[eddieusj]

PART 2 -

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: Toyota Altezza AS200 (Lexus IS200)/ RS200 BEAMS DUAL VVTI

The Car - Wheels/tyres


LEXUS says the tyre choice for the IS200 was specifically developed to match local conditions and driving tastes. So what do we get? Quite a choice actually. While the standard offering is a 16-inch x 6.5-inch alloy wheel mated to the 205/55R16 V-rated Bridgestone RE030, the Luxury Option offers a machine-finished 17-inch x 7-inch alloy wheel combined with a 215/45 17R Z-speed rated Bridgestone RE040. Two accessory 17-inch wheels are offered: one from Japan the other from OZ Racing in Italy.

The Car - Luggage

THERE'S no split-fold rear seat, but there is a "Trunk-through" capacity which adds to the IS200's flexibility. A sports ski port bag, which can hold four snow skis or two snowboards, is an accessory. A safety triangle and a comprehensive first-aid kit are located in the boot. The kit includes items for communicable disease protection. There are chromed luggage tie-down hooks in the boot.

The Car - Stand out features



THE IS200 reeks of individuality, thanks to its bespoke exterior and interior, including the striking chronograph instruments. The performance of the chassis is outstanding, backing up the sports look, and the gearbox is exceptional. Its equipment levels are high and the pricing is attractive. There are also plenty of options and accessories to customise your car.

The Car - Climate control


CLIMATE control air-conditioning is standard in the IS200, and includes a pollen filter which keeps pollutants to a minimum.
Rotary type heater/air-conditioning controls are used. There are also rear seat passenger ventilation ducts. An external ambient temperature gauge is part of the package.

STEERING:

* Power-assisted rack and pinion
* Turns lock to lock: 3.25
* Turning circle: 10.2m

BRAKES:

*Vacuum-boosted dual circuit hydraulic with four-wheel discs.
*Front brake: 296mm x 32mm ventilated discs with twin-piston, floating callipers.
*Rear brake: 307mm x 12mm solid rear discs with single opposed piston callipers.
*Anti-lock braking system: four-sensor, three-channel type.
*TCS (Traction Control)

DIMENSIONS:


*Length 4400 mm
*Ground clearance 150 mm
*Width 1725 mm
*Height 1420 mm
*Total (curb) weight 1360 kg / 2998 lb
*Wheelbase 2670 mm
*Track front 1495 mm
*Track rear 1475 mm

AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION:
1) FC: 11.6km/l
2) FC: 11.0km/l
*Fuel tank: 60L

PERFORMANCE:

1)* Top speed: 215km/h (Top speed: 207km/h - Auto)
*0-100km/h: 8.5 secs (11.2 secs Auto)

2) *Top speed 233km/h if unrestricted (JDM limited to 180km/h)
0-100km/h: 7.2 secs (MANUAL)
*Top speed 230km/h if unrestricted (JDM limited to 180km/h)
0-100km/h: 8.0secs (AUTO)

[eddieusj]

PART 1


The Owners Club usually means the gatherings of enthusiasts who own the same car or the same brand car. There is a variety of such gatherings in the world. Some share the photographs and customization histories on the Owners Club website, some post the updates on the blog or BBS, and others feel the sense of unity by putting the original sticker. Although there are various ways to enjoy such event, it seems to be the best interest of all participants to show their own car and communicate with other owners about their cars . Since the event was held in the circuit that was a holy ground for all car fans this time, their joy would be easily imagined. The GAZOO Racing, which challenged the full coverage of Altezza's performance in "the 24 Hours Nurburgring" - the traditional endurance race in Germany - in 2007, visited the event of Altezza owners for the first time, along with Naruse, the Mater Test Driver who had been in charge of development test of Altezza back then. This year's "Day of Altezza" hosted by AOC (Altezza Owners Club) was the second event as it was started in the last year, where around 200 Altezzas participated mainly from Kanto, Chubu and Kansai regions and filled the paddock of Fuji Speedway early in the morning. The event was featured with the circuit driving using the participants' own car, the demonstration driving by a professional racer, the dress-up contest, and communication among the owners, and it lasted until 5:00 PM of its closing time . It was the event creating a great atmosphere where "joy of owning", "joy of driving" and "joy of communication" were nicely blended.



Hiromu Naruse, the head of all 300 Toyota test drivers, had been involved in the development of the famous sports cars such as Toyota 2000GT, AE86 and Supura. He was saying that he had a special feeling especially for Altezza. For Naruse, his visit to the event was like a reunion with his own children with whom he went through a lot together. After his arrival, looking at the Altezzas lined up in the paddock with deep emotion, he shyly gave the opening speech for the event; "I am surprised and feel very happy at the same time as the development driver of Altezza, to see so many people still drive and take a good care of Altezza. Thank you very much. "When Naruse saw the well-polished Altezzas and the smiling faces of their owners, he started talking about the episode of the development period.

[fernandobu]

I think the Altezza is a great car to drive! Despite being badge as the Lexus IS the car features all the performance and luxury needed for a daily driving car.

[jase01]

perfect blend between elegance and performance..