The Altezza name continues to be used to refer in order to chromed car taillights like those suited to the first generation versions, known as 'Altezza lights' or even 'Lexus' lights. Produced like a direct competitor to the posh sport sedans of the key European luxury marques, the Toyota Altezza as well as Lexus IS was fashioned with a greater performance focus than typically seen upon prior Japanese luxury automobiles. The engineering work had been led, the AS200 and AS300 Altezza sedans formed the foundation for the Lexus IS 200 and it is 300 models sold within markets outside Japan, primarily The united states and Europe.
A hatchback-station wagon edition was sold in Japan since the "Altezza Gita", and in America and Europe as the Lexus IS Sport Mix. Equipped with Rear- or even All-Wheel Drive (JCE10, FR Gita Property; JCE15, 4WD Gita estate), the AS300 featured a five-speed guide, or five-speed automatic for that FR Gita Estate along with a four-speed automatic for the 4WD Gita Estate. The six-cylinder version (2JZ-GE) was only obtainable in Japan on the Gita versions.
In the US, the IS 300 saloon debuted within 2000 as 2001 model and also the Estate debuted in 2001 like a 2002 model with exactly the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder motor (the 2.0-litre six-cylinder wasn't available), while in European countries, the IS 300 became a member of the IS 200 within the model lineup. All IS 300 models in America were initially only available using the five-speed automatic transmission; it was also the case within Europe.
