More Spy Shots of the Next-Generation 2014 Lexus IS

"Replaced with the new restyle"?! Huh? It's at totally new car!!

Yes, I know that's why I said "I think that this model need to be replaced with the new restyle". Why? What I mean? I wanted to say that the present model is a bit old and the GS, ES and LS are totally new models and IS not yet.

The LS is not new and is due to be replaced within next 13-25 months. It's a significant update, but still a placeholder until the 5th generation model is ready.

"Where is the spindle?" It would be on the very front of the car, where the grille sits. You know," spindle grille"? It's under the camouflage wrap.

Just like the LF-Gh, LF-Ch, the LF-CC was probably based on the production model of the vehicle like you are saying.  The RC likely won't be available for another year or two. Which is unfortunate for buyers who were expecting a coupe version of next-gen IS. As for a coupe between the GS and LS, this is up to if Lexus thinks it will be profitable. I assume the numbers from the RC will judge whether this will be done or not. Lexus has previously said they would like to make a GS-F type coupe, but only if they sell a certain numbers of GS's. This coupe could be called the SC, and the designation LC could go to a coupe version of the LS which would lay between the LS and LFA.

Yes, I actually realized that moments after photos were shown back in mid-September. That was because I found that the LF-CC had rectangular headlamps, as opposed to the sharp triangular ones I first saw in January(and recently in patent and spy photos) on the IS prototype teaser. Too many journalists ignorantly assume that every concept car "inspires" a production model or is "watered-down", when that is simply not the case here. It is vice-versa, except in the case of the LFA and the LF-LC. The LF-CC is inspired by the original design concept of both the IS and the RC. The LF concepts are sometimes exotic versions of the original winning design competition proposal. Most of the cars we see go through many design stages, that one really can't trust what a journalist says. A design being chosen basically means that a rough or radical version of it will still be refined. Basically a barren, doorless, sparsely detailed pre-engineered clay model. A frozen design is one that is truly final and identical to the engineered production model. Details such as headlight & taillight cluster are usually added, as well as doors & door handles.

You presumption is likely correct and makes plenty of sense. An RC that bridges the IS and GS, an SC comeback between the GS and LS. The LC designation for a model above the LS is likely going to be a given, as the hindrance I see is the Land Cruiser and not much of anything else. The LC is likely a replacement for the LFA.

the RC will basically be an IS coupe, but it will not carry the IS name. the same is being done with the BMW 4 series. i would also love to see the SC name come back with a coupe slotted between the GS and LS. and a new supercar could be called LC.

Thank as I said that so many times, but it fell on deaf ears. I've studied and learned how automotive corporations operate their product design. Lexus generally previews production models in a thinly veiled manner via LF concepts. Once you see the LF concepts, they are generally several months old and are generally intertwined with a production design that preceded it. It is 100% certain that LF concepts are designed well after the production design they preview is frozen. Patents prove that theory for me, as it isn't surprising to 2007-2009 design legal references on something like the 2013 GS, as it was designed in 2009. The LF-Gh Concept began development in the fall of 2010, being finished in February 2011.  The 2014 IS was designed in 2010 and actually discarded, which is why we saw mules in early October 2010. 18 months later on April 16th of this year, they resurfaced again as a new design which was frozen in 2011. The LF-CC began development about 9 months ago, well after the IS was finished, so it definitely is based on both the IS and the RC. The RC being scheduled for debut in 2014, would've been designed this year or in late 2011. It likely shares similarities with the IS sedan, which is why the LF-CC is amalgamation of the IS and RC. The RC itself will be an amalgamation of the IS and GS.

OK, I can follow you. But I believe more that 2013 will be THE year for the new IS, 2014 for the NX and 2015 for the RC. Why the NX first ? The NX is far more important for Lexus than the RC, especially in Europe. Lexus missed the "smaller SUV" boat a couple of years ago and they know it. Anyway, exciting times are coming for Lexus, us and all those service centers :-) There's clearly a new wind blowing in Lexus, and I like it.