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Lexus Releases Price for All-New IS 300 Sport Sedan

8 May 2000

For Immediate Release
                                                        LEX-14-00



              
Lexus Releases Price for All-New IS 300 Sport Sedan


     TORRANCE, Calif., May 8, 2000 $B!>(B Lexus announced today that the

Manufacturer$B!G(Bs Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2001 IS 300 sport

sedan will be $30,500.

     The exciting new sedan, which will go on sale at Lexus$B!G(B 187 dealerships on

June 23, comes standard with many features that are optional on competing

models.  A single-feed, in-dash six-CD autochanger eliminates the need for a

separate CD cartridge, while High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and 17$B!I(B

high-performance wheels and tires add to the sedan$B!G(Bs sporty appearance.

     Also unlike competitive models that offer base and optional powertrains,

the IS 300 will come standard with a 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline

six-cylinder engine that produces 218 lb.-ft of peak torque at 3,800 rpm.  The

engine, which can also be found in the GS 300 high-performance sport sedan,

employs continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to optimize

valve overlap throughout the engine$B!G(Bs speed range.  VVT-i eliminates the

traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower, giving

the IS 300 the feel of having a larger-displacement engine.

     The IS 300 engine will be paired with an electronically controlled

five-speed automatic transmission with Formula One-inspired E-shift

steering-wheel gear-selection controls.

     $B!H(BWe$B!G(Bve been saying all along that this sporty Lexus will draw an entirely

new customer to the Lexus family with its youthful styling and performance

orientation,$B!I(B said Bryan Bergsteinsson, Lexus group vice president and general

manager.  $B!H(BThis sedan offers a great deal of equipment at an outstanding price

and will appeal to buyers who value athletic performance and bold design over

pure luxury.$B!I(B

     Other standard features include traction control (TRAC), automatic climate

control, stainless steel sport scuff plates and drilled aluminum sport pedals,

shift knob with metallic finish, cruise control, power windows with one-touch

up/down for the driver, heated outside mirrors, trunk pass through, alarm with

immobilizer and in-key remote control.

     Lexus projects that it will sell 25,000 IS 300s annually.



Pricing Summary:

Base MSRP                          $30,500
Leather/ecasine seats
     with programmable garage door opener     $1,705
Luxury Leather Package: special interior with
     programmable garage door opener          $1,805
Moonroof                           $1,000
Limited slip differential                          $390
Heated front seats                       $440
17$B!I(B graphite polished wheels with summer tires    $400
16$B!I(B wheels with all season tire              no charge
Delivery, processing and handling fee              $495




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