2021 Lexus IS – design, engineering details explored

2021 Lexus IS – design, engineering details explored

With the debut of the 2021 Lexus IS sedan earlier today, the Japanese luxury marque placed emphasis on the improvements made towards a sharper driving experience, with mention of an enhanced bodyshell, chassis and suspension components that also contribute toward improve ride quality.

The IS’ suspension components, for example, aid in that objective with reduced unsprung weight, while dampers of a new design aim to better harness body movements for improved ride and handling.

It appears that driver appeal is very much at the heart of the new IS, as “Lexus values the dialogue between the driver and (the) car,” said chief engineer Naoki Kobayashi, emphasising the point with terms like ‘sense of unity’ and ‘exhilaration’.

2021 Lexus IS – design, engineering details explored

The demands placed on the new IS in order for it to deliver those qualities required a specific environment, which was the reason the Shimoyama test course was used as its development track. Response, accuracy and linearity of control as well as predictable steering feel were the developmental goals, along with the elimination of any noise and vibration that interfered with that driver-machine dialogue.

Across the Pacific from Lexus homeland, the IS is presented in a walk-around that observes its exterior design and its details. At its front end, function dovetails with form, where the the lower corners of the spindle grille house air inlets that help cool the front brakes.

Beyond the exterior design, IndyCar Series presenter and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar racing driver Townsend Bell also delves into the new-design dampers with ultra-low-velocity valves which help the setup respond to even the smallest road bumps. The video also takes a brief look at the new infotainment system, which has a screen that is now located closer to the driver for easier reach.

Check out these videos as they each take a brief look at the 2021 Lexus IS from their own perspectives.

GALLERY: 2021 Lexus IS

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • vivizurianti on Jun 16, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    They forgeten to mention about making the front intake larger and larger than ever…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • Aura89 on Jun 17, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      Lexus is trolling customers with their freaking huge front design.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Jun 16, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    Love the exterior but what’s with the oldish interior and those Toyota looking buttons on the centre console?? The cheaper IS comes with analog dials which also looks ancient….I mean all of it’s competitors are into digital displays also.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Because it’s a refresh, not a new model..
      When manufacturer switch all the buttons to touchscreen, everyone complain it’s difficult to use..
      When manufacturer keep the physical button, complain it looks outdated..
      Toyota and Lexus are known to avoid nonsense in their cars and they design is more ergonomic and pragmatic .. The new ES and LS still stick with physical buttons that are much much easier to operate than those glaring touchscreen that you can’t see under broad daylight

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Finally got rid of the weird mouse…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 2.0 turbo….
    RWD….
    head turning looks, even the non f sport model looks good, unlike previous generation where everything is a mess, made worse by the facelift…
    Lexus reliability ….

    Easily one of the best lexus yet.
    Will retain its resale value for years and years

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Power of drim on Jun 17, 2020 at 8:43 am

    Civic turbo is much faster

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 12
    • Kompressor on Jun 17, 2020 at 10:21 am

      Civic turbo doesn’t suits to compare with this and yet this is much faster than your civic turbo.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Jeremy on Jun 17, 2020 at 10:29 am

      CTR manual shift more slick too

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Civic 1.5 170HP will never match Lexus 2.0 241HP..
      Displacement and horsepower pun dah kalah mau claim cepat lagi..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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