2000 Lexus IS 300

What is it?
2000 Lexus IS 300

What's special about it?
For once, a Japanese manufacturer points the cross hairs at the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, scoring a direct hit in the luxury-sport compact sedan market. The IS 300 comes standard with a 3.0-liter, 215-horsepower inline six-cylinder sporting variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) mated to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic with Champ Car-inspired E-shift gear-selection controls mounted on the steering wheel. The sharp-edge lines of the IS 300 provide a look like nothing else in Lexus' product line, yet the grille and headlamp detailing make the car immediately identifiable as a Lexus. The interior design is the boldest step the automaker has ever taken, with a unique chronograph-like (think TAG Heuer) instrument panel, drilled aluminum pedals and combination leather/suede seating surfaces. But the hot ticket lies under the silky sheetmetal. Lexus engineers located the engine center 2.2 inches behind the front-wheel centerline, the battery behind the front suspension tower and the fuel tank under the rear seat, the layout gives the IS 300 a very low center of gravity to increase handling and minimize body roll. ABS and traction control are standard.

Why should you care?
German automakers have been the undisputed leaders in the luxury-sport compact sedan segment for quite some time, but the new IS 300 could be the car to dethrone the "establishment." While formal pricing hasn't been set, we figure the vehicle will sticker in the high $20,000 to low $30,000 range. Expect the IS 300 to arrive in dealer showrooms this July.