MOTOR RIVALS

Featuring revised styling, enhanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology, new exterior and interior color schemes, an improved driving experience and an upgraded safety specification, the new Lexus IS model range makes its debut. The current, third generation IS marked the beginning of a new era for the model with the introduction of Lexus Hybrid Drive to the range for the first time. Because the original styling of the current Lexus IS has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the essence of car's exterior appearance intact; however, the front of the new model has undergone a transformation, highlighted by new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and an evolution of Lexus' spindle grille.

The reshaped headlamps are more pronounced than before and extend inward, resulting in an eye-catching shape that accentuates the L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The bumpers, with incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically from the fenders, giving the new front a more powerful road presence. The new grille folds back at a higher point, its top and bottom proportions changing to enhance its sporting look with a visually lower center of gravity, while blending effortlessly into the reshaped hood. The new F SPORT's dark chrome grille features an exclusive 3-dimensional F-mesh pattern that incorporates functional brake ducts. These brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic performance. The profile of the IS is made sleeker by an enhanced character line that runs down the side of the car, and a choice of 16- 17- and 18-inch wheel designs add to the vehicle's new-found dynamic flair. A 5-twin-spoke, 17-inch wheel with a bright machine finish, and a multi-spoke, 18-inch luxury grade wheel are both new to the model range.

Powertrain

The new Lexus IS model line-up will remain unchanged, with a choice of full hybrid petrol or 2.0 liter turbo powertrains. The full hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a compact, powerful electric motor for smooth and responsive performance, supported by the use of Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve timing, Lexus' D-4S fuel injection technology and a high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation system. This advanced engineering delivers unprecedentedly low exhaust emissions and fuel economy, with official emissions and fuel consumption figures from just 97 g/km of CO2 and 4.3 l/100 km, strengthening the model's appeal in a market where environmental performance and ownership costs are key customer considerations.

The Lexus IS 200t will be powered by the recently-added, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged unit, which comes mated to a smooth-shifting, 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission developed for the high-performance RC F. This engine features a number of innovative technologies including Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW), which allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by varying the intake-valve opening angles, and the D-4ST direct injection system. It combines a high pressure fuel system for injection directly into the cylinders with a low pressure system for injection into the ports. Power is rated at 245 hp/180 kW at 5,800rpm and torque delivery 350Nm from 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

Chassis

The driving dynamics of the new Lexus IS has been improved through key revisions to the front and rear suspension systems, and the steering. The front double wishbone suspension benefits from a new lower arm assembly forged in aluminum, which offers a 49% increase in rigidity over the steel member it replaces and new No. 1 bush with a 29% increase in rigidity. In combination, these new elements offer a marked improvement in steering response at cruising speeds. The front suspension system further benefits from a new upper support bush, a change to the coil spring rate, new shock absorber components and a revised damper setting. The rear multi-link suspension features a new upper arm No. 1 bush and a new stabilizer bar, new shock absorber components and a revised damper setting.

The ECU settings of the Electric Power Steering system (EPS) have also been revised. As a result of the comprehensive measures, both standard and F SPORT IS models demonstrate an improvement in ride quality, body control, rear traction and straight line stability, as well as better steering response and feedback.

Technology

Numerous carefully considered enhancements have been incorporated into the new IS's cabin. The size of the multimedia display screen has been increased from 7 inches to 10.25 inches. The new high-resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer image of the various functions of Lexus' innovative multimedia system.

An 'Enter' button has been added to the side of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console, making the system easier to use. On the center dash the audio and ventilation-control panel has been refined to fit completely within the knee bolsters, and a new hairline-finish surface provides both a high-quality feel and improved appearance.

New stitching on top of the driver's instrument binnacle hood enhances the sporting feel of the IS cockpit, as do the refined speedometer and tachometer. Further enhancements include new cup holders, a new, larger, leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for the RTI and new dial markings on the in-dash analogue clock.

Safety

Committed to offering state-of-the-art technology to a wider audience at an attractive price, the new IS's safety equipment has been upgraded with the adoption of the Lexus Safety System +, a newly developed set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.

Combining a camera and millimeter-wave radar for a high level of detection performance, the Lexus Safety System+ features a Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system with a pedestrian detection function, which helps prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and All-speed Adaptive Cruise Control.

Jaguar North America introduced the 2017 Jaguar XE with key model year updates and new specifications ahead of its arrival in North American showrooms this Spring. With pricing starting from $34,900, the XE rounds out the modern Jaguar sedan line-up as the new point of entry to Jaguar ownership; joining the new 2016 Jaguar XF mid-size sedan and refreshed 2016 Jaguar XJ full-size luxury sedan. Based on the brand’s new aluminum-intensive architecture, the introduction of the XE also gives Jaguar a foothold in the highly competitive North American compact sports sedan segment, significantly expanding potential market reach for the brand in 2016 and beyond.

Powertrain

For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline, there’s the Jaguar XE 35t model, which shares its supercharged 340hp 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE. Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90-degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly. Developing 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE 35t with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds and top speed is electronically-limited to 120 mph.1

The XE 25t will feature the proven 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 GTDI engine found in other Jaguar Land Rover products. This powertrain produces 240hp and 251lb-ft of torque in a compact footprint.

The introduction of the XE to North American showrooms also brings with it the introduction of a new engine family for the Jaguar brand and the brand’s first diesel in North America. Developed from the very beginning to meet stringent US emissions standards, this clean, powerful and refined Jaguar Ingenium “20d” 180hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel delivers an impressive 318-lb. ft. of torque for strong acceleration whenever the driver demands it, and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.

All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive (AWD) was engineered into the XE from day one and debuts in 2017 worldwide. In North American markets AWD will be available exclusively with the 180hp Ingenium diesel and the 340hp supercharged V6 gas engines.

Automatic Transmissions
A ZF® eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to the wheels across the entire range of engines available in the XE in North America, from the 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engine to the range topping 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Two specifically-optimized versions of this highly efficient and smooth-shifting transmission are available in the XE: the supercharged V6 AWD is matched to the 8HP70, while the supercharged V6 RWD, Ingenium diesel and GTDI four-cylinder petrol engines are paired with the lighter, more compact 8HP45.

Chassis

The new Jaguar XE features a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. The aluminum front spindles are light and stiff – forged from cast blanks using a patented production process while the rear suspension features an integral link system like that used in the Jaguar XF. This system delivers lateral and longitudinal stiffness for precise handling and a supple ride.

Offering incredible tuning possibilities and greater efficiency than traditional hydraulic systems, electric power assisted steering (EPAS) like that found in the F-TYPE sports car is standard on the XE and further helps save weight while delivering consistent on-road driving feel through the steering wheel.2

Technology

For 2017, customers can now choose between two great infotainment systems when buying their XE – the Jaguar InControl® Touch™ system and the next-generation InControl Touch Pro™ system. InControl Touch relies on an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which features a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times, while InControl Touch Pro is designed around a tablet-style 10.2-inch touchscreen and is as intuitive to use as it is powerful, making every journey a more enjoyable, rewarding experience.

Safety

The 2017 XE also features an available Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system.2 Sensors in this system provide measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision.

Acting as the ‘eyes’ of the optional AEB, the XE features stereo camera technology that also supports Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems which provide data for the new Adaptive Speed Limiter (ASL) feature.2 ASL uses TSR data to adjust the set point, and can automatically increase or decrease the vehicle’s speed while the accelerator pedal is pressed.1,2 If a higher speed limit is detected, the ASL system notifies the driver and can smoothly accelerate the vehicle up to the new limit. If the new speed limit is lower, the vehicle can be slowed down accordingly.

The XE also offers systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Blind Spot Monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular Park Assist, and Reverse Traffic Detection.