Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Lexus in the UAE, today announced the arrival of an exciting, new thorough-bred to join the Lexus stable: the IS300 luxury sports sedan.
The launch of this stunning new car took place at the prestigious new Lexus showroom at Dubai Festival City. Present at the launch was Mr. Saguya Fukusato, the Chief Engineer from the Lexus Development Centre in Japan, who led the team responsible for the development of the new IS300.
Colin Leitch, the Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors, commented, 'The exhilarating IS300 is the latest embodiment of the Lexus L-finesse design philosophy of leading-edge finesse: simplicity and purity, intriguing elegance, and welcoming hospitality. We are confident that this powerful new car will set new standards and expectations for luxury sports sedans.'
The core target customers for the new IS300 will be younger, affluent business persons, who are successful in their careers, and enjoy making the most of their leisure time. The IS300's dynamic and sophisticated exterior styling mirror these customers' values and lifestyles.
At the heart of the IS300 is a powerful and smooth 3.0 litre V6, 24 valve engine that delivers 228 horsepower. It incorporates advanced driving technologies, including Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) which ensures improved torque and smooth acceleration at all rpm ranges, lower fuel consumption, and reduced exhaust emissions. With 30.6 kg-m of torque at 4400 rpm (SAE net), the IS300 has impressive acceleration, reaching 100 kph in just 7.7 seconds.
This engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission, which provides a smooth shifting response and an exceptionally sporty and rewarding drive. The steering wheel-mounted gear shift paddles provide the driver with a sporty, fun driving experience and enhanced control. Despite its power, the engine delivers an amazing 9.7litres/100 km fuel economy.
The IS300 is exceptionally aerodynamic with a wind-cheating design and a flat underbody that smoothes airflow beneath the car, minimizing air-resistance and lift, and contributing to superior handling and stability at high speeds. Close attention to minimizing road and engine noise and vibration have resulted in a relaxing and comfortable cabin to enhance driving pleasure.
The striking 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels are designed to improve handling and braking performance, whilst enhancing the car's dynamic styling. An Anti-lock Braking system with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, together with Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control provide exceptional driver control and improved safety.
The IS300's welcoming interior reflects the optimum balance of pleasing design, thoughtful ergonomics, intelligent technology and sports dynamism. Its interior design complements its bold and purposeful exterior, blending modern and classic sports car touches, like the drilled aluminium pedals and the F1-inspired steering wheel-mounted gear shift paddles. Unique, chronograph-style instrumentation inspired by sports watch design provides the focus of the instrument cluster. The gearshift and other interior accents feature a metallic finish and the IS300 has very supportive, height- adjustable sports seats.
The ultra-high fidelity, premium Mark Levinson audio system has a 300 watt power amplifier and 14 speakers, with an in-dash DVD or CD auto-changer, delivering concert-like sound quality. The IS300 also features an auxiliary port, located in the front armrest, through which the audio system can be connected to portable music systems, such an an iPod or MP3 player.
The car has 8-way adjustable driver and passenger front seats, with 3 memory settings. The ventilated front seats have internal fans in the seatbacks and cushions to provide cooling air for outstanding driving comfort.
Other key convenience features include SmartAccess keyless entry, Parking Assist and a rear view camera to enable safer and less stressful parking.
Driving confidence and safety were key elements in the development of this powerful sports sedan.
For improved visibility during night-time driving, especially on winding roads, the Adaptive Front Lighting system's headlamps pivot to meet approaching road curves, to provide more thorough road illumination and provide safer and more relaxed motoring. The HID headlamps also enhance night-time driving safety.
The IS300 is fully equipped with advanced safety features to protect driver and passengers, including dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, and rear side curtain airbags. Whilst it's athletic, reinforced body is as strong as it is stylish.
The exceptionally well equipped IS300 is available in four grades - Premium, Premium Plus, Luxury and SE.
At the launch, Tony Barlow, the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Al-Futtaim Motors, commented, 'The new IS300 is a truly outstanding luxury sports sedan. It is exciting, responsive and fun to drive , a car that drivers will immediately feel at one with. This latest edition to the expanded Lexus range will further strengthen the continued success of the Lexus brand in the UAE, and bring the excitement of the brand to a wider range of customers.'
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About Al- Futtaim Motors
Al-Futtaim Motors is a member of the Al-Futtaim Group, the leading UAE business conglomerate. It operates the Toyota, Lexus and Hino franchises through a network of modern Sales showrooms, Service and Parts facilities strategically located throughout the Emirates. The company also operates twelve Tyre Express outlets in the UAE, where a comprehensive range of tyres and batteries are available, together with expert advice on tyre care and safety. The company's customer focus is exemplified in its guiding maxim, 'We care and it shows.'
For more details, please contact
Nawfal Al-Jourani
Head of Corporate Communications
Al- Futtaim Group
Tel: +971-4-228-2101
Fax: +971-4-227-0994
© Press Release 2006
