Lexus has announced it will introduce an all-new compact sport sedan, the IS 300, for 2001. Boasting a 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a sophisticated rear-wheel drive chassis design, the IS 300 will begin showing up in dealer showrooms in late June.

The intent of the Lexus IS 300 is to challenge the notion that the best high-performance compact sport sedans come only with European nameplates.

Positioned below the Lexus GS luxury high-performance models, the IS 300 will compete with such established sport sedans as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series. Pricing, to be announced soon, will be extremely competitive with those cars.

Lexus expects the IS 300 to enhance the brand’s appeal among buyers in the 25-40 age group – “bust” and “trail” baby boomers in marketing lingo.

The IS 300 will offer renowned Lexus quality, craftsmanship, safety and attention to detail in a boldly styled, fun-to-drive, high-performance package as well as give Lexus two distinct “entry” products to reach two different buyer groups. The highly successful Lexus ES 300 entry-luxury sedan will continue to cater to buyers who prefer elegant styling, a quiet ride and the benefits of front-wheel drive.

“The new IS 300 will appeal to buyers who value athletic performance and bold design over pure luxury,” said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bryan Bergsteinsson. “In many ways, the new IS 300 is close in character to the GS 400, the performance leader of the Lexus line.”

For more information, visit Lexus on the Web at www.lexus.com.