What is the Lexus is300 called in Japan?
The Lexus IS300, a popular luxury sedan, is known by a different name in its home market of Japan. In this article, we'll explore the details behind the Lexus IS300's Japanese counterpart and how it differs from the model sold internationally.
The Lexus IS300 in Japan: Introducing the Toyota Altezza
In Japan, the Lexus IS300 is known as the Toyota Altezza. The Altezza was first introduced in 1998, a year before the Lexus IS300 made its debut in the United States. The Altezza and IS300 are essentially the same vehicle, sharing the same platform, design, and powertrain.
The Altezza was marketed as a more affordable and accessible luxury sedan in the Japanese domestic market, while the Lexus brand was reserved for the brand's higher-end models sold internationally. This allowed Toyota to cater to a wider range of customers in Japan with a similar product under a different name.
Key Differences Between the Altezza and IS300
While the Altezza and IS300 are closely related, there are a few key differences between the two models:
- Branding and Positioning: The Altezza was positioned as a more affordable luxury sedan in Japan, while the Lexus IS300 was marketed as a premium offering in international markets.
- Engine Options: The Altezza was available with a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter inline-six and a 3.0-liter inline-six, while the IS300 was primarily offered with the 3.0-liter engine in the United States.
- Trim Levels: The Altezza had a more diverse range of trim levels and options to cater to the Japanese market, while the IS300 had a more streamlined lineup internationally.
Despite these differences, the Altezza and IS300 shared the same core design, performance, and overall driving experience, making them essentially the same vehicle under different names and branding strategies.
Conclusion
The Lexus IS300, known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan, is a prime example of how automakers adapt their products to different markets and customer preferences. By offering the same vehicle under a different name and with tailored features, Toyota was able to cater to the unique needs and preferences of the Japanese domestic market while also maintaining a premium Lexus brand for international customers. Understanding these nuances can provide valuable insights into the global automotive industry and the strategies employed by manufacturers to succeed in diverse markets.
What IS the other name for the Lexus IS300?
The Lexus IS 300 (IS 200 in Japan but also sold as the Toyota Altezza) was released in 1998 (2000 in the USA), and is powered by the powerful 2JZ-GE (N/A) Inline-6 engine.
What IS Lexus called in Japan?
Lexus models were sold under the Toyota name in Japan before the Lexus brand officially launched there in 2005. Therefore, a Lexus LS was called a Toyota Celsior, a Lexus GS was a Toyota Aristo, and a Lexus IS was a Toyota Altezza. While now a luxury brand in its own right, many Lexus vehicles are based on existing Toyota models and are still marketed as Toyota in Japan.
Here are some examples of Lexus models and their former Toyota names in Japan:
- Lexus LS: Was sold as the Toyota Celsior
- Lexus GS: Was sold as the Toyota Aristo
- Lexus IS: Was sold as the Toyota Altezza
- Lexus RX: Was sold as the Toyota Harrier
- Lexus GX: Was sold as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Lexus SC: Was sold as the Toyota Soarer
What IS the IS300 called in Japan?
AS200 Altezza sedan
The Japan-sold AS200 Altezza sedan and AS300 Altezza Gita correspond to the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models respectively, as sold in markets outside of Japan. The Lexus IS' primary markets were North America, Australia, and Europe.
IS an Altezza a JDM?
The Altezza nameplate was introduced in October 1998 exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, while international markets received essentially the same car as the first-generation Lexus IS.
