Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan to Grow in Size?

Posted by Kevin on July 23rd, 2018

According to Japanese magazine Mag-X, the next-generation Lexus IS will debut in 2020 as a much larger sedan, with dimensions closer to the GS than the current IS model.

Using the numbers from the article, let’s make a comparison table with the IS old & new, the GS sedan, and the LC coupe for good measure:

Model Wheelbase Length Width Height
New IS 2870 mm (113 in) 4730 mm (186.2 in) 1815 mm (71.5 in) 1425 mm (56.1 in)
Current IS 2,800 mm (110.2 in) 4,681 mm (184.3 in) 1,810 mm (71.3 in) 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Current GS 2,850 mm (112.2 in) 4,879 mm (192.1 in) 1,840 mm (72.4 in) 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Current LC 2,870 mm (113.0 in) 4,760 mm (187.4 in) 1,920 mm (75.6 in) 1,345 mm (53.0 in)

If the Mag-X dimensions are correct, the next-gen IS could have a longer wheelbase and shorter overall length than the GS sedan. This discrepancy could mean shorter front & rear overhangs due to the adoption of the GA-L platform from the LC & LS.

The article suggests a new 2.4L four-cylinder turbo and a 2.5L hybrid as engine options, but there’s no mention of the 400+ horsepower IS 450 that was rumored a couple weeks back. Mag-X also throws in an IS F with the same 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that’s supposed to power the LC F coupe.

Here’s the full page from Mag-X, if anyone wants to translate the article in the comments:

Lexus IS Mag-X Full Page

JapanLexus IS: Third GenerationRumors
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
Carmaker1
Please forgive me mods, but I want to start a thread on the Next Generation IS and see what people want from such a car. Luckily for you all, unlike the 2022 Infiniti Q50, it will remain somewhat traditional RWD, with AWD available.

A resurrection of IS-C or maybe even IC as in "IC 300h" might be a possibility for a 2-door RC replacement. That is speculation, not yet fact though based on poor RC sales and GS hiatus. It is likely the GS will suffer the same fate of the SC and only get a replacement under a different nameplate down the road.

Anyway, back to 4IS. Like the next RX, the 4IS is in development for GA-L. Next IS will likely debut a new design language, seen with the LS+ concept and likely intended for 5GS, inspired by triangular LC headlights. Bear in mind the GS-F rendering was made 1.5 years before the LS+. Internally, Lexus has some designs that echo this styling ethos. ES and UX may not have it yet, but by 2020 something will look like them.

View attachment 2839

View attachment 2840

View attachment 2841
View attachment 2842

Please be realistic with what you think Lexus should aim to offer on this car. I say this, as a 550 horsepower IS-F isn't a reality. Thanks.
Carmaker1
Please forgive me mods, but I want to start a thread on the Next Generation IS and see what people want from such a car. Luckily for you all, unlike the 2022 Infiniti Q50, it will remain somewhat traditional RWD, with AWD available.

A resurrection of IS-C or maybe even IC as in "IC 300h" might be a possibility for a 2-door RC replacement. That is speculation, not yet fact though based on poor RC sales and GS hiatus. It is likely the GS will suffer the same fate of the SC and only get a replacement under a different nameplate down the road.

Anyway, back to 4IS. Like the next RX, the 4IS is in development for GA-L. Next IS will likely debut a new design language, seen with the LS+ concept and likely intended for 5GS, inspired by triangular LC headlights. Bear in mind the GS-F rendering was made 1.5 years before the LS+. Internally, Lexus has some designs that echo this styling ethos. ES and UX may not have it yet, but by 2020 something will look like them.

View attachment 2839

View attachment 2840

View attachment 2841
View attachment 2842

Please be realistic with what you think Lexus should aim to offer on this car. I say this, as a 550 horsepower IS-F isn't a reality. Thanks.
S
>>Stretch to current-gen Mark X dimensions to make it more practical.
>>Have a pricing structure that makes sense so it doesn't get eaten alive by the ES again.
>>EV variant.
>>Hybrid drivetrain for IS-F. They have been talking about THS-R on road vehicle for years, now they need to deliver.
S
>>Stretch to current-gen Mark X dimensions to make it more practical.
>>Have a pricing structure that makes sense so it doesn't get eaten alive by the ES again.
>>EV variant.
>>Hybrid drivetrain for IS-F. They have been talking about THS-R on road vehicle for years, now they need to deliver.
S
>>Stretch to current-gen Mark X dimensions to make it more practical.
>>Have a pricing structure that makes sense so it doesn't get eaten alive by the ES again.
>>EV variant.
>>Hybrid drivetrain for IS-F. They have been talking about THS-R on road vehicle for years, now they need to deliver.
Carmaker1
ssun30
>>Stretch to current-gen Mark X dimensions to make it more practical.
>>Have a pricing structure that makes sense so it doesn't get eaten alive by the ES again.
>>EV variant.
>>Hybrid drivetrain for IS-F. They have been talking about THS-R on road vehicle for years, now they need to deliver.
Exactly, all those bullets is what I think they can do to make it a better proposition. Would a THSR (Toyota Hybrid System Racing) be the way to go forward for a lower end F model? If the LC and LS might get a 4.0 litre V8, would a biturbo 3.5 litre V6 be mated possibly to a 175-200KW+ electric motor for the IS? The current 8GR-FKS doesn't benefit from what is used on the V35A-FTS as the gas powerplant.

Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.

In terms of price structure, I don't see how they can manage to undercut the ES that keeps being rumoured to start at the same pricepoint. Being more expensive than the ES might make more sense, if they have to upsize it and make up for no midlevel GS.
Carmaker1
ssun30
>>Stretch to current-gen Mark X dimensions to make it more practical.
>>Have a pricing structure that makes sense so it doesn't get eaten alive by the ES again.
>>EV variant.
>>Hybrid drivetrain for IS-F. They have been talking about THS-R on road vehicle for years, now they need to deliver.
Exactly, all those bullets is what I think they can do to make it a better proposition. Would a THSR (Toyota Hybrid System Racing) be the way to go forward for a lower end F model? If the LC and LS might get a 4.0 litre V8, would a biturbo 3.5 litre V6 be mated possibly to a 175-200KW+ electric motor for the IS? The current 8GR-FKS doesn't benefit from what is used on the V35A-FTS as the gas powerplant.

Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.

In terms of price structure, I don't see how they can manage to undercut the ES that keeps being rumoured to start at the same pricepoint. Being more expensive than the ES might make more sense, if they have to upsize it and make up for no midlevel GS.
Carmaker1
ssun30
>>Stretch to current-gen Mark X dimensions to make it more practical.
>>Have a pricing structure that makes sense so it doesn't get eaten alive by the ES again.
>>EV variant.
>>Hybrid drivetrain for IS-F. They have been talking about THS-R on road vehicle for years, now they need to deliver.
Exactly, all those bullets is what I think they can do to make it a better proposition. Would a THSR (Toyota Hybrid System Racing) be the way to go forward for a lower end F model? If the LC and LS might get a 4.0 litre V8, would a biturbo 3.5 litre V6 be mated possibly to a 175-200KW+ electric motor for the IS? The current 8GR-FKS doesn't benefit from what is used on the V35A-FTS as the gas powerplant.

Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.

In terms of price structure, I don't see how they can manage to undercut the ES that keeps being rumoured to start at the same pricepoint. Being more expensive than the ES might make more sense, if they have to upsize it and make up for no midlevel GS.
mikeavelli
My focus is on a return on a IS F. I'm sure the IS will get bigger, sportier more luxurious etc. Will the IS F return? I am leaning toward it.

Also will the USA market finally get some IS hybrids? And the RC hybrid (I guess next IS coupe, no idea).
mikeavelli
My focus is on a return on a IS F. I'm sure the IS will get bigger, sportier more luxurious etc. Will the IS F return? I am leaning toward it.

Also will the USA market finally get some IS hybrids? And the RC hybrid (I guess next IS coupe, no idea).
mikeavelli
My focus is on a return on a IS F. I'm sure the IS will get bigger, sportier more luxurious etc. Will the IS F return? I am leaning toward it.

Also will the USA market finally get some IS hybrids? And the RC hybrid (I guess next IS coupe, no idea).
S
Carmaker1
Exactly, all those bullets is what I think they can do to make it a better proposition. Would a THSR (Toyota Hybrid System Racing) be the way to go forward for a lower end F model? If the LC and LS might get a 4.0 litre V8, would a biturbo 3.5 litre V6 be mated possibly to a 175-200KW+ electric motor for the IS? The current 8GR-FKS doesn't benefit from what is used on the V35A-FTS as the gas powerplant.

Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.

In terms of price structure, I don't see how they can manage to undercut the ES that keeps being rumoured to start at the same pricepoint. Being more expensive than the ES might make more sense, if they have to upsize it and make up for no midlevel GS.
If lexus plans to upsize the IS, that's fine, as long as they keep the weight as low as possible. The current platform is just very heavy compare to competition.
As for GS, if they reinvent into something like a 4 door LC, that would be freaking awesome. Plus they said to themselves that tradition four door is dying and the only option is to make it more emotional / sportier.
S
Carmaker1
Exactly, all those bullets is what I think they can do to make it a better proposition. Would a THSR (Toyota Hybrid System Racing) be the way to go forward for a lower end F model? If the LC and LS might get a 4.0 litre V8, would a biturbo 3.5 litre V6 be mated possibly to a 175-200KW+ electric motor for the IS? The current 8GR-FKS doesn't benefit from what is used on the V35A-FTS as the gas powerplant.

Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.

In terms of price structure, I don't see how they can manage to undercut the ES that keeps being rumoured to start at the same pricepoint. Being more expensive than the ES might make more sense, if they have to upsize it and make up for no midlevel GS.
If lexus plans to upsize the IS, that's fine, as long as they keep the weight as low as possible. The current platform is just very heavy compare to competition.
As for GS, if they reinvent into something like a 4 door LC, that would be freaking awesome. Plus they said to themselves that tradition four door is dying and the only option is to make it more emotional / sportier.
S
Carmaker1
Exactly, all those bullets is what I think they can do to make it a better proposition. Would a THSR (Toyota Hybrid System Racing) be the way to go forward for a lower end F model? If the LC and LS might get a 4.0 litre V8, would a biturbo 3.5 litre V6 be mated possibly to a 175-200KW+ electric motor for the IS? The current 8GR-FKS doesn't benefit from what is used on the V35A-FTS as the gas powerplant.

Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.

In terms of price structure, I don't see how they can manage to undercut the ES that keeps being rumoured to start at the same pricepoint. Being more expensive than the ES might make more sense, if they have to upsize it and make up for no midlevel GS.
If lexus plans to upsize the IS, that's fine, as long as they keep the weight as low as possible. The current platform is just very heavy compare to competition.
As for GS, if they reinvent into something like a 4 door LC, that would be freaking awesome. Plus they said to themselves that tradition four door is dying and the only option is to make it more emotional / sportier.
Trexus
Lexus desperately needs to reinvigorate and expand the IS line. First and foremost bring back the IS F, second bring the IS hybrid to North America and last bring back the IS Sportcross wagon.

IS 300 rwd
IS 300 awd
IS 300h
IS 350 sedan
IS 350 Sportcross wagon (competes with Audi A4 Allroad wagon)
IS F
Trexus
Lexus desperately needs to reinvigorate and expand the IS line. First and foremost bring back the IS F, second bring the IS hybrid to North America and last bring back the IS Sportcross wagon.

IS 300 rwd
IS 300 awd
IS 300h
IS 350 sedan
IS 350 Sportcross wagon (competes with Audi A4 Allroad wagon)
IS F
Trexus
Lexus desperately needs to reinvigorate and expand the IS line. First and foremost bring back the IS F, second bring the IS hybrid to North America and last bring back the IS Sportcross wagon.

IS 300 rwd
IS 300 awd
IS 300h
IS 350 sedan
IS 350 Sportcross wagon (competes with Audi A4 Allroad wagon)
IS F
James
Please just give us an F again! On release too not years later!
James
Please just give us an F again! On release too not years later!
James
Please just give us an F again! On release too not years later!
S
They likely wont do phevs, unless really required by government incentives... so far what we have read they will go directly to EVs, where required.
S
They likely wont do phevs, unless really required by government incentives... so far what we have read they will go directly to EVs, where required.
S
They likely wont do phevs, unless really required by government incentives... so far what we have read they will go directly to EVs, where required.
S
Carmaker1
Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.
They just announced that C-HR will be their first EV in China... it will be presented by the end of the year. They also plan to have 10 EVs on sale in China by 2020, so we will know a lot more about them soon enough. I assume that most will be based on existing vehicles and that TNGA has been engineered for EVs from start.


Also, from Engine presentations about upcoming "TNGA" engines, we know we are missing few interesting engines:

So we are going to soon get 2 engines stronger than 3.5tt and one hybrid stronger than 300h. Also new 2.5t is below 3.5tt (rumors from Japan)

[​IMG]
S
Carmaker1
Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.
They just announced that C-HR will be their first EV in China... it will be presented by the end of the year. They also plan to have 10 EVs on sale in China by 2020, so we will know a lot more about them soon enough. I assume that most will be based on existing vehicles and that TNGA has been engineered for EVs from start.


Also, from Engine presentations about upcoming "TNGA" engines, we know we are missing few interesting engines:

So we are going to soon get 2 engines stronger than 3.5tt and one hybrid stronger than 300h. Also new 2.5t is below 3.5tt (rumors from Japan)

[​IMG]
S
Carmaker1
Can an EV version be well executed on the same GA-L setup as ICE models? Maybe mid-cycle, as I imagine they have their hands tied up with Mirai and LS plans, but if a CTe is a candidate, then why not? Some have the argument that you need a strictly EV platform not shared with ICE vehicles, to make a credible product. I don't believe that entirely.
They just announced that C-HR will be their first EV in China... it will be presented by the end of the year. They also plan to have 10 EVs on sale in China by 2020, so we will know a lot more about them soon enough. I assume that most will be based on existing vehicles and that TNGA has been engineered for EVs from start.


Also, from Engine presentations about upcoming "TNGA" engines, we know we are missing few interesting engines:

So we are going to soon get 2 engines stronger than 3.5tt and one hybrid stronger than 300h. Also new 2.5t is below 3.5tt (rumors from Japan)

[​IMG]
S
Seeing how many young buyers in China want an IS for the looks but couldn't afford one, I would say having an entry-level IS260 at a lower price point should definitely be on their radar. This is followed by a 300h which should be available globally (instead of just EU). They should skip the 300 (too little power) and go straight to a 350 with 2.5T. Then an IS-F with THS-R; stopping taking about it Lexus, show it. An EV would become the icing on the cake, as priorities should go to UX/NX/RX/CT(rumored) EVs.

The IS could coexist with ES at similar price points and not get eaten alive. The IS has always been aimed at a much younger (close to 20 years) demographics, unlike GS which more or less shares the same age group as the ES. With the GS now gone, the IS has an even bigger mission of carrying the sporty sedan image. It definitely needs a more aggressive look than the ES. If the ES is a smaller brother of the LS, the IS should be a smaller brother of the LC. Its price range will also need to expand, going downwards to scoop up more volume and upwards to fill holes left by the death of GS.

The IS is their gateway car. The success of the ES is unsustainable without a supply of young buyers that will upgrade in the future (although traditionally ES has been feeding on Camry buyers that want to go upmarket). BBA knows this very well; that's why they offer a very complete lineup of 3-series, C-class, and A4. The next IS needs to have a very strong debut and lineup if they want to survive in the ever shrinking sedan market.
S
Seeing how many young buyers in China want an IS for the looks but couldn't afford one, I would say having an entry-level IS260 at a lower price point should definitely be on their radar. This is followed by a 300h which should be available globally (instead of just EU). They should skip the 300 (too little power) and go straight to a 350 with 2.5T. Then an IS-F with THS-R; stopping taking about it Lexus, show it. An EV would become the icing on the cake, as priorities should go to UX/NX/RX/CT(rumored) EVs.

The IS could coexist with ES at similar price points and not get eaten alive. The IS has always been aimed at a much younger (close to 20 years) demographics, unlike GS which more or less shares the same age group as the ES. With the GS now gone, the IS has an even bigger mission of carrying the sporty sedan image. It definitely needs a more aggressive look than the ES. If the ES is a smaller brother of the LS, the IS should be a smaller brother of the LC. Its price range will also need to expand, going downwards to scoop up more volume and upwards to fill holes left by the death of GS.

The IS is their gateway car. The success of the ES is unsustainable without a supply of young buyers that will upgrade in the future (although traditionally ES has been feeding on Camry buyers that want to go upmarket). BBA knows this very well; that's why they offer a very complete lineup of 3-series, C-class, and A4. The next IS needs to have a very strong debut and lineup if they want to survive in the ever shrinking sedan market.
S
Seeing how many young buyers in China want an IS for the looks but couldn't afford one, I would say having an entry-level IS260 at a lower price point should definitely be on their radar. This is followed by a 300h which should be available globally (instead of just EU). They should skip the 300 (too little power) and go straight to a 350 with 2.5T. Then an IS-F with THS-R; stopping taking about it Lexus, show it. An EV would become the icing on the cake, as priorities should go to UX/NX/RX/CT(rumored) EVs.

The IS could coexist with ES at similar price points and not get eaten alive. The IS has always been aimed at a much younger (close to 20 years) demographics, unlike GS which more or less shares the same age group as the ES. With the GS now gone, the IS has an even bigger mission of carrying the sporty sedan image. It definitely needs a more aggressive look than the ES. If the ES is a smaller brother of the LS, the IS should be a smaller brother of the LC. Its price range will also need to expand, going downwards to scoop up more volume and upwards to fill holes left by the death of GS.

The IS is their gateway car. The success of the ES is unsustainable without a supply of young buyers that will upgrade in the future (although traditionally ES has been feeding on Camry buyers that want to go upmarket). BBA knows this very well; that's why they offer a very complete lineup of 3-series, C-class, and A4. The next IS needs to have a very strong debut and lineup if they want to survive in the ever shrinking sedan market.
Ch’Pok
New Forum member here. Carmaker1 I’ve been following your posts on various forums and appreciate your willingness to share knowledge.
I had been looking forward to replacing my G35 with the V38 Q50, but since that car just got Ghosned, I’m very interested in the next IS.
Most important want: stick to the GA-L rear wheel drive platform! If one is going to pay extra for a luxury/sport sedan, it should be the real deal, not a gussied-up Camry or Altima. Toyota doesn’t seem to have the management or financial issues of Nissan, so hopefully the IS won’t suffer the same fate as the Q50.
Other wants: make F Sport a real competitor to M Sport, Red Sport, etc.; not just visual and suspension upgrades. The days of making a 200hp entry level car, 300hp top “normal” car, and a 400-450hp bonkers car to fight the M3 are over. Bonkers is already 500-ish hp, and we’re talking about three years from now. There’s a hole in the IS lineup now.
Styling should be more aggressive than the LS or ES, but too much. A sport sedan should get its looks from good DNA (restart RWD platform rant here). To me the 2IS nailed it.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Smartphones are no longer a fad, and automakers with few exceptions, are bad at making UIs. People are gonna use their phones, automakers should concentrate on how to safely integrate them, not replace them.
My two cents, FWIW.

C