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View Full Version : Lexus to release successor to IS300 next year...

Blue Batmobile
03-18-2003, 07:53 AM
According to Automobile Magazine, Lexus will release the successor to the IS300 in mid 2004. A larger and more powerful in-line six, and possibly a V-8 will be offered to compete with the BMW 3 Series. The replacement will have 4 Wheel drive capabilities. A 2 Door Coupe and Convertible are planned for 2006.

Bat
Toy Yoda
03-18-2003, 08:29 AM
I hope the inline 6 rumour is true, as there has been a lot of speculation and rumours that the 2JZ would be dropped in favour of a tuned version of the 3.3L MZ series V6 found in the Sienna, ES300, and (later) Camry.

The rumoured V8 does exist (IS430s have been spotted, and there's a rumour of 2 prototypes in AZ), but whether or not it will come to N.A. is unknown (based on current bodystyle).

The AWD will be a boon, but the engine must be a good match too. There is also a rumour that the Synergy Drive high perf. hybrid system will make its way into the IS as well.

My thoughts: This is great (if it's true). A proper sports sedan needs an I6 to compete (moddability is phenomenal with the 2JZ series). The current IS is a very handsome car with great handling, but only adequate power (relative to it's competitors). Furthermore, the RWD-only situation turns away prospective buyers in colder climes, and allows BMW and Audi to claim wider selections (of course, there is the IS300 SportCross Wagon... A fine car; attractive, fun to drive, practiccal, but sadly, virtually unknown due to a total lack of marketing on Lexus' part)
F35-JSF
03-18-2003, 08:34 AM
Dang I kinda liked that car. Guess if I decide to get one it will be used. Took A quick sit in one. Very aggressive inside and out.
TheX-Man
03-18-2003, 08:34 AM
Wasn't it rumored that the IS was going to get the 3.3 v6 engine that was in the ES and upcoming RX/Camry? I guess it's better that it doesn't get that engine. If they release the IS 430, that would be a killer battle between the S4, M3, and IS 430.
Redline
03-18-2003, 08:55 AM
I drove an Auto IS300 with I/H/E and full suspension setup and was disappointed with it compared to the celica. It just wasnt sporty enough for me. Great car to haul the family around in though.
Toy Yoda
03-18-2003, 09:16 AM
The Manual is a totally different animal...
I (a n00b to M/T) found the IS300 M/T to be far more responsive and fun to drive...
That engine is almost impossible to stall....
Deaks2
03-18-2003, 11:26 AM
Originally posted by Toy Yoda
That engine is almost impossible to stall....

It's due to a little known concept; torque! ;)
chico
03-18-2003, 11:44 AM
no pics, no mods. :p
celica gte racing
03-18-2003, 12:17 PM
I bet you the new IS will OWN the 3 series :D
valkyrie
03-18-2003, 01:19 PM
it has the same body like 01 model?
Celica NZ
03-18-2003, 02:03 PM
There is an AWD version of the Altezza already, available on the JDM and here in NZ, it is the Altezza Gita, sport wagon, 3lt, 5 speed auto.
Toy Yoda
03-18-2003, 04:06 PM
Damn you Deaks! :D

Yeah, the 2JZ is torquey, and smooth like buttah....

The Altezza Gita is our SportCross... We don't get AWD though.
The Game
03-18-2003, 06:19 PM
They need to leave the 2JZ in there, if they replace it, the U.S. can say goodbye to it just like the 3SGTE and 4AGE!
Blue Batmobile
03-18-2003, 11:42 PM
Bat
KSilver2000
03-18-2003, 11:46 PM
Is that supposed to be the pic of the new IS430? If so, it's taken out the edges of the current IS300, so it looks good and bad in a way at the same time comparing it to the current look. It makes it have a more BMW look to it but with a RAV4 front IMO.:gap:
XYRCNCP
03-19-2003, 04:51 AM
well, I think either MT or C&D had a spy pic of it during testing in Europe, it looked just like the current IS, only with more fender flaring and a more agressive front and vents on the hood. TTE managed to squeeze the 4.3 V8 in there so it's doable, but I would rather see the 2JZ stay.
I agree with The Game, if Toyota decides to drop the 2JZ then we might as well say goodbye to it, because there is rumor of the engine being dropped in favor to a tuned 3.3 V6 ('04 Sienna, RX330)......seems like Toyota wants to play the Nissan VQ game, put the same V6 tuned differently in several vehicles, that same 3.3 engine could be used in everything from the Camry XLE to the GS.
F35-JSF
03-19-2003, 07:03 AM
I hope it doesn't look that fat when it hits production. Doesn't look nearly as intimidating as the currently out.
BlackCelicaGTS3
03-19-2003, 07:55 AM
kinda looks like a corolla and IS300 mix to me
TRD Liquid Silver
03-19-2003, 08:52 AM
i don't think they'll be releasing a new IS anytime soon. that body style has been around for 2 to 3 years and judging by lexus track record for restyling cars. were looking at another 3 years with the current body style. the GS series is the one that needs a restyle more than any lexus cause that's been around since 98, so i expect one coming real soon. though the IS has been around since 99 in japan and europe so there might be a good possibility, but why would they be testing the IS430 with the current body style.

bat: that picture has been around for awhile and looks chopped. there was a picture of a 2door IS circulating around and that looked a lot better than the overweight IS pic.
richmds
03-19-2003, 09:46 AM
Wait a minute here. I thought people here were IS haters, whats going on I see interest.
Are we going to have more Celi owners jump ship to another car?
Blue Batmobile
03-19-2003, 09:48 AM
It's definately a chop. I remember posting it a while back. We'll see what happens next year I guess...

Bat
FriedRice
03-19-2003, 10:41 AM
IS haters?

the IS is the closest thing toyotas got rite now to a *pretty* affordable RWD sports car.

its in a whole different class than the celica.

case in point: there are a few turboed is300's.... toying with m3's m5's, vettes, etc.

its kinda like a 4 door supra.. RWD, engine that can handle lots of boost....


and you know how we all like supras.
Toy Yoda
03-19-2003, 10:50 AM
:werd:

Expect the next gen IS stateside in around 2005 (the first IS300 model year in the U.S. was 2001, but the car was out in 1999 in Japan), and in Japan in the 2004 MY.

Also, expect to know nothing about how the car will look until a few months away from release date. Toyota (and thus Lexus) are notoriously stingy with concept pics/art releases/info.
The Game
03-19-2003, 12:33 PM
Originally posted by richmds
Wait a minute here. I thought people here were IS haters, whats going on I see interest.
Are we going to have more Celi owners jump ship to another car? I love the IS, I plan to buy one after I get rid of my Celica!
XYRCNCP
03-19-2003, 01:15 PM
:werd: me too...
TRD Liquid Silver
03-19-2003, 04:39 PM
the IS was my first choice before my gts and the itr, but it wasn't available with a 5spd when it first cameout and i couldn't wait. i still love the way the car looks and what can you say about that motor.

case in point: there are a few turboed is300's.... toying with m3's m5's, vettes, etc.

EXACTLY!


definetly not an IS hater. tons of love for anything toyota.:burnout:
krayzie_celica
03-20-2003, 10:13 PM
the is 430 will come out with the same body as the is 300 just as the gs 430 came out with the body of the gs 300. it is rumored to be superchared and i have spy pics and pics of the engine but i cant post them. reported that if it does come supercharged it will have very close to 400 hp. suppose to come with 19" rims instead of the 17" on the is300 also it will have a lip style body kit.