• The 2009 Lexus IS line, consisting of the IS250 and IS350, is a compact luxury sport sedan from Lexus and parent company Toyota Motor Corp. For 2009, the second-generation IS received a styling refresh and some new features such as a revised suspension. The sport sedan competed directly with the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Infiniti G37 in the entry-level luxury car market.
  
  

Engines

• Two engines were available for the Lexus IS line in 2009. IS250 cars are equipped with a 2.5-liter V-6. This engine has 24 valves, dual overhead cams and a 12-to-1 compression ratio. The naturally aspirated unit has bore and stroke of 3.27 by 3.03 inches. Power output measures 204 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 185 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. The up-level IS350 model enters more sporty territory with its 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6. Also with 24 valves and dual overhead cams, the motor has an 11.8-to-1 compression ratio. Bore and stroke measure 3.7 by 3.27 inches. The 3.5-liter produces 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 277 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm.
  
  

Drivetrain and Chassis

• Like its competitors from Infiniti, BMW and Audi, the 2009 Lexus IS has its engine in the front, putting power to the rear wheels. Transmission choices varied by model. For the IS250, either a six-speed conventional manual or a six-speed automatic transmission was available. The IS350 was equipped with either a six-speed paddle-shifted sequential manual or a six-speed automatic. A special version of the IS250 with all-wheel drive sought to woo buyers in harsh weather zones. The fully independent suspension system consisted of double wishbones up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS handled slowing things down. Electronic traction and stability control systems were standard parts of the safety package.
  
  

Exterior and Interior

• The second-generation Lexus IS had been on sale since 2006, so for 2009 it received a facelift. The front and rear fascias were all new, as were the 17-inch and 18-inch wheel designs. Integrated turn signals in the side mirrors rounded out the new exterior package. External dimensions measured 180.3 inches long, 70.9 inches wide and 56.1 inches tall. The luxury car rides on a 107.5-inch wheelbase and weighs approximately 3,400 and 3,650 lbs. depending on engine choice, transmission choice and options. The interior seats five with standard leather paired with optional real wood trim across the model line. A navigation system was optional. Airbags protect front passenger, driver, sides and side curtains.
  
  

Fuel Economy

• For the IS250 with a manual transmission, drivers should expect fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. With the automatic transmission, the IS250 gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The IS250 with all-wheel drive averages 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. For the IS350, fuel economy numbers should hover around 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway regardless of transmission choice.