• 2006 Lexus IS

• (September 29, 2005) (October, 2005)

Bob Carter: Good evening, Lexus enthusiasts, and thanks for coming tonight. We are pleased to be introducing the IS 250 and IS 350, and I look forward to your questions and comments.

msm_IS asks: Hello Bob Carter, how are you tonight?

Bob Carter: I'm fantastic! Thank you for joining us.

rgus asks: Will the AWD model be released in October and ready to ship to dealers?

Bob Carter: Yes, all models of the IS will be launched on Oct. 17, including the 250 AWD, and the 250 manual transmission as well as the IS 350.

Karlos72 asks: When will official pricing be announced? Any hints?

Bob Carter: We will be releasing pricing publicly on October 11. What I can promise you is that the IS will be an incredible value in this segment.

Waylon asks: How does quietness on a base IS compare with that of say an ES -- on the highway?

Bob Carter: It's very comparable. The quiet smooth ride is a hallmark of Lexus driving experience. At the same time, the new IS offers a level of performance that previously we have not offered to the market, and offers a smooth, quiet ride that Lexus is known for, but the performance and handling are truly exhilarating

k2h asks: Is there a chance that a 6-Speed Manual will be an option on the IS350 model trim in the near future

Bob Carter: Frankly, we've forecasted that the majority of our demand will be for the IS 250, for which the manual transmission is an option. On the IS 250 we have an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential paddle shifters, which we forecast will be what most people are interested in. Currently we are not forecasting sufficient demand for the manual on the IS 350. However, we always listen to our customers, and if there is sufficient demand, we can always consider it in the future.

Our engineer has stated that this is the fastest shifting automatic transmission on the market. Faster than a manual. Faster than a Ferrari F430.

jruhi4 asks: The color selection for the new IS seems kind of blah and boring. Will you bring back colors like Solar Yellow, Auburn Sky or Spectra Blue Mica?

Bob Carter: Colors are very difficult to show renditions of on the Internet. However, I think that when customers have the opportunity to see the colors at the dealership, they will be very pleased. For example, the new matador red mica, smoky granite mica, and desert sage are very exciting colors. But again, we listen to our customers, and should there be demand, we will certainly modify our color selections for the future.

null asks: I hear a lot about the IS350 and it sounds like one great car. But I'm very excited about the IS250 AWD, What will the mix be for IS350 vs. IS 250 vs. IS 250 AWD on dealer's lots?

Bob Carter: Nationally our mix of 250 AWD is forecasted to be approximately 32%. However, it will be higher in snowbelt regions and lower in sunbelt regions.

ABR asks: Why can't all exterior colors be matched with all interior colors? Like white has only black as option?

Bob Carter: No, that's not accurate. Actually, white can be ordered with cashmere, sterling, or the black interior.

kgbird asks: How quickly can Lexus process orders? Will there be a long wait for a particular color and option scheme?

Bob Carter: You will need to contact the local dealer for his availability. In the 4th quarter, we have a very good supply of IS's to launch with

msm_IS asks: Do you think you will beat BMW's sales of the 3-series?

Bob Carter: It's not our goal to compare ourselves with any other manufacturer. I am confident that we have a fantastic vehicle coming to market. Most luxury manufacturers address this segment through vehicles that offer a compromise on either performance or luxury. Lexus has taken a different approach. We are addressing this segment by offering two completely different models. The IS models offer incredible performance with all the luxury you would expect in a Lexus. Our ES 330 emphasizes the comfort and refined feel which Lexus is known for, and comes in a sophisticated and stylish exterior.

coopnet asks: How does Lexus feel the IS250/IS350 compares to the 325i/330i?

Bob Carter: The IS is a much better car!!

spl asks: Will there be adjustable foot pedals--an enhancement for short drivers?

Bob Carter: Not on the IS. However, it is available on the ES. I would encourage you to try the IS. We designed the car ergonomically to fit drivers of all sizes.

AP asks: Is there enough space in the back seat to fit an adult comfortably?

Bob Carter: Yes. Two adults can fit very comfortably in the back of an IS.

Steve asks: Will Lexus offer a paid maintenance program like BMW on the IS?

Bob Carter: We believe that customer choice is most important. We do offer a pre-paid maintenance program if the customer so desires. It is not automatically included in the price of the vehicle.

Sergio asks: Will HID headlights be standard?

Bob Carter: Halogen headlights are standard equipment. But HID headlights are available in either the luxury or sport packages. Our HID headlights also include our new adaptive front lighting system (AFS) which offers moveable headlights to give greater visibility as you approach a corner.

anijhaw asks: How smooth will the manual shifting be versus the old IS? Versus the Acura TL?

Bob Carter: The IS 250 has a wonderful 6-speed manual transmission. I do not have any comparable data that I can offer. Please stop by for a test drive.

jruhi4 asks: Will cloth or leather seating be standard?

***EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION!****

Bob Carter: Leather seating, smart start and sunroof are included as standard equipment in the base price of all IS models. Newsflash: This is the first time we're releasing that information publicly!

guestIS350 asks: Which one do you prefer to drive? IS250 or 350?? Why?

Bob Carter: I love them all, but frankly the performance of the IS 350 is so incredible that you want to drive the car like you just stole it.

msm_IS asks: Will IS300 owners like the new IS350? Or will it be too luxurious for them?

Bob Carter: It maintains all the performance attributes of the current IS 300. I am absolutely confident that current IS owners will love this car. The new IS is slightly larger, offers more horsepower and performance, and at the same time better fuel economy than the current IS.

kgbird asks: Is the tire pressure monitoring a fully wireless system on the IS?

Bob Carter: Yes, it is a direct sensor inside the tire operated by radio waves.

Supra Bob asks: Bob, share us some more information that has not been released to the public!

Bob Carter: I would love to, but you have to wait until October 17th!

LexusFan10 asks: Will the navigation system be identical to the one in the GS model?

Bob Carter: No, it's our next generation. This is actually the 5th generation of navigation, which provides numerous new features and also a high-resolution screen. The new navigation has voice-activated input as well as English, French, and Spanish language guidance.

Yoshi asks: Is the Mark Levinson speaker system included in the navigation package?

Bob Carter: Navigation is available separately; however, to order Mark Levinson, it does require the installation of navigation.

yellowxr asks: When will the IS actually hit the dealerships?

Bob Carter: October 17th.

Wiggy asks: Are there many more surprises coming??

Bob Carter: Absolutely! We'll give you another tidbit later in the chat. ;-)

eric asks: When will satellite radio become a factory-installed option (not dealer-installed)? And when that happens, will the IS have a shark fin-style antenna like the Japanese version?

Bob Carter: We are currently working with both XM Radio and Sirius, and I am confident that we will offer it in the future. But it will not be available as a factory-installed option at the launch; it will be a dealer-installed option. Take a tour of the 2006 Lexus IS at http://www.thenewis.com/isinfo

Sergio asks: So, on October 17th, I can leave the dealership with an IS350?

Bob Carter: If you are one of the first ones to arrive! We will be shipping vehicles to our dealers the weekend prior to October 17th, but that again depends on the specific colors and specifications, and the dealership that you're working with.

Porsche asks: Does it corner as good as the 3 series?

Bob Carter: Handling on the new IS is outstanding. We have developed a new technology of VDIM that actually makes me a better and faster driver. The tuning of the new stability system is aggressive, and we have actually had all 4 wheels drifting simultaneously at Willow Springs Raceway.

Steve asks: Is the IS350 only available in North America and Japan?

Bob Carter: Currently, yes. Other parts of the world will also receive the IS with optional smaller displacement and diesel engine applications.

Rick asks: I have reserved an IS350 from my dealer. Having done this somewhat in the dark, can you tell me if the first shipment of IS350's to the dealers will be fully loaded or somewhere in between?

Bob Carter: Again, we have different order patterns regionally. Our dealers on the East coast order differently than those on the West coast. So, that's a difficult question to answer.

hellomoto asks: Gas wise, only super or can regular be used?

Bob Carter: 91 octane premium fuel is required for the IS.

Steve asks: If you were not working for Lexus would you buy an IS350 for yourself?

Bob Carter: I already did! This is car is the perfect car for me. It's the car that I have always wanted to own, and the car I've always wanted to sell and represent.

jruhi4 asks: Might an on/off switch for VDIM (for us hardcore autocrossers) be offered in the future?

Bob Carter: VDIM is a wonderful new technology but it is very complex. It incorporates the traction control, ABS brakes, the electronic brake force distribution, and the electronic power steering. The chassis is specifically tuned to maximize handling with the VDIM operational. Therefore, no external off button. However, for the aggressive driver, after test driving you will be very pleased and surprised with the overall performance. Again, it makes me a much better driver.

Karlos72 asks: Do you have to buy the Nav system to get Bluetooth?

Bob Carter: Yes, Bluetooth is a part of our navigation system.

Steve asks: Is Lexus planning to develop a program similar to BMW's European Delivery program where the car is ordered at the local dealer and picked up in Japan with significant perks (discounts mainly)?

Bob Carter: We really haven't thought about that, but it is a neat idea and we can certainly explore it.

netwon asks: Will there be traction control off, if one gets onto ice and needs to resume speed with some wheel slip?

Bob Carter: Yes, you can turn the traction control off under those conditions.

hellomoto asks: Why was the IS250 built when it sounds like the IS350 is the car to get? What audience is the IS250 built for?

Bob Carter: The IS250 is a wonderful performance machine, and will fit the needs of the majority of drivers. For those drivers that really expect and demand high performance, that's why we are also offering the IS350.

Sergio asks: Will any kind of a spoiler be optional?

Bob Carter: Frankly, I don't know the answer. I would have to check with our accessory development department. It's not available as a factory-installed option, but our accessory department has it under review.

moresol asks: We are all awaiting the official pricing, but can you let us in on how aggressive Lexus will be in pricing the new IS against BMW, Infiniti and Acura?

Bob Carter: It will be the best value in this segment. Stay tuned for October 17th!

Announcement: Take the IS Tour: http://www.thenewis.com/isinfo

Announcement: For a chance to win an IS 250, visit http://www.thenewis.com/mosaic and upload your photo into the Times Square IS Photomosaic!

***EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION!****

Bob Carter: While we have not released this yet, we hired an independent research firm to certify the performance of the new IS. 0-60 acceleration, quarter mile times, as well as passing and merging acceleration, the IS 350 far exceeds anything else in its class. This car is WICKED fast! In testing, the car is significantly faster than the 5.6 second 0-60 that we previously released.

Rick asks: Will Lexus offer an expanded line of accessories for the new IS?

Bob Carter: Wheels, body kits, CAT-BACK exhaust among other accessories such as satellite radio will be available on October 17th.

Les asks: Bob, are run flat tires available?

Bob Carter: No, they are not available on the IS.

Bryan asks: how will the IS 350 be in the snow?

Bob Carter: The standard 17" wheels are available with all-season tires. The optional 18" sport wheels are available with performance-series tires only.

hellomoto asks: What color is your IS Bob?

Bob Carter: Matador Red Mica.

Steve asks: Is a sunroof part of a package or can be ordered standalone?

Bob Carter: Sunroofs are standard equipment included in the base price of all new IS'

hellomoto asks: Why did Lexus decide on Oct 17th to release the IS, we want it now!!

Bob Carter: I do too! We have to have enough time to design the factory and transport the vehicles, but it will be well worth the wait.

GA400 asks: How does interior room compare to the current IS?

Bob Carter: The new IS is 3-1/2" longer, 3" wider, and almost 3/4" taller, which gives a much larger interior. Back seat legroom has been increased substantially. Along those lines, the trunk cargo area has been increased by over 30%.

Supra Bob asks: where are the IS built or assembled?

Bob Carter: They will be built on our dedicated Lexus line at our Tahara plant in Japan.

Bob Carter: I'd like to ask all of you a question -- I would appreciate feedback on the styling execution on the new IS. What do you think?

rockylee: The IS is sexy Bob

AP: The styling is great I love the sleek look and it truly is a head turner

Bryan: It is sharp and needs to get here soon to see in person!

Sergio: Simply the best!

msm_IS: I think the new IS looks great. The interior is leaps and bounds ahead of the 3-series.

maxim303: It's good, but has lost much of its uniqueness (clear taillights, chrono gauges).

dwongswong: Like it...but will it have body side molding to help prevent dents?

k2h: Well I think its a good design from the last generation

aram8: Pretty nice looking, but must see it in person

hellomoto: Looks good to the eye, sporty, not too complex, this will be my first Lexus!

moresol: The new IS is beautiful, I just hope the price is too!

N IS: Steep!

GA400: The new IS has strong and modern lines, very impressive

kgbird: Clean, aerodynamic lines, low profile, draws your eyes to the ground!

james wamser: I have an IS300 now and really love it, but love the new styling even more.

Erick G asks: the new IS design is incredible and perfect in my opinion.. IT looks much more aggressive then the new GS which leaves a little to be desired but still nice!

AP: also the IS is attractive not only for its look but for the reliability of the Lexus name and hopefully an attractive price

Karlos72: Just perfect. I have a 2003 ES300 already and want to supplement it with something a little sportier so the IS is perfect.

null: I think it looks fantastic, I'm hopeful that the interior is as well thought out

rockylee: Best car under $40,000 if that's going to be a loaded out IS 350

Ninny: It's a great looking car. I just wish I new what it cost so I could decide between the IS 350 or the IS 250 AWD. wmh2: Beautiful, Sleek and Sexy

rik4: It is better than the previous IS which did not sell at all but it is still distinctly Japanese and very laid back in styling unlike euro cars.

coopnet: pictures look good, need to see it in person!!

jruhi4: My only complaint: The different patterns on the upper grille (vertical fan pattern) and lower intake grille (squashed honeycomb pattern). I wish both grilles had the latter pattern.

bb: looking forward to the 17th!

DanS: the car is amazing looking, I am definitely excited about trying this car out....the rear-end seems to come to a bit of a sudden end compared to the older IS, but it really looks good as is.

tsy: It's nice and clean, modern. I like it. The back looks kind of like a Hyundai Sonata though.

guestIS350: It looks like a silver bullet. Fast, Smooth, and at the same time it got class.

Steve: Very hard question to answer for most of us because we have not seen the car. It does look very elegant in pictures but seeing it in person may be different. I believe most of us are hoping for unique upscale and simple contemporary design. The outside of the IS does fit this profile. The dash though could be improved.

Bob Carter: We have worked really hard in the styling and all aspects of this car, and I really appreciate all of the compliments. I really enjoyed tonight. It is a real pleasure for me to talk to both owners and hopefully, future owners of the new IS. I am extremely proud of this vehicle and am as anxious for October 17 to come as you are.

Thank you so much for your time and for the great questions!

Announcement: For more information on the IS 250 and IS 350, visit http://www.thenewis.com/signup