Lexus IS (2021 minor change) and LS (2021 minor change)

Two Lexus sedans, the sporty IS and the ultra-luxurious LS, gained major refreshes for the 2021 model year and these latest facelifts look and feel like they're way beyond facelifts. Let's scope into these updated versions.

2021 Lexus IS

2021 Lexus IS interior

We begin with the sporty one known as the Lexus IS, the current third-generation model has gained a second and biggest minor change in its lifespan and this recent facelift made the IS look and feel different in every single way.

Beginning with the design, the facelifted IS is now sharper looking than the previous facelift, giving speedo boys more reasons to love this luxury sports sedan even more. Why? When this generation was launched in 2013, most speedo boys are in a shock over the way it looks and the first facelift made it even more questionable. With the second facelift of the third-generation IS, this is the IS that speedo boys demanded for, a sharp-looking luxury sports sedan that can be enjoyed harder for longer.

While the exterior now made even more admirable, the interior feels pretty much the same except that now, they've made the sat-nav screen longer than the old one and the seats even more premium. With all that comfort and all that tech to toy with, this newly facelift IS really means something.

As such, the IS still offers three choice of powertrains such as the 2.0L turbo, the 2.5L hybrid, and the 3.5L V6 engine. Due to a change of plans, the only way to get an all-wheel drive Lexus IS, in case when things get wet or freezing, is to go hybrid. That sucks because the normal petrol ones, the turbo and the V6, are rear-wheel drive as standard.

The Lexus IS gained some reworked dynamics after it was honed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. With its improved rigidity and reworked suspension, the IS feels even more matured to drive. You can spend the rest of your day off understanding this luxury sedan further.

While you were busy enjoying the IS's improved drivability, you should know that this 4.8 million yen car has festooned with the updated Lexus Safety System+ such as the Pre-Collision System with Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, All=Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and more.

2021 Lexus LS

2021 Lexus LS interior

Now, let's scope through the facelifted Lexus LS, which starts at around 9,996,000 Japanese Yen. For its latest facelift, the Lexus LS is now more mature looking than when it first came out in late 2017, judging by its new front face that features new, mature-looking headlights, which is better looking than the Z-shaped lamps from the pre-facelifted model.

Come close to the interior and apart from the new 12.3-inch touch-operated display, there's something alluring about the new LS's interior and that's because the folks from Lexus wanted to put a slice of Japanese art on the door trims. This is artisanship done right and with such artisanship involved in the making of the new LS's interior, you can really feel its Japanese vibes when you get accommodated into it. It's like wearing a fancy kimono, if you know what I mean.

Like the pre-facelift, the updated Lexus LS still offers a choice of a 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo (V35A-FTS) engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and the 8GR-FXS 3.5L V6 engine with two electric motors and lithium-ion battery, guaranteeing a 13.6km/L on the WLTP scale.

For the sake of technology, the updated Lexus LS features a rather clever but noticing Lexus Teammate, featuring the latest in advanced driving assist technologies. Such tech made the LS living in science-fiction and the Level 2 autonomy really is noticing and in case of speedo boy driving one, he'll be running scared because of the highly advanced safety tech that outsmarted him one by one.

These two facelifted Lexus saloons look and feel like they're way beyond facelifts and with all that tech festooned on it, the new IS and the new LS really shows that Lexus are on the serious side and it's time for us to get serious on these updated machines.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Forza Horizon 4: Reasonably fast Toyotas

The Lexus IS F and the Toyota 86 completes the Series 27 prize car lists and now that I got my hands on these two let's have a quick navigation between these two rear-wheel drive JDM greats.

The IS F is the first of Lexus's high-performance F sub-brand, which is made to target the likes of Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi RS. Based on the second-generation IS, it was powered by a 5.0L direct injected 2UR-GSE V8 engine producing 423PS of power and 503Nm of torque. It was mated with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission.

The Toyota 86 made its world premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale a year later, signaling Toyota's return to making sports cars. Built in cooperation with Subaru, which spawned its BRZ equivalent, the 86 is powered by a 2.0L flat-4 engine producing over 200PS of power while mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic.

With the quick navigation over, let's give these two some actual demonstrations to see what they're made for.

Excellent. There's nothing more to talk about.

Lexus IS (XE30) - 2017MY minor change

The Lexus IS luxury midsize saloon is now on its 2017 model year and it received a minor change having been around on the road for around three years now. So, let's see some minor updates to Lexus' competitor to BMW's 3-Series, Audi's A4, and Benz's C-Class.

2017 Lexus IS

2017 Lexus IS

First up, the exterior design has been slightly revised and you can see a rather bizarre front face that looks even more eccentric than the pre-facelifted model. Although eccentric, some people might just squint their eyes to look like a decent luxury car but the new look is still noticeable from its bizarreness even when you squint at it from far away. And then, there's the revised taillamps which is still looks rather similar to the pre-facelift model. Overall, it's still a similar story.

2017 Lexus IS interior

On the interior, the biggest changes occurred in this minor change is the size of the display screen which has gone up from 7-inches to 10.25 inches. There's a new enter button located at the right side of the Remote Touch Interface on the center console for easy access as well as new stitching and new interior colors to choose from, making it very discerning for the user. In terms of tech, the 2017 Lexus IS now comes with the Lexus Safety System +, an array of safety tech featuring a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Function, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control.

2017 Lexus IS

The lineup's been drastically changed as well and due to the success of the turbocharged IS 200t model, which comes with the 8AR-FTS engine that produces 238PS of power and 350Nm of torque output while mated to an 8-speed AT, the one with the 2.5L V6 engine has been kicked out from the range and in return, the 2017MY IS now consists with the IS200t, IS350 (the one with the 3.5L V6 petrol engine), or the IS300h with a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid powerplant that promises 23.2kmpl of fuel economy as measured by JC08 Mode standards. Apart from the shift in the engine lineup, the 2017MY Lexus IS features an updated suspension, which results to a better handling and better ride compared to the pre-MC model. Talk about a major improvement, though.

The 2017MY Lexus IS starts at 4,700,000 Japanese Yen for the IS200t while the IS300h starts at 5,150,000 Japanese Yen.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Forza Motorsport 6: Celebrating Lexus' 10th anniversary since its Japan launch

The year 2015 isn't about celebrating ten years of the Forza franchise, it's also celebrating the tenth anniversary of Lexus' Japan launch. It was late August 2005 when Toyota introduced Lexus to the Japanese market with the IS, GS, and SC. Hard to believe it's already been ten years, huh? So much stuff happening in the world are in their tens this year but let's not talk about those, okay?

Anyway, I'll honor Lexus' 10 years of Japanese sales with a selection of Lexus vehicles lapping round the Top Gear track on Forza Motorsport 6. Remember, only the Lexus cars offered in Japan since 2005. I'm not going to send the old 1997 Lexus SC300 here because apparently, it's only a Toyota Soarer offered in Japan and Lexus hasn't been introduced in Japan yet although the Lexus brand was offered to the world market. Only focus on the Lexus-branded cars offered in Japan.

The Lexus IS F, a potent version of the second-generation IS, the first Lexus IS offered to the Japanese market since Lexus was introduced in Japan in 2005. It signalled the birth of Lexus' F division that would combat the likes of BMW's M division, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi's quattro GmbH, responsible for their RS models. Launched in the end of 2007, the IS F was powered by a 5.0L direct injected 2UR-GSE V8 engine producing 423PS of power and 503Nm of torque. It was mated with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission.



The Lexus LFA, the pinnacle of Lexus' pursuit of perfection. With 500 units built from its two-year lifespan, the LFA comes with Japan's first ever V10 engine producing 552HP of power and 354lb-ft of torque. Even with production has ended three years ago, the LFA is a legendary JDM supercar in its own right.



The GS 350 F Sport. On its fourth-generation, the Lexus GS wants to be a serious competitor to BMW's 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz's E-Class, and Audi's A6. It's the first Lexus to introduce the Spindle Grille, which became a trademark to present-day and future Lexus models.



The IS350 F Sport. On its third-generation, the IS introduced a much radical evolution of Lexus' L-Finesse design philosophy and it gave us a much rakish look of the luxury brand's signature Spindle Grille.



And finally, the RC F. Using Lexus' involvement in the world of Super GT, the RC F is made to take on the race track thanks to its improved version of the 5.0L V8 derived from the IS F as well as other track-essential improvements that will keep it more potent in track days.

Now, most of the Lexus models are here to celebrate 10 years of Lexus' Japanese launch, and in honor of such ubiquitous occasions because 10 is becoming a lucky number for the year 2015, these Lexuses are ready to take on the Top Gear track, using whatever means necessary to attain the quickest lap.

All right, let's show them what they can do. For Lexus' 10th anniversary of Japanese sales!



The results:
1:26.418 - ISF
1:22.407 - LFA
1:30.713 - GS 350
1:33.250 - IS 350
1:27.047- RCF

Well, I have to say, these cars did a heck of a job honoring Lexus' 10th anniversary of Japanese sales and even though they did very well setting lap times, looks like the Lexus most Japanese will remember for for the past ten years of tenure is the Lexus LFA because it's the Japanese supercar that defined the breed and set the template for Lexus' F models for many years to come.

The RC F may not be a decent heir to the LFA but because of its circuit-based knowledge thanks to its involvement in the Super GT series, it tries to stay true to its AMAZING IN MOTION slogan. Only problem is when I took this one off, it ended up lapped slower than the IS F even though it has more power and that's definitely because this car's heavier than the IS F, I presume.

Onto the normal models like the GS350 and the IS350, feels like they're way much of a different league when compared against its German rivals but they're not half bad to impress its owners with its dynamics. Sure they maybe luxury cars but they felt like they're becoming as sporty as it hoped for...well, sorta.

If I had to pick which is the best Lexus for 10 years, my best pick would be the LFA because even though its production has ceased, its fame has been elevated as a cult classic, a legend in its own right.

It's an honor to celebrate Lexus' 10th anniversary since its Japan launch.

Forza Motorsport 5: IS装着

The IS naming in the Lexus IS car stands for "intelligent sports" but if you drank too much sake and ended in a massive hangover, you will probably mistaken the naming for "Infinite Stratos", apparently. If the name "Stratos" really does ring a bell...then most car enthusiast think of that name as the legendary Lancia Stratos, the rally legend powered by a Ferrari Dino engine in the middle and won three World Rally Championships from 1974 to 1976.

This has got to be one of the most absurd comparisons ever done in the history of Forza Motorsport 5 but because this is science, the Lexus IS, in IS F trim with the 5.0L V8 engine and the 8-speed SPDS gearbox mated on it, wanted to know if the S in the IS naming stands for Stratos but first...




Both the ISF and the Stratos are taking their rehearsals at the world-renowned, as-seen-on-TV, Top Gear Test Track, located at the Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, United Kingdom.



Based on the data gathered during their rehearsals, it seems that the Lancia Stratos, despite it's almost four times less power than the ISF, performed very well in the handling stakes thanks to the fact that it weighs 1,619 lbs less than the Lexus saloon car and its almost-perfect weight distribution, meaning that for every turn, the Lancia does very well like proper handwriting. The Lexus maybe more powerful than the Stratos but because with so much torque, even a gentle touch would send its rear wheels spin, giving you a hard time to send it to the tight corners with maximum effort. I know Lexus cars are made for those who want to spend their time at the country club like most luxury cars do but for the ISF, that is so out of character for a Japanese luxury car.

With all that, looks like the ISF and the Stratos flew all the way to Long Beach, California, and they're all set to answer the burning question that every student from the IS Academy, well mostly female students, asks. So, can the S in the IS really means Stratos?!






At the Long Beach circuit, the Lexus did it in 1:45.482 while the Lancia did it in 1:53.095, almost eight seconds slower. Well, conclusive proof that the S in the Lexus IS naming really means Stratos...although this is very absurd and whoa! Am I spending too much time drinking alcohol and watching too much Infinite Stratos just to spring this massively absurd idea?! Oh dear... Looks like I'm kinda offending little Miss Houki... He he he...

Infinite Stratos 2: Ignition Hearts

Last autumn 2013, Infinite Stratos returned for its explosive and high-octane second season in Infinite Stratos 2. The second season of IS...some follow, others change lanes. It's their move. After getting the fans fasten their seatbelts on the New IS, there's still more assault in store for the New IS even after the second season concluded.

Infinite Stratos 2: Ignition Hearts (PS3)

Infinite Stratos 2: Ignition Hearts (PSVita)

The first ever video game in the IS franchise finally power-slided our way exclusively on the Playstation systems, namely the PS3 and the PSVita hand-held console. So, what's it all about the new Infinite Stratos video game? To find out, time to press the ENGINE START STOP button from the inside of the IS and let's go because this is going to be one heck of a ride! Be warned though...Professional Driver. Closed Course. Do Not Attempt.

In this game, Ichika has lost his memory and it's up to the girls to retrieve back his memories no matter what it takes. Simple as that and that's just the start because while strapping yourselves on the driver's seat for the heck of it, Ignition Hearts is in the form of a dating-sim game with a difference and in this different kind of dating-sim, choices are the critical point of the game because even a slight mistake would cost you badly. Whether if its facing with Houki Shinonono, Cecilia Alcott, Huang Lingyin, Charlotte Dunois, Laura Bodewig, and the Sarashiki girls (Tatenashi and Kanzashi), your judgement is on balance between a success or failure. Keep them happy and their Ignition point will raise but get it wrong, their Stress point will raise and if its too much stress, the game is over...unless you want to trigger the Passion Event. Be careful when your out there or you will be in big trouble.

This is how it's done with one of the following official videos:



Because both the PS3 game and the PSVita game were launched simultaneously, you can take advantage of its cross-save feature. This is a very convenient Playstation feature. Play this game on the PS3 and if you want to continue while you're away, initiate the cross-save and continue your gameplay to your PSVita.

Having talked through the fundamentals of this dating-sim game based on the hit anime series, Ignition Hearts is not quite a bad game for an IS fan but because of such complicating ways this dating-sim has to offer, it's going to be a lot more difficult as you faced with numerous dating-sim games in the past but when you get the hang of it, it's not really bad at all. As a quick precaution, you might run into several unusual scenes as you progress in the mission to recover Ichika's memories such in the case of one of the characters who is going to be your fiance or wife or whatever stuff that is surely going to be messy.

Like the anime series, Ignition Hearts features the opening theme song by Minami Kuribayashi and the closing theme song by the IS girls. Opening song is titled coloration while the Ending theme is titled Grow Up Shining!!

Onto the limited editio;, for those who've already pre-ordered it, the limited edition in both the PS3 and the PSVita versions come with a SD figure of Charlotte and the soundtrack CD. For the PS3 version, players get a product code for the swimsuits while PSVita owners get the bath towel costume code.

And that's the end of this...test drive. You're free to come out from the IS now.

2014 Lexus IS gets the LX-Mode treatment

2014 Lexus IS with LX-Mode accessories

A series of aftermarket parts and accessories from LX-MODE are offered on the brand new 2014 Lexus IS and the series of aftermarket parts and accessories featured a host of new bumper parts, door garnish, side skirts, steering wheel base, diamond line stone that fits the ignition start button and the analog clock in the dashboard, LED backup, LED set, there's loads of it.

Check them out: http://www.lx-mode.jp/lineup/2013/10/lexus-is300h350250-30.php

Lexus New IS (GSE30/GSE35/GSE31/AVE30)

2014 Lexus IS

If you are the sort of petrolhead who accidentally sniffed a bottle of solvent for several hours from now, chances are that the only mistake you could have done is mistaken the IS for Infinite Stratos and if by the word Stratos, you would actually mean "Lancia Stratos" but no. IS and Stratos are from a totally different league and the Lexus IS doesn't behave like the Lancia Stratos do. Sorry for this but there will be several bad puns intended because as a man who got stoked for the upcoming Infinite Stratos 2, let's look at the totally unrelated IS that doesn't have to do with it. The main instruction? Keep it simple. Okay then, one simple story coming up...

The brand new Lexus IS is designed from the ground up to become one of the most potent entry-level Lexus sedan ever made to cater the young buyers but in terms of fashion tastes it is a bit too shoddy. A bit predator-ish and when a baby sees one may end up crying uncontrollably. It's available in either a 2.5L V6 engine with the optional 4WD, a 3.5L V6 engine mated with an 8-speed SPDS transmission which is too much for a V6 car, and for the first time ever, a 2.5L 4-cylinder coupled with a 105kW electric motor and some old-fashioned nickel batteries. Yep, there's now a hybrid model on the Lexus IS and to explain why, I went to London...and sadly though I had to pay the congestion charge even though its a hybrid. Heard the news? Hybrids and so-called eco-cars are going to lose their exemption status for the London congestion charge because they're causing too much pollution. Hmmm... Really? I regret Boris Johnson for doing this...

2014 Lexus IS

Anyway, this new IS 300h uses the same engine that I get in the hybrid model of the uber-ugly latest Toyota Crown model. Running on engine alone, it generates about 177PS of power and when both the engine and the 105kW electric motor kicks in, the power output now runs at about 220PS of power. That's about 20 more than the Toyota 86's. And then there's the transmission. The hybrid model comes with the CVT gearbox which gives this car some strange feeling and the same noise you'll be hearing. No matter if its auto or in manual mode where you'll let the paddles do the talking, it's still the same feeling. It's just 6000 revs over and over. Too awkward.

So, for a car with 23.2km/L of fuel consumption, I wonder what kind of redeeming characteristics does the 300h has? To find out, I went to a certain winding road somewhere in Japan...and it's a bit too serious. It's like there's some very clever Japanese businessman underneath it that doesn't translate the word "fun" into Japanese but never mind that because the Japanese don't know what "fun" is. The only feeling I can expect is...just west of weird. It's a bit too Gravity Falls than Gravity Rush and if I was on the IS 350 model, same thing. What bothers me about the IS 350 model is that I now have an 8-speed SPDS gearbox and that's too much to have a V6 car with so many gears.

2014 Lexus IS

2014 Lexus IS interior

There was this F-Sport model applicable for all IS models which features enhanced handling and performance, Adaptive Variable Suspension and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (only on the IS350). To find out, I went to Germany...and as it turns out, it's not half bad at the bends. I kinda agree to the blokes who said that the F-Sport model's steering feel and precision mullered the Europeans but sometimes I don't believe the praise. It's still just "west of weird". It's more Mabel Pines-ish than Age Abeille. Oops...Sorry about that. Did I said this loud, am I?

Anyway, while driving isn't the least of my problems, how about the design flow? Let's go back to the topic. Well for starters, a normal IS isn't quite the better looking than the previous model and if I were to choose between this and the previous model (2005-2012), I would rather chose the previous one instead because the design is well behaved while the new model is as weird as Mabel's braces. Perhaps they should have brought the author of IS or inspire it from the Akatsubaki for looks. Same case on the F-Sport model. Well, surprisingly, I wanna go to China in search for a metaphor for this car but sadly due to diplomatic reasons, no. I can't go to China in search for a metaphor for this car because...that would be racism.

2014 Lexus IS

What about the interior? If looks can be deceiving, how come the new IS's interior kinda resemble of the Lexus LFA's? That's the idea; while the Lexus LFA is one of the best driver's car, it's sold out, so Lexus decided to stay faithful to the original IS, better known to you and me as the Toyota Altezza from the 1998 to 2004, while paying respect to the LFA. There's a similar case too, with the LFA-esque speedo on the F-Sport model, infotainment, and the identical steering wheel. And compared to the previous model, there's very little to worry about with your limbs.

To sum up then, rivals like the BMW 3-Series and the Cadillac ATS are nothing more than being a proper driver's car because they're both well mannered and well behaved to be fun-to-drive machines. The new Lexus IS though, it's just too well-focused to be a proper entry-level saloon car and it's just too well-focused to be ugly even though the Spindle Grille just makes it worse. And with the pricing of 4,200,000 Yen for the IS250 model up to 5,950,000 for the IS350 F-Sport, it's too expensive. You can't use the IS 300h to get through London for free because the eco-car exemption for the congestion charge is gone, the handling is a so-so, it's made by a company that should have known better, and as told, it's just "west of weird". Question is, am I not gonna like this more than the latest Toyota Crown?! I know that's sounds ridiculous but let's leave this case to the professionals.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, White Nova Glass Flake, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey Mica, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Exceed Blue Metallic, and Lapis Lazuli Mica.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Forza Horizon: The Battle of IS

IS meets Stratos

Huh, that's weird. Even in Colorado, there really was The Battle of IS. Oh, man! Come on! Get it, together, man! What am I saying? Do you think am I the only one around here who says that the S in the Lexus IS naming really mean Stratos? As in...Lancia Stratos?

Nah! But still, it was nice driving both the Lexus IS F and the Lancia Stratos though. It's kinda fun to drive both of these weapons-grade materials on the streets of Colorado. While the Stratos has the crispiest sounds thanks to its Ferrari engine at the middle, the IS F sure is an out-of-character car for the brand that makes saloons for rich golfers.

Welcome Back: 2009 Lexus IS F

Jeremy Clarkson, meet Houki Shinonono.
Houki Shinonono, meet Jeremy Clarkson.

So, even in Forza Motorsport 4, THE BATTLE OF IS goes on and I don't mean that whole Infinite Stratos anime thing or that IS[アイエス]～男でも女でもない性～ drama thing. I'm referring to the Lexus IS featured on Forza Motorsport 4. There was the 2003 Lexus IS300, the 2006 Lexus IS350, and the 2009 Lexus IS F. This here is one of my favorite Lexus cars on this game, and still, this is a two-way tie between my favorite Lexus, which is the LFA. I'll talk about that later on but anyway, the Lexus IS F, some say it was made to be an M3 killer but it isn't. This is not as quicker as the BMW M3 Saloon and that's the point.

Most of these Japanese-y video game stuff is hidden under a wall of brute force and noise and yes. The 2UR-GSE engine packs a mighty punch and more power than the BMW M3. However, the Lexus IS F is somewhat heavier than the BMW M3 and while the M3 has a 6-speed SMG, the Lexus IS F comes with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission, which doesn't make any sense at all.

This is the kind of a sports saloon that always attacking you with scissors, not soothing your eyebrows. The M3 rides easily and comfortable but the Lexus IS F wasn't because it was too hard to handle and too risky to have your neck broken.

Even so, the Lexus IS F has a lap time of 1:26.8 at the Top Gear Test Track, slower than the BMW M3 Saloon, and that's it. End of discussion.

Infinite Stratos VOCAL COLLECTION ALBUM

Infinite Stratos Vocal Best Album

So, Infinite Stratos, a light novel that was part of Media Factory's Bunko J. The first volume was first published in 5/25/2009 and it was handmade by Izuru Yumizuru. The seventh volume was launched since 3/25/2011. It inspired an anime series that was aired since January to March 2011. Sentai Filmworks licensed this anime and this DVD and Blu-Ray will come in North America this April 2012.

The 2UR-GSE engine has been revved up again and holy Dunsfold! It's a collection of Infinite Stratos vocal tracks bundled up in this compilation CD. Firstly, what you'll get is the opening theme, closing theme, and character songs from Houki Shinonono (CV. Yoko Hikasa), Cecilia Alcott (CV. Yukana), Huang Ling Yin (CV. Asami Shimoda), Charles Dunois (CV. Kana Hanazawa), and Laura Bodewig (CV. Marina Inoue). If that wasn't enough, this compilation introduces five brand new, never before heard, character songs from Houki Shinonono (CV. Yoko Hikasa), Cecilia Alcott (CV. Yukana), Huang Ling Yin (CV. Asami Shimoda), Charles Dunois (CV. Kana Hanazawa) and Laura Bodewig (CV. Marina Inoue).

Now imagine if The Stig would listen to one of these...

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 STRAIGHT JET
02 紅く、紅く
03 Noble Heart
04 好吃スマイル◎
05 mon cherie,ma cherie
06 An die Freude
07 強がりリグレット
08 恋をはじめましょう
09 たいむいずらぶ!
10 アリガト。だけじゃない
11 Change my mind
12 ベストパートナー
13 SUPER∞STREAM

Buy it at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=LACA-15195

IS (Infinite Stratos) Encore -Koi ni Kogareru Rokujuso-

Infinite Stratos Encore

So, this is it. The OVA of the hit TBS anime series, IS -Infinite Stratos- has arrived and this is going to pack more horsepower than a 2UR-GSE engine and I was thinking that this packs more apexes, twists, and turns. It's like you're sitting inside the IS and going for a wild ride to the Fuji Speedway until your neck's broken.

Grip around the corners of life on this original storyline as our favorite IS girls; Houki, Cecilia, Rin, Charlotte, and Laura doing their normal lifestyles and how it affect the outcome of Ichika. This IS OVA packs with scenes you may foudn out to be somewhat interesting, humorous, captivating, and it will keep you drifting all the way to the very end of this OVA.

After watching the whole OVA, you couldn't work it out at all...

LIMITED EDITION:
Limited Edition packaging includes not only the DVD or Blu-Ray but also a special booklet based on the IS OVA and episodes 4 to 7 of the Infinite Stratos Web Radio titled "RADIO IS".

Cast:

Kouki Uchiyama as Ichika Orimura

Yoko Hikasa (Mio Akiyama from K-ON! series) as Houki Shinonono

Yukana (C.C. from Code Geass series) as Cecilia Alcott

Asami Shimoda (Ami and Mami Futami from THE IDOLM@STER) as Fan Rinin

Kana Hanazawa (Kobato) as Charlotte Dunois

Marina Inoue (Natsuru Seno from Kampfer series) as Laura Bodewig

...and others.

AVAILABLE TO ORDER:

IS OVA DVD: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMBZ-7037

IS OVA BD: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMXZ-7047

SNEAK PEEK: Armor Girls Project Infinite Stratos Blue Tears x Cecilia Alcott

Armor Girls Project Infinite Stratos
Blue Tears x Cecilia Alcott

This marks the inaugural launch of Bandai's new Armor Girls Project (AGP) line with the launch of Armor Girls Project Infinite Stratos Blue Tears x Cecilia Alcott PVC figure, which will go on sale this March 2012.

"Armor Girls Project" seems to be a rubbish name for Bandai's new lineup and frankly it deserves better because it could be the next big thing.Having Infinite Stratos' Cecilia Alcott as the inaugural first of its lineup is too rubbish and frankly it deserves better.

Compared to figma models and Busou Shinki models, this was supposed to be even more better. This is somewhat ambitious but rubbish.

If only Houki Shinonono and her Akatsubaki would have been the opening salvo instead of Cecilia Alcott and her Blue Tears...

URL: http://tamashii.jp/item/item.php?eid=01681

Something that Houki Shinonono would like...

2011 Lexus IS F Red Edition

This special edition, exclusive in New Zealand, limited to 10 units, Lexus IS F Red Edition has an interior so RED, you might think that how it feels like to be in the Akatsubaki...

Is this something that Houki Shinonono would like because of its Akatsubaki interior that goes "Gee, this interior smells like Tsubaki shampoo!"

Scoop: http://www.lexus.co.nz/Models/ISF/ISF+Red/

Charlotte Dunois "Jersey version" figure revealed ahead of Spring 2012 debut!

Alter Infinite Stratos Charlotte Dunois Jersey Version figure

If we're going to place it on the COOL WALL, we'll place this on the SUB-ZERO side. Why? This Charlotte Dunois "Jersey version" figure by Alter is just brilliant. I especially love her facial expressions because her cuteness will simply make this new figure up to their wish lists or readying their bank checks to pre-order such an elegant figure, which will go on sale in Spring 2012.

Site: http://www.alter-web.jp/figure/12/03_2/index.html

MY OH MY! Houki Shinonono would not going to like this...

Uh-huh. Houki Shinonono would not going to be happy when she saw her Akatsubaki crushed due to...illegal racing. That is, a red 2011 Lexus IS F.

The cops in California crushed a red Lexus IS F after impounded it because of illegal street racing (or is it?). That made me sad but whatever. Houki Shinonono would be very very disappointed, seeing her beautiful Akatsubaki crushed.

Sorry, Houki...

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/10/video-lexus-is-f-goes-under-crusher-in.html

IS OVA on-sale date info

Hi guys! Sorry for the late info. I got numerous contacts about the IS OVA on-sale date. They said that the on-sale date, originally set for November 25, 2011 debut, was recently been delayed to December 7, 2011. We are not sure why they delay it but would be better to save up some cash for these.

Source: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/is/news/news.html

IS＜インフィニット・ストラトス＞アンコール

「恋に焦がれる六重奏」Blu-ray＆DVD発売日変更に関して

この度、2011年11月25日（金）に発売予定でしたIS＜インフィニット・ストラトス＞アンコール「恋に焦がれる六重奏」【Blu-ray】【DVD】につきまして、制作上の都合により発売日を2011年12月7日（水）に変更させていただくことになりました。

ご迷惑をおかけしてしまい誠に申し訳ございませんが、何卒ご理解を賜りますよう、よろしくお願い申し上げます。

IS＜インフィニット・ストラトス＞アンコール「恋に焦がれる六重奏」

【Blu-ray】（品番：ZMXZ-7047／6,300円（本体6,000円＋税5％））

【DVD】 （品番：ZMBZ-7037／5,250円（本体5,000円＋税5％））

旧発売日：2011年11月25日（金）

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新発売日：2011年12月7日（水）

※収録内容、仕様等に変更はございません。

IS FACTS 開発へのこだわり - Vol. 06

In honor of IS (Infinite Stratos) DVD & Blu-Ray final volume's release...

IS (Infinite Stratos) Blu-Ray Final Volume

Our guests will be the main IS girls (or as we say it, アイエス・ガール) such as Houki, Cecilia, Rin, Charlotte, and Laura. As a matter of fact, this is the final volume of the IS DVD and BD range so let's wrap it up something special. Besides, it's all about language, connection, and intelligence but that's nothing, a hybrid of "mech" and "bishoujo" is that's what "IS" is all about. Let's take this finale something special.

I shall be the Lexus IS (for this I'll be the TRD LEXUS IS F CIRCUIT CLUB SPORT) and I'll interview one IS gal at the time from Rin, Cecilia, Charles, Laura, and Houki. Perhaps, they'll should start asking now. Think of it like AutocOne's JOY×女医 ～新型車、診察しちゃうぞ！～, only different.

Location: Shanghai International Circuit (上海国际赛车场)

Fan Rinin

...as we approach at the first corner...

Lexus IS: So, your name is Rin right? Fan Rinin or Huang Ling Yin? Should I call you Rin just for sake?

Rin: (Hysterically) How did you know mine? Wow! When I first taking a seat at something they call it "IS" but I got confused for calling it Infinite Stratos. Are you some kind of...car?

Lexus IS: That's right. And thanks for calling me that because that's how "IS" stands for, Rin. Excuse me as we're taking on the sixth corner of this track.

Rin: WHOA!

... as the IS corners through the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth corner of the track...

Lexus IS: Rin, hold on tight! We're cornering through the 11th and 12th corner of the track!

...as the IS corners, we can see a big smile on Rin's face!

Rin: You're amazing! You kinda remind me of Ichika!

Lexus IS: Yeah, right, besides, if Ichika was there, he would explain more about this.

Rin: Like what?

Lexus IS: Never mind. Just to tell you that you are the nicest person I have ever let you sitting in the driver seat of the IS. If you were on my steering wheel, you would have called me a...

Rin: Shenlong? Yes! Yes I know! (Kissing the steering wheel)

Lexus IS: Hey! Wha-?! What are you doing?

Rin: You're the best! I want to see more of you!

Lexus IS: Can you please calm down Fan Rinin? We're almost at the finish line!

...and that concludes it. Let's move on to the United Kingdom.

Location: Silverstone Circuit (The Grand Prix Circuit)

Cecilia Alcott

...as we get through the starting line...

Cecilia: You remind me of my Blue Tears...and also Ichika. Are you...my IS?

Lexus IS: Yes, Cecilia Alcott. Yes I am. For an English woman like you, I appreciated your charm and wit not only because you have something special, it is because...ugh I can't explain it.

Cecilia: What? Oh come on! When I sat through your beautiful leather seat, I never felt this kind of reaction before because this says "IS". It was like what is it? Is this the Infinite Stratos?

Lexus IS: Cecilia, please. Stop confusing me. Hold on as we corner through the Farm Curve to the Village Corner of the track.

...the Lexus IS manages to corners through the Farm Curve to the Village Corner of the Silverstone GP but Cecilia seems to be unhappy.

Lexus IS: Why are you still unhappy, Cecilia?

Cecilia: As far as I know, this is not the IS I know!

Lexus IS: Oh, really?

...Cecilia was shocked when the Lexus IS cornered through the Luffield Corner and went straight through the Woodcote Corner. By the time we crossed Copse Corner, Cecilia had a smile on her face and started to get excited.

Cecilia: (Laugh) WOW! You really are an amazing piece of machine! All these moments is like I'm spending time with Ichika but you, you may be a machine but I had a lot of respect for you!

Lexus IS: Cecilia., knock it off. You making me blush...

...and for the real excitement, the Lexus IS cornered through the Maggotts Corner, Becketts Corner and the Chapel Curve until we made it to the finish line.

Cecilia: You're starting to like me! I like you! You know what, we're not such bad partners at all! You made me complete after you went past through the difficult corners. What's your secret?

Lexus IS: I have no secrets. Probably thanks to the engineers who made me a better suspension. I may have flaws but thanks to you, I'm glad you find me to be enjoyable.

Cecilia: Yes I know! Should I start to kiss you for a while?

Lexus IS: Wait, what? Cecilia what are you doing! Hey! Wait! Stop it!

... okay that concludes it. Let's go to Le Mans...

Location: Circuit De La Sarthe (Circuit des 24 Heures)

Charlotte "Charles" Dunois

... as we went through the starting line, we find her getting nervous as the Lexus IS maneuvers through the first corner. Even through the Lexus IS cornered through distant gaps, she's still a little bit nervous.

Charlotte: Um, are you some kind of a...car?

Lexus IS: Don't be shy Charlotte. Of course I am. Why would you expect that this car has the name "IS" on it?

Charlotte: I thought you remind me more of my IS, the Rafale Revive Custom II, but you're a bit different.

Lexus IS: Yes, I maybe different than your IS you used but you want me to see the different side of me?

...and now, the Lexus IS pushes through the Mulsanne Straight, readying for its top speed attempt. Charlotte got startled upon the Lexus IS' top speed.

Charlotte: WHAT ARE YOU DOING! PLEASE STOP IT! YOU'RE SCARING ME!

...the Lexus IS cornered through the chicane and after that, it went back, pushing its top speed to the max! Charlotte got panicked!

Charlotte: WAAAHHHH!!!! NO!!!!

...after such top speed, it went through the second chicane and after that, back for some top speed madness! Charlotte couldn't keep up!

Charlotte: NO!!!! WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU! HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?!

Lexus IS: Because...I am...your IS! I am your very own Rafale Revive Custom II!

Charlotte: THAT CAN'T BE!!!

...as we went through the end of the Mulsanne Straight, Charlotte questioned.

Charlotte: So you were my Rafale Revive Custom II? That's impossible! As far as I know, you are some kind of an insane machine!

Lexus IS: Sorry if you had to call me an "insane machine" but look around the cup holders. I have something special for you.

Charlotte: Cafe au lait? Wow! My favorite! You know what? I'm sorry if I had to call you an insane machine. You must be very generous to me, kinda like Ichika.

Lexus IS: Really? Besides, that coffee someone made it must be Ichika. He must have made this whole cafe au lait for you. Why don't you taste it?

...as we went through the Arnage corner, Charlotte took a sip of cafe au lait. Charlotte seems to be happy when she didn't realize that this cafe au lait was superbly delicious! We can see Charlotte smiling.

Charlotte: This cafe au lait tastes delicious! I would never realize how gentle you are not only because you are fast but because you are somewhat special to me!

Lexus IS: As I said, I am special indeed.

Charlotte: You know what, I guess you're not such a mean machine after all.

Lexus IS: Indeed I am not. Okay Charlotte, hold steady because here comes the finish line.

...and so, we went through the finish line...

Charlotte: Thanks for cheering me up. As of now, you are my IS now. I'm glad we've met each other as friends.

Lexus IS: You're welcome. If you need me Charlotte, feel free to get inside.

...and that concludes it. Ready for the Ring?

Location: Nurburgring (Nordschleife)

Laura Bodewig

Before Laura gets inside the Lexus IS, she asks this car some questions...

Laura: Is this the right venue? Are you my IS?

Lexus IS: You must be Laura Bodewig, right?

Laura: Indeed I am, who is this?

Lexus IS: I heard that was your codename given by the German military and you were a part of Schwarzer Hase (Black Rabbit).

Laura: Wait, how did you know all about me?

Lexus IS: Well, Miss Laura, why don't you sit inside my driver seat and see for yourself?

Laura: I don't know but okay, I'll seat through...the driver's seat. Ugh, I wonder who set up this bizarre venue and why would I have to get inside...a car that was called IS?

...Laura sits on the driver's seat and closes the door. This Lexus IS starts its 20.8km torture at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. After three minutes and still on the corners...

Laura: Well, I got to admit it, you're not such a bad machine after all. You remind me of my Schwarzer Roegen. You maybe tough like me, but I think you had a good side at all.

Lexus IS: What about you? Do you have...the lighter side of yourself?

Laura: Eh...What? I'm sorry. I don't really understand what you said.

Lexus IS: Oh come on. Last time, you got hit by some volley ball and then you said you never looked to be...

Laura: CUTE?!

...after a few minutes, with Laura got provoked, the Lexus IS cornered through the Carousel. After cornering through the carousel with Laura still got her head on fire after all of the teasing, it's off to the Wipperman to Brunnchen. While at the Pflanzgarten...

Laura: Who do you think you are? What exactly were you made of?!

Lexus IS: Laura, I am your Schwarzer Roegen. This IS is your IS, remember?

Laura: What? My IS? That's impossible, I would take granted by this...Japanese-made machine!

...at the Galgenkopf...

Lexus IS: Laura, are you ready to see what I can do next?

Laura: Like what?!

...it's off at the straight part of the Nordschleife, the Dottinger Hohe. Laura got shocked when she experience the top speed of the Lexus IS. With such top speed, she couldn't keep up until she say...

Laura: WHOA!

...at the end of the Dottinger Hohe, it went straight from the Antoniusbuche, Tiergarten, Hohenrain, until it went straight to the end of the lap. Laura asked...

Laura: (Panting) You must really be the Schwarzer Roegen I had. You really are an amazing machine. I would gladly take back everything I said about you.

Lexus IS: That's a nice way to say it, Laura.

Laura: I'm glad to meet up with the one-of-a-kind IS. So, what's next?

...and now, we'll wrap it up at Fuji...Speedway!

Location: Fuji Speedway (富士スピードウェイ)

Houki Shinonono

Houki Shinonono stops by at the Fuji Speedway's Pit Buildings. At some pit area at the Fuji Speedway, she met an elusive Lexus IS F CCS-R, waiting for her to get seated. Houki asked...

Houki: So, are you my IS? (I wonder what my sis is up to...)

Lexus IS: Houki Shinonono, right? Yes, I am the IS

Houki: But you don't look more like my IS, the Akatsubaki. Are you some kind of a...car? And why did you want me to meet at this...racetrack?

Lexus IS: (Sniff) Mmmmm...that's a nice smell from your hair. What shampoo are you using?

Houki: Eh? You can smell my hair? I'm not sure but that's TSUBAKI Shining shampoo with natural tsubaki oil.

Lexus IS: Tsubaki? More like...Akatsubaki! (Mmmm...)

Houki: What did you said?

Lexus IS: Never mind, get inside and you'll see how worthy I am to be called the Akatsubaki...

...Houki sits at the driver seat. The Lexus IS F CCS-R exits the pit building and races through the straight part of the Fuji Speedway...

Lexus IS: Hold steady Houki, this is going to be a long brake!

Houki: Wait what?!

...The first corner has been a test between Houki and the IS...

Houki: You're starting to scare me! What was that for?

Lexus IS: Ready for another?

Houki: Another what?! WHOA!

...with so many technical corners at the Fuji Speedway, Houki gets a little more tense. When they went through the chicane...

Houki: Hey, watch out!

...The Lexus IS F CCS-R braked through the chicane and turned right and left.  As they made it on the final corners of the Fuji Speedway...

Houki: I've never thought you were as sharp and cool as the Akatsubaki. How can you do all this?

Lexus IS: Because Houki, I am your Akatsubaki! But don't tell something to your sister, ok? It's just the both of us. Woman to machine, right?

Houki: Uh, okay. I'll never tell.

Lexus IS: Alright, let's go back to the pit building!

...The Lexus IS F CCS-R went back to the pit building. Houki exited the car and then...

Houki: Uh  hey. I just want to say, thank you for spending some time with me. If only Ichika was there, he wouldn't complain more about this wild ride.

Lexus IS: You think so? Look inside, I have something special for you...

Houki finds something special inside the Lexus IS F CCS-R...

Houki: WOW! Infinite Stratos BD Volume 6! Thank you so much!

Lexus IS: You're welcome!

...before she left...

Houki: Just one word, your interior does smell like my Tsubaki shampoo!

Lexus IS: Tee-hee!

About IS DVD & BD Vol. 6:

Houki: We would like to thank everyone who supported Infinite Stratos. We thanked those who've enjoyed watching the anime from January to March on TBS, supported our merchandise, collected five volumes of IS DVD or BD, and supported from the IS One-Off Festival.

Cecilia: And to that, we'll wrap you up with the final volume!

Rin: This DVD or Blu-Ray contains the last two episodes (episode 11 and 12) of the Infinite Stratos anime! They are loaded with audio commentary by Houki (Yoko Hikasa) and Cecilia (Yukana)!

Charlotte: That's not all! There is also a textless version of the ending as well!

Laura: For limited editions, there is a special booklet containing info about the IS and a special DVD called "RADIO IS ARCHIVES", containing the first three episodes of the Infinite Stratos Web Radio titled "RADIO IS", hosted by Yoko Hikasa as Houki Shinonono and Asami Shimoda as Fan Rinin.

Everyone: THANKS FOR WATCHING IS! SEE YOU SOON!

For English-speaking customers:

IS DVD Final Volume: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMBZ-7036

IS BD Final Volume: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMXZ-7046

...and that concludes the special IS FACTS presentation regarding the IS (Infinite Stratos) DVD and Blu-Ray range. We would like to thank Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda, Lexus IS chief engineer Junichi Furuyama, Lexus IS F chief designer Yukihiko Yaguchi, Lexus IS C engineer Keiichi Yoneda, IS author Izuru Yumizuru, director Yasuhito Kikuchi, character desginer Tomoyasu Kurashima, Lexus Manila president Danny Isla, the Project IS team, the employees at the Toyota plants at Tahara, Aichi prefecture and Miyakawa, Fukuoka prefecture, the Lexus owners clubs (especially the Lexus IS owners clubs), and the people behind Infinite Stratos! This wouldn't be done without them and this is going to be best "Lexus Fiction" to remember because it is the IS.

Until then, see you at the OVA! Bye!

LEXUSのモノづくり? BEACH QUEENS 篠ノ之箒, 誕生！

WAVE Infinite Stratos Houki Shinonono
Beach Queens figure

Sure, it is expected for an April 2012 release but this not some kind of product you'll expect seeing it on the "Lexus Collection 2012 Spring & Summer" catalog. Yep, just saying the whole "IS(アイエス)" pun. Okay, time for some TSUBAKI STORIES...

The upcoming WAVE BEACH QUEENS Houki Shinonono figure, to be released this April 2012, really takes "The Pursuit of Perfection" to the next level because she's from IS (Infinite Stratos). Looks like L-Finesse really pays off to create such a premium forged figure.

Prices start at 3,999 Japanese Yen (tax inclusive), I'm sure everyone's readying their bank checks to pre-order such a pick-up item because the WAVE Infinite Stratos Houki Shinonono BEACH QUEENS figure possess Incisive Simplicity,  Intriguing Elegance, and Seamless Anticipation, just like Lexus design philosophy, L-Finesse.

After it was released in the public, other characters from Infinite Stratos such as Cecilia Alcott, Fan Rinin, Charlotte Dunois, and Laura Bodewig may follow soon! In the meantime, ready your bank checks to pre-order the premium forged WAVE Infinite Stratos Houki Shinonono BEACH QUEENS figure.

Site: http://www.hobby-wave.com/LINE_UP/kanseihin/2011/houki/index.html

そのすべてが、WAVEのものづくりの思想に通じています。TFC「BEACH QUEENS」シリーズ ,篠ノ之箒, 誕生！

TRD LEXUS IS F "Circuit Club Sport Parts" Information

Houki Shinonono from Infinite Stratos

Houki Shinonono again! I really sorry why I have to interrupt because I really "really" forgot something to tell you. There's also something written on this notebook about a special "Circuit Club Sport Parts" for the Lexus IS F courtesy of Toyota Racing Development (TRD)!

TRD LEXUS IS F "Circuit Club Sport Parts"

TRD LEXUS IS F "Circuit Club Sport Parts"

Toyota Racing Development finally created a special "Circuit Club Sport Parts" for the Lexus IS F, using the knowledge of motorsports to create a race-inspired performance only suitable for the tamed racing drivers throughout Japan. This new breed of performance is tested from the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and wind tunnel experiments to ensure the highest potential this new kind of performance can handle and now the "Circuit Club Sport Parts" is now available for the first time on the Lexus IS F!

According to Toyota Motor Corporation, a total of 16 special parts are available such as Carbon Fiber Hood, Carbon Fiber Front Spoiler, Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser,

Carbon Fiber Rear Wing, 2Way damping force adjustable suspension kit, Fixed damping force suspension kits, Aluminum forged wheel set,

Magnesium forged wheel set, Limited-slip Differential, Brake Pads, Carbon Interior Panel Kit, Titanium Exhaust, and Performance Damper Kit.

Getting the special Circuit Club Sport Parts can be in separate or in three performance packages. Let's see, um, for Stage 1, you'll get everything what I said except for the 2Way damping force adjustable suspension kit and LSD. Stage 1 can't give you the two optional forged wheels. The Stage 1 Performance Package will cost about 3,586,485 Japanese Yen. Now, how about Stage 2? On this stage, you'll get everything from Stage 1 and you'll also get two goodies such as LSD and a Forged Aluminum Wheel Set. Stage 2 will cost about 4,676,385 Japanese Yen. Stage 3? Well, this is my favorite Performance Package because all of the equipment are included, Forged Magnesium Wheel Set is placed, LSD is equipped and the fixed damping suspension kit has been replaced with a 2Way Suspension kit! The ultimate package costs about 5,568,885 Japanese Yen! This 2Way Suspension kit will serve as the Amatsuki and the Karaware of the suspension system and wait 'till this one can perform like the Akatsubaki!

There was also an exclusive color (and I'm sure Charlotte Dunois would like that) called CCS Orange. The CCS Orange is available exclusively at the Circuit Club Sport Parts but for more information about the pricing, please come and see your nearest Lexus dealer.

That's all I can say! Thank you and enjoy the new TRD LEXUS IS F Circuit Club Sport Parts!

Website: http://www.trdparts.jp/lexus/isf_ccsp/