2009 Lexus IS Facelift: European Spec Model Revealed

Even though the refreshed IS sedan won’t get nearly as much attention as the drop-top IS250 C at the Lexus Paris Show stand –see details here, nevertheless the Japanese automaker’s sport sedan has received a subtle facelift for the 2009 MY. Like the North American version, the Euro spec IS features a series of minor aesthetic upgrades including new wing mirrors with integrated turn lights, a restyled front bumper, L-shaped back-up lights, new alloy wheel designs and a slightly tweaked grille. -Continued

Lexus says that it has performed modifications to suspension, steering, transmissions and paddle shift technology to improve driving dynamics while the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is now standard across the range. According to the Japanese automaker, aerodynamics and transmission enhancements have reduced the diesel-powered IS 220d’s CO2 emissions by 3%, and by 8% for the Sport version.