Lexus Shows Three New Cars At Geneva Motor Show

• Lexus SC430 blends class-leading performance, comfort, and refinement with stunning style to create a car that delivers the best of both worlds, and sets a new benchmark for both luxury coupes and luxury cabriolets.
• New Lexus IS300 saloon combines the compact proportions and the outstanding handling of the IS range with more power, more torque and five-speed automatic transmission with E-shift push-button gear-change system.
• Lexus IS300 SportCross introduces radical new ‘crossover’ styling combining dynamic performance and handling, with five-door versatility.

At the Geneva Motor Show, from 27 February to 11 March, Lexus will show three additions to its range: the IS300 saloon, the IS300 SportCross and the SC430.

The new Lexus SC430 is the production version of the concept car, which was one of the stars of last year’s Paris and Birmingham Motor Shows. It combines the highest levels of performance with refinement from its 283 DIN hp, 4.3-litre V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i), coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. Eighteen-inch wheels, double wishbone suspension and an exceptionally rigid body structure ensure class-leading dynamics and handling.

The SC430 was designed from the outset to be the world’s finest all-round luxury cabriolet with an integrated aluminium retractable roof offering the ‘best of both worlds’, combining open-air driving pleasure with Lexus standards of comfort and refinement.

The Lexus IS300 saloon builds on the attributes that made the Lexus IS200 such a success. It offers an excellent chassis with more power and torque.

Enlarging the capacity of its straight six, Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) engine, from two to three litres, boosts power from 155 DIN hp to 210 DIN hp and maximum torque from 195 to 289Nm.

Driver control of the Lexus IS300 is further enhanced by the use of a new five-speed automatic transmission with an ‘E-shift’ push-button gear-change system. Buttons mounted on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear with a faster, smoother shift to further enhance performance and driving pleasure. Minor styling updates distinguish the latest saloon.

The IS300 SportCross demonstrates Lexus’ ability to create dramatic new concepts in luxury and performance car design.

The concept behind the IS300 SportCross is known as the ‘crossover’ concept. It introduces radical new styling combining the dynamic performance and handling of the IS300, with five-door versatility. Clever detailing enhances the exciting styling and the distinctive, crossover silhouette.

The SportCross shares the powertrain and front-end styling of the IS300 saloon which accompanies it into European showrooms in autumn 2001. SportCross pays careful attention to structural rigidity and weight distribution, including the use of a lightweight aluminium tailgate, to ensure that it handles as well as the best sports saloons.

Clever interior design ensures that, while having a rear profile akin to a sleek coupe, the IS300 SportCross can accommodate over 280 litres of luggage under its parcel shelf with rear seats upright. A further 96 litres of space is available in additional storage boxes, while with seats folded items over 2.6m long can be carried.

These new additions to the range follow last year’s newcomers: the LS430 luxury saloon, the GS430 executive performance saloon and the RX300 luxury sport-utility, all of which have strengthened awareness of Lexus in Europe. These new models have contributed to Lexus being the fastest growing luxury brand in the UK for the past three years.

ENDS