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.5 to 1 (91-octane unleaded)
Horsepower: 215bhp@5800rpm
Torque: 218lb-ft@3800rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manumatic (f.d. ratio 3.90:1)
Fuel economy (city/hwy): 18/25mpg

DIMENSIONS

EPA Class:
Wheelbase:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Track, F:
Track, R:
Clearance:		 SUBCOMPACT
105.1"
176.6"
67.7"
55.5"
58.9"
58.5"
4.9"
Kerb weight: 3255lbs.
Interior volume:
Cargo volume:
Fuel tank:		 49/35 cu ft. (f/r)
10.1 cu ft.
17.5 gal.

TECHNICAL

Tires:
Suspension
(f/r):
Brakes (f/r):
Steering:
Active sys.:
Airbags:		 215/45-17
independent: short/long A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, ARB
independent: upper A-arms, lower lateral links, coil springs, tube shocks, ARB
disc/disc, ABS & brake assist (11.7" vented/12.1" solid)
rack-and-pinion, variable power-assisted, 3.2 turns-to-lock
traction control (std.)
dual front, dual front side

PERFORMANCE

Acceleration (zero to 60 mph):
Braking (60 to zero mph):
Roadholding (skidpad):
Slalom speed (100' intervals):
Turning circle:		 7.5sec.
113ft.
0.83g
62.0mph
37.4ft.


SEE ALSO: none
COMPETITORS: Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac Catera, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40

2001 Lexus IS 300 sedan
Lexus IS 300 sedan.


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