Intelligence, Beauty and Control
2006 Lexus IS 350 and IS 250

On Saturday, November 5, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles was all about cars, not baseball. The venue hosted the Taste of Lexus tour, which traveled to twelve cities in the United States. Pairing luxury cars with fine dining, the Taste of Lexus event invited guests to drive Lexus vehicles (from luxury SUV hybrids to the new IS models) on an auto track that simulated different driving conditions, including off-road terrain and other obstacles. To fully appreciate the Lexus automobiles, other manufacturers’ vehicles in the same class were available for comparison. In between test drives, guests enjoyed a variety of fine cuisine and driving demonstrations.

The Taste of Lexus introduced the all new 2006 IS 250 and IS 350 models. Touted as “the fastest car in its class,” the IS comes powered with 204 hp on the 250 model and 306 hp on the 350, which reaches 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Both models have V6 engines and Formula One-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel; as well, drivers of the 250 can option for all-wheel drive.

Great handling, a powerful engine and top-of-the-line options insure that the new IS maintains the Lexus luxury standards. However, the company is renovating its look, changing the styling of its cars and increasing performance. Keeping in line with this, the IS has a sportier look than most other Lexus models, with more fluid lines along with more powerful engines, yet preserving the “intelligence, beauty and control” associated with Lexus.

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Photography: AlphaMedia

(Updated: 07/28/08 HC)