If you’re from Japan, you know this compact sedan as a Toyota Altezza. If you’re from elsewhere, it’s a first generation Lexus IS.
Call it how you like, but this car is still a great ride today, 16 years after its release on the market. Engineered by the same Nobuaki Katayama, who was responsible for the AE 86 project, the first generation IS was made with a greater performance emphasis that other typical Japanese luxury vehicle, and the later model could also be had with the legendary 3-liter 2JZ-GE that can be turned into a real beast if tuned correctly.
Leaving the mechanicals aside, the first generation Lexus IS was also quite a looker, having a very proportionate design, with short overhangs and straight bold lines, which really work even today if you lower the car a bit and enhance its appearance with some clean aftermarket body panels.
Check this beauty from Russia in the videos bellow for example.
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