The 2014 Lexus IS has been revealed, so let’s take a closer look at the exterior of the next-generation sports sedan.
Circling around the car, the front end is angled with curves and creases, with plenty of new design elements (click any image to see a larger version):
For the first time since the spindle grille was introduced, Lexus has hidden the dividing bumper between the upper & lower grilles — it’s still visible behind the mesh, but just barely.
In a neat design trick, the grille pattern also changes from top-to-bottom, inverting from fat to thin L shapes:
The headlight design takes some direction from the LFA, with the casing curved around the bulbs, and also marks the first time the daytime running lights have been separated from the rest of the encasement.
Next up is the side profile, where the resemblance to the LF-CC concept is very clear:
There’s a couple kinks in the rear taillight that throw off the lines a bit, but the double swoosh of the rocker panel and rear bumper looks great:
In another LFA-inspired design cue, the wheel design is a dead ringer for the supercar rims.
Wrapping up the exterior, the rear of the car is a sportier interpretation of the GS:
There are elements of the LS & GS all through the rear, but the devil-horn rear reflectors makes for a great detail:
As with any new vehicle, I’m going to reserve judgment until I see the new IS in real life. Overall, I’m impressed by Lexus’ decision to take some chances with the exterior design, and by how closely the IS resembles the LF-CC concept AND the LFA.
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