Much like the larger GS sedan that we recently spied, Lexus is apparently working on a substantial overhaul for its smaller rear-drive IS, as well.
Though still in early test mule stages, the next IS is expected to ride on a shorter version of the GS platform, which could give it a slightly wider stance than the car currently on the road. Expect the usual sedan and convertible variants to be on hand, as well as a forthcoming IS coupe set to battle the BMW 3 Series and upcoming Mercedes-Benz C-class two-door.
The reworked IS sedan will likely bow sometime in 2012 and the coupe is pegged to arrive shortly thereafter with the usual V6 powertrains as well as an eventual high-performance F variant in at least one bodystyle. The only question we have is, will a force-fed four powerplant also join the party?
.Work has started on a new 4-door sedan based on the FT-86 platform.
Although it’s nearly a half decade away, we are hearing reports that the next-generation IS sedan will make its debut sometime in 2013. The reason, according to our sources, is that work has started on a new 4-door sedan based on the FT-86 platform. For those who are not familiar with the FT-86, it’s the concept car that made news at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. As the spiritual successor to the old Levin AE-86, a car we called the Corolla coupe, the rear-wheel-drive FT-86 will make its debut in June 2012.
As for the Lexus IS, this car will be built atop a stretched version of the FT-86 chassis. Toyota boss Akio Toyoda is keen on spicing up Toyota’s image into one with a more powerful emphasis on sport, so we hear the next IS will look and perform sportier than the current model.
While the FT-86 sports car will be powered by Subaru’s EJ20 engine (2.0-liter flat-4), the IS will be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and/or a 3.6-liter flat-6. The 2014 Lexus IS F will continue with a high-powered V-8 that’ll make the luxury sedan a presence on the racetrack.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
* The IS-F only comes in a saloon form
* Virtual world brings us a coupe version
* Comes with an aggressive appearance
Japan*ese mag*a*zine Best Car is report*ing the next-generation Lexus IS will be com*ing this Sep*tem*ber, and will be avail*able as a V6 hybrid capa*ble of 58 MPG (4l/100kms) — here’s their pho*to*chop attempt at the third gen*er*a*tion IS.
.Our source for Japanese magazine rumors, has come through again with these Best Car renderings of four possible next-generation IS variants.
With the exception of the IS wagon (which is just hideous), these photochops have some mixture of good and bad elements, with the bad mostly winning out — every single rendering has an awkward C-pillar and an oddly exaggerated front face. That said, I do think the new spindle grille will fit the IS range well, and I look forward to seeing something a little closer to the real thing than these mockups.
Even the included spec sheet has its share of ugly.
.The next Lexus IS has been spotted testing ahead of its debut early next year
Our spies have spotted the next generation Lexus IS testing. The new BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class rival has been seen with a modified version of the current car’s body. This version has been in showrooms since 2005, so is substantially older then its competitors.
Lexus has confirmed that the next IS will look more like a shrunken version of the new GS, which goes on sale in June. Styling wise, that means the new IS will wear the new corporate grille that’s appeared across the entire Lexus range, and will have more angular styling to match.
Optional F Sport packages will also continue to be available, while it’s also likely that the next IS will have adaptive suspension, like its GS stablemate and German rivals, as well as the Dynamic Handling System that includes rear-wheel steering.
The Age in Australia has some new rumours regarding the next-generation Lexus IS:
Due to be unveiled next year, the third-generation IS compact sedan is likely to follow in the footsteps of its bigger sibling, the GS, by delivering a richer, more upmarket look in the cabin and improved road manners.
Unlike its German rivals, the IS’s exterior will be more than just a shrunken version of its bigger brother, according to a Lexus insider. Distinguishing features over its ageing predecessor include a wider, more aggressive stance, a sleeker profile and the most radical iteration of the company’s new spindle grille to date, as our artist’s rendering shows.
The corporate marketing manager at Lexus Australia, Peter Evans, recently told Drive the Japanese luxury brand couldn’t afford a gentle evolution of its popular IS midsize sedan.
“When you’re a challenger brand and you’re No.4 [in sales], you can’t afford to be evolutionary.”
Also included is some drivetrain details, with specific mention of a four-cylinder, V6, and hybrid option. A next-gen IS F is also expected.
There is one rather large nugget of speculation worth highlighting:
Media speculation says the Japanese luxury brand’s smallest sedan could be based on a modified version of Toyota’s 86 sports car – not the GS – allowing Toyota to spread the development costs between the two models. This may also pave the way for a sporty coupe body variant, alongside a coupe-cabriolet and possibly even a sleek wagon or four-door coupe.
I suppose anything’s possible, but modifying the 86 platform to accommodate a luxury sedan would likely negate any “development costs” savings — more likely, the IS will continue to be based on the GS.
Finally, the clip gives us a look at what appears to be the next-generation IS, which will come to market as a 2014 model. There’s nothing truly shocking here; it will adopt the same basic styling as its bigger brother, the GS. The spindle grille will be part of the deal, along with a more aggressive lower-fascia design. The new IS will make its debut sometime next year.
.Just the Facts:
-2014 Lexus IS F convertible is caught testing on the Nürburgring.
-GS-derived rear suspension is capable of offering rear steering.
-Aluminum lower control arms replace stamped steel currently in use.
One staffer said the wheels look “Lexus-y.” We can scratch the 2013 Lexus LS 460, GS, and ES since all three have been unveiled. Could it be the IS? Another staffer said the LED taillights could be from Audi, but others insist it’s a Toyota or Honda, as both companies’ North American headquarters aren’t far from where this sedan was caught. However, this tester also sports a Michigan plate.
Just hours before the Lexus LF-CC coupe concept debuts at the Paris Motor Show, let’s take a look at what the concept could mean for the next-generation IS — here’s some photochops from Club Lexus member SNiiP3R.
By merging the LF-CC concept with the GS front-end, these images are a decent attempt to imagine the next-gen IS.
There’s sure to be more visual differences between the GS & IS — I’m expecting the IS to have a much larger lower grille, and it’s doubtful that the side mirrors and rear wheel intakes will make it to production — but squint your eyes, and these photochopped IS coupes appear quite realistic.