Lexus IS 300 L-TunedWith M-series BMWs and AMG-tweaked Mercedes getting more and more and more popular, Lexus is stepping up its own factory tuner business.
The first L-Tuned Lexus, the GS-series, debuted last August. Buyers could upgrade their GS300s, GS400s and GS430s with styling and performance parts. Now Lexus is using this recipe to crank up the IS 300.
Two L-tuned packages are offered. The Series I Package, priced at $3,999, contains a host of bolt-on body kit stuff, including a carbon-fiber-style grille, front fascia with larger fog lights, side skirts, a rear valance and spoiler and a deep-toned sports muffler, which Lexus says adds 8 hp.
The Series II Package, priced at $7,698, includes all of the Series I components, plus 18-in. cast aluminum alloy wheels (23 lbs a piece), larger Michelin tires (225/40ZR18), progressive-rate springs (43 N/mm-61.25 N/MM front and 41 N/mm-56.35 N/mm rear), which also drop ride height about an inch, and thicker anti-roll bars (28mm front/17mm rear). Both packages are available with either the new five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
Colors, however, are limited to Millennium Silver Metallic (pictured), Graphite Gray Pearl and Black Onyx, but all the parts come pre-installed to ensure quality, and are warranted by TRD for the length of the vehicle's original warranty.
Initially, IS 300 L-Tuned sedans will only be distributed to Western states, but Lexus will be distributing to other areas as early as Spring 2002.
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