TheLexus ISis a series ofentry-level luxury cars/compact executive carssold byLexussince 1999. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below theESin the Lexus lineup(and outside ofNorth America, theLexus GS). The IS was originally sold under theToyota Altezza(?·?)nameplate inJapan(the word "altezza" isItalianfor "highness") until the introduction of the Lexus brand and the second generation Lexus IS design in 2006. The Altezza name is still used at times to refer tochromedcartaillightslike those fitted to the first generation model, known as’Altezza lights’ or’Lexus-style’ lights.[1]
The first generation Altezza(codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS200(GXE10) made its debut inEuropein 1999 and inNorth Americaas the IS300(JCE10) in 2000. The first generation, inline-6-powered IS featured sedan and wagon variants. The second generation IS was launched globally in 2006 withV6-powered IS 250(GSE20) and IS 350(GSE21) sedan models. A high-performanceV8sedan version, theIS F, premiered in 2007. Hardtopconvertibleversions, theIS 250 CandIS 350 C, debuted in 2008. According to Lexus, the IS designation stands for Intelligent Sport.