KUWAIT: Striking a perfect balance between sportiness and sophistication that embodies the aspirations of customers in the region, the 2021 Lexus IS has been launched in Kuwait by Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer & Sons in the presence of Mubarak Naser Al-Sayer CEO and Mahmoud Abou Zahr Business Director Lexus Division. The latest version of the popular vehicle remains true to its foundation as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, while expanding on the qualities that have built its loyal following.

Since the debut of its first generation in 1999, the IS has been renowned for its exhilarating driving performance and sporty styling and has sold more than a million units over two decades. With the unveiling of the 2021 model, it is clear that careful craftmanship and countless hours of testing have gone into developing the best IS to date.

"What we had foremost in mind when developing the new IS was to create a vehicle that excelled in communicating with the driver, regardless of the road conditions or driving situation," said Chief Engineer Naoki Kobayashi. "We retained the well-received compact body, and set out to deliver exceptional ride comfort while offering a high level of control. The longer the new IS is driven, the more one can experience the fun of driving - we wanted people to feel the aspirations of the team who created it."

"We are excited to launch the new Lexus IS in the region, a vehicle that combines luxury and performance in perfect harmony," commented Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative. Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. "Previous generations of the IS already enjoy a strong reputation among drivers, and we are confident that the many refinements our design and engineering teams have made, created a performance that everyone can be passionate about. I'd like to thank our loyal customers in the region for continually inspiring us as we strive to create Amazing Experiences by transforming performance into passion and technology into imagination."

One of the first things that Lexus' engineers targeted was to enhance the IS's body rigidity. This not only helps to reduce unwanted noise and vibration, but also improves ride comfort and contributes to dynamic driving performance through enhanced steering response. To complement these enhancements, multiple refinements were made to the suspension setup. The new IS features coil springs that are 20 percent lighter than the outgoing model, as well as new forged aluminum A-arms that offer an 18 percent weight reduction. The suspension stabilizer bar has also been optimized using a new material to provide a 17 percent weight reduction.

The new bold exterior styling and athletic silhouette of the 2021 IS signifies the agile changes that have taken place below the surface. The new IS evokes lower, wider proportions with muscular fenders, reflecting the vehicle's high performance. The sleek lines are also complemented with aggressive sharpness carved into the side and shoulder character lines.

The 2021 IS's newly designed spindle grille features an intricate pattern that emphasizes a sense of presence, while the slender headlamps and daytime running lights with a sharp L-shape signature have been redesigned to complement the low-profile hood. New rocker panels accent a side profile that features a sharper contour and carries into the muscular shoulders over the rear wheel wells. At the back of the vehicle, the rear fenders blend into the extended, lowered rear deck, creating a low stance and emphasizing the L-shaped full-width rear light.

The new model's distinct personality is completed by its exquisite interior, which invites drivers and passengers to enjoy a range of advanced features for a refined cabin experience. These include a new 10.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 4.2-inch color multi-information display (MID), and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with touch-sensitive controls. The vehicle also offers SmartAccess with push-button start, a power moonroof, 8-way adjustable power and ventilated front seats, as well as ample luggage space thanks to the 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

The new Lexus IS's eye-catching looks are complemented by its balanced, linear and confident driving signature. Owners can choose from two engine options; an updated 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder engine delivering 241 hp and 350 Nm of torque, and a sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 311 hp and 380 Nm of torque. The two engines are paired with an eight-speed sport direct-shift automatic transmission that offers superb drivability, together with outstanding fuel efficiency and quietness even at high speed.

As with any Lexus vehicle, safety is a top priority for the new Lexus IS. Drivers can enjoy complete peace of mind thanks to the Lexus Safety System+, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) which include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), Daytime Pedestrian Detection (DPD), all-speed range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Alert (LTA), and Adaptive High-beam System (AHB).

The vehicle also includes comprehensive safety features designed to protect its occupants, such as 8 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Parking Support Alert (PKSA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), among many others.

Further adding to its stylish visual appeal, the 2021 Lexus IS comes in a refined range of color options that allow discerning owners to customize their vehicles according to their tastes. Customers can choose from seven distinctive exterior colors, including the newly developed Sonic Chrome and Sonic Iridium options. Meanwhile, the interior comes in three elegant colors; Ocher, Dark Rose, and the universal Black, which evokes a sense of calm within a gorgeous atmosphere. Newly developed wheel design have also been introduced in 19-inch sizes to further express the driving feel pursued by the Lexus brand.

For those seeking to experience the ultimate in thrilling responsiveness, the new IS is also available in an F Sport version. Engineered for exhilaration, the F brand DNA has trickled down from the legendary LFA, which represents the pinnacle of refined performance. The IS F Sport model boasts exclusive interior and exterior features, including a distinctive 'F' mesh pattern, a grille-bottom air intake, rear spoiler, and 19-inch alloy wheels. It comes equipped with an F Sport exhaust and diffuser, as well as improved Active Sound Control to enhance the performance notes of the V6 engine.

Inside the cabin, the 8-inch color TFT LCD meter features a movable meter ring that enables a dual display using a single meter. Owners can choose from a range of eight exterior colors that emphasize the vehicle's sportiness, including three colors exclusive for the IS F Sport model; Radiant Red contrast layering, Heat Blue contrast layering or White Nova GF, while the interior is available in White and Flare Red.