Tag Archives: IS

Opinion

Finally: new security guidelines recognise that buttons beat touchscreens

To my aid, it appears like the reply to the query “is it just me?” isn’t any.

Too many automobiles in current instances have had me despairing on the variety of controls which have migrated away from bodily buttons and onto touchscreens.

In some circumstances that is barely annoying; in others I imagine it’s borderline harmful. Now the influential automotive security ranking organisation Euro NCAP has determined that, from 2026, it’ll award five-star rankings solely to automobiles that retain bodily controls for key options.

To qualify, a automotive will need to have buttons, stalks or dials for its indicators, windscreen wipers, hazard warning lights, horn and SOS perform. This record of things is welcome however not as exhaustive as I would really like.

You must be some form of psychopath to not need these controls instantly accessible the place they all the time are, wouldn’t you?

Given that only some automotive makers have moved any wiper exercise from bodily controls and, to my data, solely Tesla has made the baffling and idiotic resolution to place indicators on clean, unfeelable and shifting buttons (on a steering-wheel spoke within the newest Tesla Model 3), this resolution ought to forestall extra mission creep however largely units the bounds at the place we are actually.

I would like Euro NCAP to ask that issues which can be changing into widespread be undone.

The Volvo EX30, for instance, which final 12 months drove me to distraction by having no bodily controls for its door mirrors, wiper sensitivity, local weather management (excluding a roof-mounted and never feelably delineated demister button), lights (together with the foglight) or driver help techniques, nor a rapidly turnable/pushable quantity management, may nonetheless qualify for 5 Euro NCAP stars. I needed to burn it.

Lexus

WHAT’S NEW: 2024 Lexus IS 300/350/500

  • IS 300 adds F SPORT and F SPORT Design Grades (RWD/AWD)
  • New Blackout Package for IS 350 F SPORT
  • Special Appearance Package available on IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium

PLANO, Texas (Oct. 12, 2023) – The IS line, known for its value, performance, and craftsmanship, is expanding its options for the 2024 model year. The IS 300 will now feature F SPORT and F SPORT Design grades. The IS 350 will offer a Blackout Package, and the IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium will have the Special Appearance Package available. The 2024 IS models are expected to be available for sale later this fall.

IS 300
 The IS 300 will now come with the F SPORT Design grade in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The F SPORT Design grade includes exterior styling elements like a 19-inch F SPORT alloy wheel and F SPORT Design badging. The IS 300 F SPORT grade will have the same exterior styling, as well as F SPORT interior enhancements such as heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum pedals, and a heated steering wheel. The Grecian Water exterior paint will only be available on non-F SPORT models.

IS 350 F SPORT
 The 2024 IS 350 models will have the option of the Blackout Package. This package includes 19-inch Matte Black BBS forged alloy wheels, black outside mirrors with dark chrome trim, dark chrome window trim, and the Lexus Memory Package for controlling the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering wheel. The Blackout Package requires the Handling Package.

IS 500 F SPORT Performance
 All IS 500 models in 2024 will come standard with black outside mirrors with dark chrome trim. Incognito exterior paint color will be added as an option. The Special Appearance Package, available for the IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium grade, includes Blue Vector exterior paint, 19-inch Matte Black BBS forged alloy wheels, and subtle blue stitching throughout the cabin. The package also comes with a SmartAccess Key Card. The 2024 IS F SPORT Performance Premium Special Appearance package will be limited to 150 units in North America.

The Lexus Driving Signature Lives at Shimoyama
 The Chief Engineer [CE] plays a crucial role in shaping the driving experience and quality of Lexus vehicles. With the Lexus Driving Signature, the goal is to achieve a higher standard of performance, handling, and control in all vehicles. This is achieved through rigorous testing and evaluation at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama.

Fast, Fun, Ferocious – Putting the “F” in F SPORT
The IS F SPORT lineup for 2024 is now available on IS 300 models. F SPORT models feature unique visual and performance cues like a distinctive front bumper, rear bumper, grille surround, and rear lip spoiler. They also come with F SPORT 19-inch wheels and F SPORT badges on the sides of the vehicles.

The 2024 IS models have a bold and provocative exterior design with muscular fenders, sleek lines, and aggressive sharpness. The slender headlamps feature a sharp L-shape signature, and the rear of the vehicle is highlighted by an L-shaped blade-style lightbar. The IS Family offers ten exterior colors.

Bask in Cabin Comfort
 The IS interior features NuLuxe-trimmed seating, power-adjustable seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and SmartAccess with push-button start/stop. F SPORT models have unique interior decorations, including door trim with embossed intersecting lines and decorative ornamentation finished in Black Metallic paint, Black Geometric Film, or Satin interior trim for IS 500 F SPORT Performance models.

The IS comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.3-inch touchscreen available for models equipped with navigation or the Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package. The multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Drivetrains and Powertrains
 The 2024 IS is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with four powertrain options depending on the grade. The IS 300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower. The IS 300 AWD comes with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 260 horsepower. The IS 350, available in both RWD and AWD, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 horsepower. The IS 500 F SPORT Performance comes with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 generating 472 horsepower.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
 All 2024 IS models come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This includes features like Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beams, and Road Sign Assist.

2024 IS Line Pricing