Introducing the 2014 Lexus IS


Here it is, the next-generation 2014 IS — let’s jump right to the photo gallery:

Plenty of coverage all day today, but we’ll start with the official press release after the jump.

  • All-new exterior featuring Lexus spindle grille design and independent L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • New interior design with LFA-inspired, driver-focused cockpit
  • F SPORT exclusive interior/exterior features

The all-new Lexus IS will make its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show on January 15th 2013. A press conference will be held in the Cobo Centre at 9.30am, and live webcast streaming of the event will be available at http://www.lexus-global.com.

The all-new IS model range for Europe will include the IS 250 and the IS 300h, the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, both models being also available with a further evolution of the F SPORT package.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

2014 Lexus IS Side Profile

The all-new IS features the new Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.

The tight, sporting proportions of the body are formed by powerful character lines generated by the shape of the spindle grille, which passes through the base of the A-pillars then tightens up as it flows toward the rear. They clearly delineate the body from the cabin, emphasizing the wide flare of the wheel arches to give the new IS a broad, powerful stance.

In profile, the strong horizontal beltline shows off the large rear tires and its low center of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself is concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tires to enhance the perception of traction.

A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and into the rear lamp clusters adds the sweeping elegance to the sedan’s sporty profile.

The exterior design incorporates a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus trademark, L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.

F SPORT models are instantly recognized by an exclusive grille and front bumper design. The ‘waistline’ of the grille is higher than on standard models, increasing the area of the lower grille to make it capable of drawing in a larger volume of cooling air appropriate to sporty performance.
 
INTERIOR DESIGN

2014 Lexus IS Interior

The new IS interior design creates a focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within, which the driver can fully exploit the new Lexus compact sedan’s superb driving dynamics.

The new IS’ increased width and longer wheelbase provide significantly improved rear seat comfort. The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates best-in-class knee room and improved accessibility. And new, 60:40 split/folding rear seats, provide expansive luggage capacity.

Cabin material, trim and finish refinement is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analog clock with surface-emitting illumination. The center console incorporates Lexus-first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.

Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position. F SPORT models feature the LFA’s innovative driver’s meter with a moving center ring.

F SPORT trim detailing includes a perforated leather finish to the steering wheel and shift knob, metal film 3-D-effect ornamentation, black seat stitching, and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

A choice of three F SPORT interior color schemes includes a new Rioja Red finish, which is exclusive to the marque.

FeaturesLexus IS: Second GenerationPhoto Galleries
Comments
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    Thomas
  • January 9, 2013
Great looking car, allthough I'm not a big F-sport fan. Cant wait to see the hybrid and the regular 250/350.
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    BlackDynamiteOnline
  • January 9, 2013
Lexus is about to get PAID!! (But I still want to see other dash colors besides black.  If it's only available in black, it reeks of cost-ciutting, a la Ford Fusion.  And this is clearly a step up from a Ford Fusion......) BD
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    Thomas
  • January 9, 2013
See where those extra openings on the sides of the grille stems from? http://cdn.thelexusenthusiast.com/images/weblog/11-04-05-lexus-lf-gh-teaser-front-thumb.jpg
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    Lexx
  • January 9, 2013
I hate that analogue clock already :)    Other than that: impressive interior!
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I'm really excited to see how much more they push the design with the new IS-F!
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      IS-F fan
    • January 11, 2013
     I sincerely hope your anticipation pans out.  My worry is that they tweak the IS-FSport and fall short of a redesigned body with a big V8 that can actually competes with the M3.
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    Wilovanny
  • January 9, 2013
It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.
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    BlackDynamiteOnline
  • January 9, 2013
Autoblog has just put up a comprehensive HD gallery.  I think you'll like it. http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-lexus-is-350-f-sport-live/full/#photo-5548003/ BD
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      OlFius
    • January 9, 2013
    Thanks for the link.  "The more I see this, the more I want this" !
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      Brad
    • January 9, 2013
    Very nice BD!Yes,I like it very much!Thank you! Two things stand out to me.The head lights turned on with that White Nova paint job-OMG thats sexy...looks like something from SEMA!Also,is that side window trim BLACK chrome?I'm hoping it is!
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Gotta say it looks great, with a drop and some rims it'll be stunning.... but I won't give up my 07 for one just yet.
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      WhiteDynamiteOnline
    • January 9, 2013
    25 inch. Massive drop! Boooooooooooooooooooyaaah! WD
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    Toyota Time
  • January 9, 2013
Will the f-sport be available in AWD like the GS? If so I think it will be my next car!
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    Brad
  • January 9, 2013
I seen nothing wrong with the current IS,besides the non spindle grill...that is,until now.The '14 IS makes the current one look ancient....which it practically is!The body lines are absolutely gorgeous!
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    TomC
  • January 9, 2013
Here's a video! http://youtu.be/Mt8k327SD3A by Autoguide
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    Expoc2
  • January 9, 2013
am I the only one here who doesnt like it.... Its just way tooo similiar too the current model but with a body kit... The kit screams fast but yet the engine is old and slow compared to the new audi and bmw competition.  I love lexus (own sc430, lx570, rx350, gs430) but it just doesnt seem to be a brand new vehicle like for example the new GS or when the RX came out.  It feels old already...  The only thing I love about the car is the rear (GS like) and the interior components which look amazingly well crafted.  Other than that I would really redesign this again... I wish it would look more like the prototypes and less like the old model with a body kit on top.
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      Brad
    • January 9, 2013
    So we have some peoplesaying Lexus went too far with this design & others saying that they didn't go far enough...sounds to me,they got it just right then!This will be a timeless design! 
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      lexout
    • January 9, 2013
    Expoc2, I agree with you, I don't really like it, Its too busy in some places and plain in other places. Kinda weird, hopefully it looks better in person.
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      Dchirno
    • January 10, 2013
    You're not alone in not likeing it. I get the impression from many posters that they aren't Lexus owners. I've been waiting for this redesign for a yr. and a half and this really disappoints. Looks like I'll either keep my IS or look at Audi or something. Really seems Lexus wants to attract the 25something crowd. who have been flocking to the 3BMW
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    BlackDynamiteOnline
  • January 9, 2013
The 3-series, C-Class, and A4 just got 5 years older..... BD
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    TomC
  • January 9, 2013
This might be exciting to some, i just read that it will have "60:40 split/folding seats." Last i checked i don't believe that was an option up to the current generation, correct me if i'm wrong :-)
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      Thomas
    • January 9, 2013
    You are not wrong.
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I suppose those arent full LED headlamps (and only 2 I thought it would have 3 like the GS F)?
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      Brad
    • January 9, 2013
    Can you please clarify-is this a complaint or just an observation?
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    WildNg
  • January 9, 2013
Especially with the Autoblog HD gallery and in white, that separation between the DRL and headlight housing will take a bit for me to get used to but the car overall is a nice advancement from the current IS. Is it just me or does others notice this; Japanese car makers like Lexus and Infiniti tends to have much larger wheel gaps (tire to fender) as compared to their European rivals, especially when comparing AWD models (Even my RWD 07 GS needed a good drop to not looked like a jacked up sports sedan). The wheel gap shown on this F-sport seems huge to me and it's not even an AWD; Definitely needs a drop to make it look sportier.
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As a 31 year old professional looking to drive a luxury car with some style, this is going to be it.
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    Joshd
  • January 9, 2013
 Any word on dimensions? Is it the same? The old IS is way too small.  Being in the back seat was not fun...I think i'll stick with the GS.  Any world of an F version (not f sport) 
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      Levi
    • January 9, 2013
    If IS is too small get GS. I hate how big mid class sedans have become, especially Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
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Wait, hows it going to look with a license plate in the front? I'm stumped
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    asdub
  • January 9, 2013
wow!! Well done Lexus!! ;) I just hope the non-F IS250 & 300H won't be watered down looking. The interior looks stunning .... I am drooling!!
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    Travis
  • January 9, 2013
OMG SO BEAST !!!    that interoir and body lines !!!  sweeet.   The ONLY thing im not sure about is the separation in the headlight and LED strip. 
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    BlackDynamiteOnline
  • January 9, 2013
Needs a manual transmission and a more current base engine (New turbo motor should make it's appearance in 1-2 years). But the design is infinitely fresher and more stylish than anything else in this class. Headlight design, gauge design inside and the wheel design all taken directly from the mighty Lexus LFA! Big back seat too! (NOT from the LFA)  BD
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    gilsta
  • January 9, 2013
Hope the 300H will be available in the US!
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    Lexx
  • January 9, 2013
Those are a lot of curves, twists and wrinkles at the front/side/back bottoms.  Not sure if I'm liking that yet.
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    Ljn71
  • January 9, 2013
Can anybody spot the buttons for the memory seats? I can't see them.
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    Iridius
  • January 9, 2013
please someone tell me im mistaken i dont see the buttons for driver seat memory Driver seat memory not a standard anymore? please Lexus no no
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      darkride
    • January 9, 2013
    In these photos your right, they were on the door handle in the prototypes. These may only be available as option. So far, the other standard/available-options I have depicted from prototypes and these new photos are audio remote (similar to in ES) or upgraded remote-touch, single HID or upgraded dual LED headlamps, and from krew's wording "F SPORT models feature the LFA’s innovative driver’s meter with a moving center ring"  than an possible unseen standard cluster and this LFA inspired F-Sport one.
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    F1orce
  • January 10, 2013
WOW!!!' I am truly thrilled!! This is amazing!
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    darkride
  • January 10, 2013
Lexus asked a very interesting question today on their Facebook page. "Do you remember the ‘02 IS 300 Sport Cross with its style, utility and performance? Will we bring it back? Watch the 2014 IS premiere on Facebook in 6 days to find out"  Kinda makes you wonder why they would ask such a direct question...
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    Slick181
  • January 12, 2013
The exterior and interior designs are very impressive.  My only question is whether the front will look as good and aggressive once you install a license plate? I would be surprised if there are no new engine choices, especially for the 250, where most competitors have introduced a 2.0-liter 4 cylinder forced induction engine of some kind to boost power and reduce fuel economy. Otherwise, a fantastic re-design of an already excellent car.  

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