Editing Lexus IS (section)

== {{anchor|XE10}} First generation (XE10; 1998) ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| image = 1999-2005 Lexus IS 200 (GXE10R) sedan 04.jpg
| model_code = XE10
| aka = Toyota Altezza (Japan)
| production = {{unbulleted list
  | October 1998 – August 2005 (Altezza)<ref name = "75 Years of Toyota, Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc.">{{cite web |url=http://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/data/automotive_business/production/production/japan/general_status/toyota_motor_east_japan.html |title=Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc. |publisher=Toyota |year=2012 |access-date=15 July 2014}}</ref>
  | January 1999 – August 2005 (IS)
  }}
| assembly = Japan: [[Kanegasaki, Iwate]] ([[Kanto Auto Works]])<ref name = "75 Years of Toyota, Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc."/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kanto-aw.co.jp/en/history/ |title=History of Kanto Auto Works |publisher=Kanto-aw.co.jp |access-date=11 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727164024/http://www.kanto-aw.co.jp/en/history/ |archive-date=27 July 2011}}</ref>
| designer = {{unbulleted list
  | Tomoyasu Nishi (exterior: 1995)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www4.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/eng/ishou/iskt_en/ISKT_EN_GM301_Detailed.action |title=J-PlatPat |access-date=4 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151128070350/https://www4.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/eng/ishou/iskt_en/ISKT_EN_GM301_Detailed.action |archive-date=28 November 2015}}</ref>
  | 2003 facelift: Hiroyuki Tada (2002)
  }}
| body_style = {{unbulleted list
  | 4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]
  | 5-door [[hatchback]]/[[station wagon]]
  }}
| platform = 
| engine = {{unbulleted list
  | '''[[Petrol engine|Petrol]]:'''
  | 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Toyota S engine#3S-GE|3S-GE]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] (SXE10; RS200)
  | 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Toyota G engine#1G-FE|1G-FE]]'' [[Straight-six engine|I6]] (GXE10/15; IS 200/AS200)
  | 3.0&nbsp;L ''[[Toyota JZ engine#2JZ-GE|2JZ-GE]]'' I6 (JCE10/15; IS 300/AS300)
  }}
| transmission = {{unbulleted list
  | 5-speed ''[[Toyota W transmission#W55|W55]]'' [[manual transmission|manual]]
  | 6-speed ''J160'' manual
  | 4-speed ''[[Toyota A transmission#A47DE|A47DE]]''/''[[Toyota A transmission#A340H|A340H]]'' [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
  | 5-speed ''[[Toyota A transmission#A650E|A650E]]'' automatic
  }}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2670|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{unbulleted list
  | Sedan: {{convert|4400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
  | SportCross/Gita: {{convert|4415|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
  }}
| width = {{unbulleted list
  | Sedan: {{convert|1720|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
  | SportCross/Gita: {{convert|1725|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
  }}
| height = {{convert|1410|–|1440|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{unbulleted list
  | IS 200: {{convert|1360|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
  | IS 200 SportCross: {{convert|1430|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
  | IS 300 5-Speed: {{convert|3255|lb|kg|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="lexus.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/IS/2002.html |title=Lexus Certified Pre-Owned – Model Library IS 300 5-Speed IS 300 E-Shift IS 300 SportCross 2002 |publisher=lexus.com |access-date=27 August 2012}}</ref>
  | IS 300 E-Shift: {{convert|3285|lb|kg|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="lexus.com"/>
  | IS 300 SportCross: {{convert|3410|lb|kg|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="lexus.com"/>
  }}
| sp = uk
| related = [[Toyota Mark II (X110)]]
| model_years = 1999–2005
}}

Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sports sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the XE10 series Toyota Altezza and Lexus IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles. The engineering work was led by [[Nobuaki Katayama]] from 1994 to 1998 under the 038T program code, who was responsible for the [[Toyota AE86|AE86]] project. Design work which had been done in 1995 by Tomoyasu Nishi was frozen in 1996 and filed under patent number 1030135 on 5 December 1996, at the Japan Patent Office. At its introduction to Japan, it was exclusive to Japanese dealerships called ''[[Toyota Netz Store]]'', until Lexus was introduced to Japan in 2006. The Japan-sold AS200 Altezza sedan and AS300 Altezza Gita correspond to the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models respectively, as sold in markets outside of Japan. The Lexus IS' primary markets were North America, Australia, and Europe. The Altezza Gita was a [[hatchback]]-[[station wagon]] version sold in Japan and was known in the US and Europe as the Lexus IS SportCross. The AS300 Altezza Gita was the only Altezza with the [[Toyota JZ engine#2JZ-GE|2JZ-GE]] engine; in export markets this engine was available in the sedan models as well as the Lexus IS300 Sedan.

=== 1998–2000 ===
Introduced in 1998 with the AS200 (chassis code GXE10) and RS200 (chassis code SXE10) sedans, the compact vehicle was produced using a shortened, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive midsize platform,<ref name=gt/> allowing Japanese buyers to take advantage of tax savings imposed by [[Vehicle size class#Japan|Japanese government regulations]] concerning vehicle engine displacement (but not exterior dimensions, as the car was 20&nbsp;mm wider than the 1,700&nbsp;mm standard), and adapted parts from the larger second-generation Aristo/GS.<ref name=gt>{{cite web |url=http://www.gtnet.co.jp/cars/cars_altezza.asp |title=Altezza トヨタ アルテッツァ 中古車総合情報 |publisher=Gtnet.co.jp |access-date=11 October 2010 |archive-date=14 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614034836/http://www.gtnet.co.jp/cars/cars_altezza.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 2.0-litre ''1G-FE'' straight-six powered AS200 (GXE10, sedan) was equipped with a four-speed automatic as standard. The 2.0-litre ''3S-GE'' straight-four-powered RS200 (SXE10, sedan) was equipped a six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic was optional. 

[[File:1999-2005 Lexus IS 200 (GXE10R) sedan 03.jpg|thumb|left|1999–2005 Lexus IS 200 sedan (GXE10)]]

The design received critical acclaim at its 1998 launch and was awarded Japan's "''[[Car of the Year Japan|Car of the Year]]''" honor for 1998–1999. A few months later, Lexus began marketing the IS 200 equivalent models in Europe.<ref name=eurotuner>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurotuner.com/featuredvehicles/24098_1998_toyota_altezza/index.html |title=Championship Contender IS 300 |last=Allison |first=Wes |work=Eurotuner |access-date=23 February 2008 |archive-date=7 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207190224/http://www.eurotuner.com/featuredvehicles/24098_1998_toyota_altezza/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The IS 200 in Europe was rated at {{convert|153|hp||abbr=on}}, with a top speed of {{convert|216|km/h||abbr=on}}, and {{convert|0|to(-)|100|km/h|abbr=on|mph}} acceleration time of 9.3 seconds.<ref>{{cite news |last=Simister |first=John |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/20/style/20iht-car20.t.html |title=The Car Column: High Thrills of the Lexus IS200 |work=The New York Times |date=20 August 1999 |access-date=11 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615152703/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/20/style/20iht-car20.t.html |archive-date=15 June 2013 }}</ref> The styling cues of the rear lamp clusters on the first-generation models were copied by a number of after-market accessory manufacturers for applications on other vehicles.<ref name=altezzalights>{{cite news |title=Mass-market muscle |work=The Albuquerque Tribune |date=24 September 2001 |access-date=12 July 2013 |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-2003266_ITM |first=Dan |last=Mayfield |quote="Altezza" style lights...the hottest-selling taillight kit}}</ref> This iconic style of one or more internal lamp units, covered with a clear (or tinted) perspex cover made popular by Lexus, became known in many circles as 'Lexus-style' or '[[Altezza lights]]'.<ref name=altezzalights/> The taillight style became so popular, that it influenced the development of clear-covered [[LED]] taillamps that only revealed their colour when illuminated. The XE10's chief engineer was Nobuaki Katayama, while the chief test driver and test engineer was Hiromu Naruse.

=== 2000–2003 ===
In July 2000, a hatchback/station wagon model, the AS300 (chassis code JCE10), was introduced featuring a 3.0-litre ''2JZ-GE'' straight-six engine. Equipped with rear- or all-wheel drive (JCE10, RWD Gita wagon; JCE15, 4WD Gita wagon), the AS300 was only available with an automatic gearbox; a five-speed automatic for the RWD Gita wagon and a four-speed automatic for the 4WD Gita wagon. The six-cylinder version (''2JZ-GE'') was only available in Japan on the Gita models. Additionally, a six-speed manual transmission was introduced to the AS200 (chassis code GXE10). In the US, the IS 300 sedan debuted in July 2000 as 2001 model and the wagon debuted in 2001 as a 2002 model with the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine (the 2.0-litre six-cylinder was not available), while in Europe, the IS 300 joined the IS 200 in the model lineup. The IS 300 models were initially only available with the five-speed automatic transmission in all markets. A five-speed manual – the six-speed manual from the 2-liter model was not designed for the torque put out by the larger 2JZ-GE engine – was made available in the US in 2001 for the 2002 model year.<ref name=AW5018p7>{{cite magazine | magazine = [[AutoWeek]] | title = The News: Shifty IS 300 | page = 6 | editor-first = Todd | editor-last = Lassa | volume = 5 | number = 18 | date = 2000-04-24 | publisher = Crain Communications Inc. }}</ref> The manual option was not available on the SportCross wagon. Lexus aimed for 15 percent of American IS 300 sales to be manuals.<ref name=AW5018p7/> Visually the exterior of the European IS 200 Sport and 300 were almost identical, the only differences being the boot insignia and the larger-engined model initially having clear front indicators (later generalized throughout the range).

[[File:Lexus IS 300 first gen interior.jpg|thumb|left|Interior]]The first-generation IS' interior featured unique elements not typically found in other Lexus models. These included a chrome metal ball shifter (USDM & European market, other markets received an optional leather-trimmed shifter), (optional) pop-up navigation screen, and [[chronograph]]-style instrument panel (with mini gauges for temperature, fuel economy, and volts). For the European and Australian markets, the IS 300 gained full leather seats rather than the leather/[[ecsaine]] of the 200, plus Auto-dimming rear view and side mirrors, and HID headlamps. In the US, the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] listed the IS 300 as a [[subcompact car]]; although it technically had enough overall volume to be called a compact, rear seat room exhibited subcompact dimensions.

The US [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] (NHTSA) crash test results in 2001 gave the IS 300 the maximum five stars in the Side Driver and Side Rear Passenger categories, and four stars in the Frontal Driver and Frontal Passenger categories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.safercar.gov/portal/search?model=6992 |title=2002 Lexus IS 300 4-Dr w/ SAB |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=21 May 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]] (IIHS) rated the IS "Good" overall for frontal collisions and "Good" in all six measured front impact categories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=148 |title=IIHS HLDI: Lexus IS 300 |publisher=Iihs.org |date=5 October 2005 |access-date=21 May 2009}}</ref>

For the first-generation IS in the North American market, sales hit a high of 22,486 units in 2001; subsequent sales years were less than forecast, and below the 10,000-unit mark in 2004.<ref name=2002sales>{{cite web |url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/01/03/152221.html |title=Lexus production figures 2001–2002 |date=3 January 2003 |publisher=Autochannel |access-date=26 January 2009}}</ref><ref name=2003sales>{{cite web |url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/01/04/313808.html |title=Lexus production figures 2003–2004 |date=4 January 2005 |publisher=Autochannel |access-date=26 January 2009}}</ref> The IS 200 fared better relative to sales targets in Europe and Asia, while still well short of the sales volume achieved by the [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class]] and other, mostly German-made competitors. This trend was indicative of Lexus' smaller global status; while Lexus' range of cars was very successful in North America, the marque's sales lagged behind its German rivals in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_09/b3922126_mz017.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050218115732/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_09/b3922126_mz017.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2005 |first=David |last=Welch |date=28 February 2005 |title=Is Lexus Sexy Enough To Seduce Europe? |work=[[Bloomberg BusinessWeek]]}}</ref> In Europe, the lack of a manual gearbox option for the IS 300 may have limited sales in contrast to its rivals, the [[BMW 3 Series]] and the Mercedes C-Class.

In 2000, TTE introduced a compressor kit for the IS 200 in the European market.<ref name=tte>{{cite web |url=http://www.autoweek.nl/autonieuws/246/Lexus-IS200-nu-ook-met |title=Autonieuws – Lexus IS200 nu ook mét |publisher=Autoweek.nl |date=5 December 2000 |access-date=3 February 2011}}</ref> An Eaton supercharger at 0.3-bar pressure increased the power output to {{convert|205|hp|kW|abbr=on|order=flip}} without sacrificing fuel consumption (+3.3%). The kit was initially available as an aftermarket fitment, but could also be obtained as OEM Lexus accessory on newer cars through the official Lexus dealer network and was fully covered by the standard warranty.<ref name=tte/> This variant was discontinued when the IS 300 was introduced in the European market.

=== 2003–2005 ===
[[File:Toyota Altezza Gita AS300.JPG|thumb|Toyota Altezza Gita AS300 (JCE10)]]
[[File:2004 Lexus IS300 SportCross rear 3.30.18.jpg|thumb|left|Lexus IS300 SportCross rear view]]

In 2003 for the 2004 model year, the IS line received a minor facelift (designed by Hiroyuki Tada). On the exterior, was a redesigned 11-spoke wheel design, redesigned fog lamps, and smoked surrounding trim for the headlamps and taillamps. On the interior, a 2-position memory function was added for the driver seat, a maintenance indicator lamp, automatic drive-away door locking system, a storage compartment on the dash (for models without the navigation system) and updated trim highlights.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cars.com/lexus/is-300/2004/expert-reviews |title=2004 Lexus IS 300 | first = Jim | last = Flammang |publisher=cars.com |access-date=10 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513072223/http://www.cars.com/lexus/is-300/2004/expert-reviews |archive-date=13 May 2016 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

An official concept model, the [[MillenWorks]]-built Lexus IS 430 was unveiled at the [[SEMA (association)#2003|SEMA Show]] in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/1797/Lexus-IS430-Project.html |publisher=UltimateCarPage |title=Lexus IS 430 Project}}</ref> The IS 430 prototype was an IS 300 fitted with a 4.3-litre V8 from the [[Lexus GS|GS 430]].<ref name=IS430>{{cite web | url = http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features/0411scc_lexus_is_430/index.html | work = Sport Compact Car | publisher = Source Interlink Media, Inc. | title= Factory Hot Rods: Lexus IS 430 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302032523/http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features/0411scc_lexus_is_430/index.html |archive-date=2 March 2008}}</ref> Lexus dubbed the IS&nbsp;430 a one-off with no plans for production. In Europe, [[Toyota Team Europe]] (TTE) installed a [[Supercharger|supercharged]] 4.3-litre V8 into an IS 300 bodyshell, the result was a {{convert|405|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} [[Horsepower#Economic Commission for Europe R24|ECE]] [[Sedan (car)|sedan]].

{{clear}}

=== Powertrain and models ===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" | Engine
! rowspan="9" |
! colspan="3" | Lexus
! rowspan="9" |
! colspan="3" | Toyota
|-
! Engine
! Power/torque
! Model
! Chassis code
! Drivetrain and transmission
! Model
! Chassis code
! Drivetrain and transmission
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2.0&nbsp;L<br />straight-six<br />([[Toyota G engine#1G-FE|1G-FE]])
| rowspan="3" | {{convert|114|kW|hp|abbr=on}};<br />{{convert|195|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} <br />at 4,600&nbsp;rpm
| IS 200<br />(sedan)
| GXE10
| RWD<br />6-speed manual (J160)<br />4-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A47DE|A47DE]])
| Altezza AS200<br />(sedan)
| GXE10
| RWD<br />6-speed manual (J160)<br />4-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A47DE|A47DE]])
|-
| rowspan="2" | IS 200 SportCross<br />(wagon)
| rowspan="2" | GXE10
| rowspan="2" | RWD<br />6-speed manual (J160)
| rowspan="2" | Altezza Gita AS200<br />(wagon)
| GXE10W
| RWD<br />6-speed manual (J160)<br />4-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A47DE|A47DE]])
|-
| GXE15W
| 4WD<br />4-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A340H|A340H]])
|-
| 2.0&nbsp;L<br />straight-four<br />([[Toyota S engine#3S-GE|3S-GE]])
| {{convert|154|kW|hp|abbr=on}};<br />{{convert|216|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} <br />at 6,400&nbsp;rpm
| colspan="3"   {{n/a|No equivalent}}
| Altezza RS200<br />(sedan)
| SXE10
| RWD<br />6-speed manual (J160)<br />5-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A650E|A650E]])
|-
| rowspan="3" | 3.0&nbsp;L<br />straight-six<br />([[Toyota JZ engine#2JZ-GE|2JZ-GE]])
| rowspan="3" | {{convert|162|kW|hp|abbr=on}};<br />{{convert|295|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} <br />at 3,800&nbsp;rpm
| IS 300<br />(sedan)
| JCE10
| RWD<br />5-speed manual ([[Toyota W transmission#W55|W55]], US only)<br />5-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A650E|A650E]])<br />
| colspan="3"   {{n/a|No equivalent}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | IS 300 SportCross<br />(wagon)
| rowspan="2" | JCE10
| rowspan="2" | RWD<br />5-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A650E|A650E]])
| rowspan="2" | Altezza Gita AS300<br />(wagon)
| JCE10W
| RWD<br />5-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A650E|A650E]])
|-
| JCE15W
| 4WD<br />4-speed automatic ([[Toyota A transmission#A340H|A340H]])
|}
{{clear}}