Lexus confirms IS350 for Oz

LEXUS has finally confirmed it will import a 3.5-litre V6 version of its entry-level IS sedan, with the IS350 due to slot in between the base IS250 and IS F sports sedan in late 2010.

Australia will be one of only four nations to receive the IS350 sedan – alongside the US, Canada and Japan – after a decision by the Toyota premium brand to release the larger six-cylinder version in its home market.

The IS350 is powered by a more powerful version of the 3.5-litre V6 that is seen in the Kluger, RAV4, Tarago and Australian-made Aurion.

Coupled with the same six-speed automatic transmission as the IS250 sedan and IS250C convertible, which are powered by a 153kW/252Nm 2.5-litre V6, the US-specification IS350 engine delivers 228kW and 375Nm of torque.

Up from 201kW/337Nm in the Kluger, 201kW/333Nm in the RAV4 V6, 202kW/340Nm in the Tarago V6 and 200kW/336Nm in the Aurion, it is enough to drive the four-door IS to 100km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds in US guise.

The IS250 Prestige, which opens the Lexus range at $55,900, offers claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.4 seconds, while a 311kW/505Nm 5.0-litre V8 propels the IS F to 100km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds.

Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said confirmation of the IS350’s local release followed extensive negotiations with Lexus HQ in Japan.

“Lexus Australia has always stated that IS350 would be a welcome addition to the local vehicle line-up and we are very excited about its arrival,” he said.

“The IS350 will slot nicely between IS250 and IS F, further strengthening Lexus’ performance credentials.

“IS350, along with future product from Lexus, will go a long way to solidifying Lexus’ popularity in Australia.”