Moscow 2010: The 2011 Lexus IS — Minor Facelift

Lexus had jumped the gun by revealing a few changes to the 2011 IS at the Moscow Motor Show in Russia. Not to worry though, as Lexus will still use the Paris show in October to reveal the Lexus IS officially. With that being said, lets move onto the changes.

For the exterior, Lexus has modified the headlamps to include LED daytime running lights, reworked the rear light cluster, added new colours and new alloy wheels, and revised the grille.

There’s also a F-Sport trim level which boasts a new front spoiler with fog lights, a new grille, a rear spoiler with a brake light, and 18-inch wheels. On the inside of the IS F-Sport, Lexus added a dark anthracite roof liner and titanium-effect trim.

Engine wise Lexus will release the 2011 IS with a 2.2-litre diesel motor pushing out 112kW in the 200d and 132kW in the 220d. Acceleration amounts to 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds for the 200d. Fuel wise the two motors will use 5.1-litres per 100km, however the 220d will emit 14 more g/km of CO2 than the 200d, for a total of 148g/km.

Following the diesel range, Lexus has added the old 2.5-litre V6 petrol motor to the IS 250 and IS 250C coupe-convertible. This engine is connected to a six-speed automatic gearbox and it will meet Euro5 emission standards.

Power on the petrol motor remains the same at 155kW with 252Nm of torque. The fuel rating varies between 9.1 and 8.4-litres per 100km.