Rendered: The Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan

Posted by Kevin on October 5th, 2018

Renderings of the next-generation Lexus IS are a favorite of the Japanese automotive press — this attempt by (a currently unknown) magazine was posted yesterday by a Lexus fan on Instagram:

Lexus IS Rear Next-Generation

The differences between this photochop and the existing model are minimal — the only changes are with the front and rear bumpers, making this rendering seem more like a mid-cycle refresh. That said, the design of the current IS sedan has never been a weakness, and maintaining some consistency across generations would not be a bad move.

The magazine mentions a 2021 release along with some preliminary dimensions:

Lexus IS Dimensions Next-Generation

Compared to the current model, the next-generation IS length and wheelbase would grow by 4cm, with all other measurements staying the same. Also mentioned is a 2.5L engine with 181 horsepower, which makes absolutely no sense and I’m choosing to ignore.

FeaturesLexus IS: Third GenerationPhotochops
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Comments
F1 Silver Arrows
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
My thoughts exactly. I don't know why people are accusing Lexus of overrating their cars. They are usually on point for performance measurements when it comes to ideal/close to ideal conditions. And that was when they were naturally aspirated engines. Now that they have turbochargers, they can make such claims and easily hit their claimed performance numbers, or even go significantly better than their claimed numbers (they've already been doing that for most of their performance oriented models already). I am discounting the turbocharged 4-cylinder in cars like the NX or RC, because that's a first attempt in a long time to make a turbocharged engine to get the best of both worlds for performance and fuel economy. I have full trust in them that they would make their goal.

As for the LS, the 4.6 second claim is probably legitimate. It all matters down to specification, conditions of the weather (though this should affect turbocharged cars less than naturally aspirated variants), equipment to measure, etc.

416 horsepower in an IS should be able to walk away with no effort against competitors like the M340i, C43 AMG, XE35t, ATS V-Sport, S4. Even if they try to add more power and torque, it won't be able to match the engineering design of the 4IS. The engine, transmission, chassis (which includes steering, suspension, stiffness, etc.) of the new Lexus vehicles have gotten stellar reviews worldwide and are proof that it will be untouchable for the foreseeable future. You guys are also forgetting a major point. Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition. With the new TNGA platform under the new IS, they will be able to shred unnecessary weight while also adding crucial updates. Even if they make the 4IS close to the size of the current 4GS, with the materials that they are using for weight reduction (although expensive), they will still be ahead of the competition; just like the 2IS was.

I just hope it goes the way I mentioned......
F1 Silver Arrows
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
My thoughts exactly. I don't know why people are accusing Lexus of overrating their cars. They are usually on point for performance measurements when it comes to ideal/close to ideal conditions. And that was when they were naturally aspirated engines. Now that they have turbochargers, they can make such claims and easily hit their claimed performance numbers, or even go significantly better than their claimed numbers (they've already been doing that for most of their performance oriented models already). I am discounting the turbocharged 4-cylinder in cars like the NX or RC, because that's a first attempt in a long time to make a turbocharged engine to get the best of both worlds for performance and fuel economy. I have full trust in them that they would make their goal.

As for the LS, the 4.6 second claim is probably legitimate. It all matters down to specification, conditions of the weather (though this should affect turbocharged cars less than naturally aspirated variants), equipment to measure, etc.

416 horsepower in an IS should be able to walk away with no effort against competitors like the M340i, C43 AMG, XE35t, ATS V-Sport, S4. Even if they try to add more power and torque, it won't be able to match the engineering design of the 4IS. The engine, transmission, chassis (which includes steering, suspension, stiffness, etc.) of the new Lexus vehicles have gotten stellar reviews worldwide and are proof that it will be untouchable for the foreseeable future. You guys are also forgetting a major point. Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition. With the new TNGA platform under the new IS, they will be able to shred unnecessary weight while also adding crucial updates. Even if they make the 4IS close to the size of the current 4GS, with the materials that they are using for weight reduction (although expensive), they will still be ahead of the competition; just like the 2IS was.

I just hope it goes the way I mentioned......
S
F1 Silver Arrows
Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition.
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
S
F1 Silver Arrows
Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition.
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
S
F1 Silver Arrows
Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition.
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
S
F1 Silver Arrows
Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition.
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
S
F1 Silver Arrows
Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition.
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
S
sl0519
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
S
sl0519
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
S
sl0519
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
S
sl0519
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
S
sl0519
I wouldn't make that claim based on LS's figure...
Take a look

Official figure
BMW 740i xDrive: 4361 lb; 0-60: 5.1 sec
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/740i-sedan/specifications.html
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4707 lb; 0-60: 4.6 sec
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/specifications

Car and driver figure
BMW 740i RWD: 4385 lb; 0-60: 4.8 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-bmw-740i-long-term-test-review
Lexus LS 500 AWD: 4977 lb; 0-60: 5.0 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls500-f-sport-awd-test-review
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
S
spwolf
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
complete test data uploaded​

Spoiler

Spoiler
S
spwolf
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
complete test data uploaded​

Spoiler

Spoiler
S
spwolf
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
complete test data uploaded​

Spoiler

Spoiler
S
spwolf
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
complete test data uploaded​

Spoiler

Spoiler
S
spwolf
sadly C&D forbid EU users on their site...can you copy and paste other performance measurement and also real mpg from their test?
complete test data uploaded​

Spoiler

Spoiler
Gecko
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
No, and these are not "top end performance" models. Germans have now moved to a strategy where the core model is a 2.0T and then there are models that bridge the gap up to C63 and RS4/5, etc.

For example, there is no longer a standard V6 Mercedes C class - "C350" or "C400" - they go straight from 2.0T C300 to C43 AMG, then up to C63 AMG.

Audi dropped the A4 3.2 years ago and now goes from A4 (2.0T) to V6 S4 to RS4.

BMW has not followed this pattern but it wouldn't surprise me if they did with how they've already introduced M550i into the 5 Series range.

So, my point here is that if Lexus was to do something like 2.0L/2.4L/2.5L turbo for "IS 300" or "IS 350" as the core IS model, then "IS 500 F Sport" with the V35A-FTS, that compares very well to what the Germans are doing. Do they have to follow that playbook? No way, but truthfully, these turbo 4 cylinder models are becoming plenty powerful for 90% of consumers so the market for a second "core" performance model - like IS 350, C350, 340i - is shrinking. There's less reason to upgrade with more power from base engines. So that's why we've seen the Germans position and market them differently, now as more dedicated performance models, which would be perfect for an IS with V35A-FTS.

Even if we have ~290hp turbo 4cyl IS and ~416hp turbo V6 IS, that still leaves a hole for IS F to compete with C63, M3, etc.
Gecko
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
No, and these are not "top end performance" models. Germans have now moved to a strategy where the core model is a 2.0T and then there are models that bridge the gap up to C63 and RS4/5, etc.

For example, there is no longer a standard V6 Mercedes C class - "C350" or "C400" - they go straight from 2.0T C300 to C43 AMG, then up to C63 AMG.

Audi dropped the A4 3.2 years ago and now goes from A4 (2.0T) to V6 S4 to RS4.

BMW has not followed this pattern but it wouldn't surprise me if they did with how they've already introduced M550i into the 5 Series range.

So, my point here is that if Lexus was to do something like 2.0L/2.4L/2.5L turbo for "IS 300" or "IS 350" as the core IS model, then "IS 500 F Sport" with the V35A-FTS, that compares very well to what the Germans are doing. Do they have to follow that playbook? No way, but truthfully, these turbo 4 cylinder models are becoming plenty powerful for 90% of consumers so the market for a second "core" performance model - like IS 350, C350, 340i - is shrinking. There's less reason to upgrade with more power from base engines. So that's why we've seen the Germans position and market them differently, now as more dedicated performance models, which would be perfect for an IS with V35A-FTS.

Even if we have ~290hp turbo 4cyl IS and ~416hp turbo V6 IS, that still leaves a hole for IS F to compete with C63, M3, etc.
Gecko
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
No, and these are not "top end performance" models. Germans have now moved to a strategy where the core model is a 2.0T and then there are models that bridge the gap up to C63 and RS4/5, etc.

For example, there is no longer a standard V6 Mercedes C class - "C350" or "C400" - they go straight from 2.0T C300 to C43 AMG, then up to C63 AMG.

Audi dropped the A4 3.2 years ago and now goes from A4 (2.0T) to V6 S4 to RS4.

BMW has not followed this pattern but it wouldn't surprise me if they did with how they've already introduced M550i into the 5 Series range.

So, my point here is that if Lexus was to do something like 2.0L/2.4L/2.5L turbo for "IS 300" or "IS 350" as the core IS model, then "IS 500 F Sport" with the V35A-FTS, that compares very well to what the Germans are doing. Do they have to follow that playbook? No way, but truthfully, these turbo 4 cylinder models are becoming plenty powerful for 90% of consumers so the market for a second "core" performance model - like IS 350, C350, 340i - is shrinking. There's less reason to upgrade with more power from base engines. So that's why we've seen the Germans position and market them differently, now as more dedicated performance models, which would be perfect for an IS with V35A-FTS.

Even if we have ~290hp turbo 4cyl IS and ~416hp turbo V6 IS, that still leaves a hole for IS F to compete with C63, M3, etc.
Gecko
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
No, and these are not "top end performance" models. Germans have now moved to a strategy where the core model is a 2.0T and then there are models that bridge the gap up to C63 and RS4/5, etc.

For example, there is no longer a standard V6 Mercedes C class - "C350" or "C400" - they go straight from 2.0T C300 to C43 AMG, then up to C63 AMG.

Audi dropped the A4 3.2 years ago and now goes from A4 (2.0T) to V6 S4 to RS4.

BMW has not followed this pattern but it wouldn't surprise me if they did with how they've already introduced M550i into the 5 Series range.

So, my point here is that if Lexus was to do something like 2.0L/2.4L/2.5L turbo for "IS 300" or "IS 350" as the core IS model, then "IS 500 F Sport" with the V35A-FTS, that compares very well to what the Germans are doing. Do they have to follow that playbook? No way, but truthfully, these turbo 4 cylinder models are becoming plenty powerful for 90% of consumers so the market for a second "core" performance model - like IS 350, C350, 340i - is shrinking. There's less reason to upgrade with more power from base engines. So that's why we've seen the Germans position and market them differently, now as more dedicated performance models, which would be perfect for an IS with V35A-FTS.

Even if we have ~290hp turbo 4cyl IS and ~416hp turbo V6 IS, that still leaves a hole for IS F to compete with C63, M3, etc.
Gecko
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
No, and these are not "top end performance" models. Germans have now moved to a strategy where the core model is a 2.0T and then there are models that bridge the gap up to C63 and RS4/5, etc.

For example, there is no longer a standard V6 Mercedes C class - "C350" or "C400" - they go straight from 2.0T C300 to C43 AMG, then up to C63 AMG.

Audi dropped the A4 3.2 years ago and now goes from A4 (2.0T) to V6 S4 to RS4.

BMW has not followed this pattern but it wouldn't surprise me if they did with how they've already introduced M550i into the 5 Series range.

So, my point here is that if Lexus was to do something like 2.0L/2.4L/2.5L turbo for "IS 300" or "IS 350" as the core IS model, then "IS 500 F Sport" with the V35A-FTS, that compares very well to what the Germans are doing. Do they have to follow that playbook? No way, but truthfully, these turbo 4 cylinder models are becoming plenty powerful for 90% of consumers so the market for a second "core" performance model - like IS 350, C350, 340i - is shrinking. There's less reason to upgrade with more power from base engines. So that's why we've seen the Germans position and market them differently, now as more dedicated performance models, which would be perfect for an IS with V35A-FTS.

Even if we have ~290hp turbo 4cyl IS and ~416hp turbo V6 IS, that still leaves a hole for IS F to compete with C63, M3, etc.
S
Correct, the market is moving towards fewer engine options. With one four cylinder core model, a lite-performance model, and a true performance model. Three tiers, that's it. 2.4T->3.5TT->IS-F, throw in an economy hybrid, that's all they need.
S
Correct, the market is moving towards fewer engine options. With one four cylinder core model, a lite-performance model, and a true performance model. Three tiers, that's it. 2.4T->3.5TT->IS-F, throw in an economy hybrid, that's all they need.
S
Correct, the market is moving towards fewer engine options. With one four cylinder core model, a lite-performance model, and a true performance model. Three tiers, that's it. 2.4T->3.5TT->IS-F, throw in an economy hybrid, that's all they need.
S
Correct, the market is moving towards fewer engine options. With one four cylinder core model, a lite-performance model, and a true performance model. Three tiers, that's it. 2.4T->3.5TT->IS-F, throw in an economy hybrid, that's all they need.
S
Correct, the market is moving towards fewer engine options. With one four cylinder core model, a lite-performance model, and a true performance model. Three tiers, that's it. 2.4T->3.5TT->IS-F, throw in an economy hybrid, that's all they need.
Gecko
I also expect that in the absence of GS, the 3.5L TT V6 IS and IS F will have extended appeal beyond just the compact class (even if just for loyal Lexus buyers and return GS customers).
Gecko
I also expect that in the absence of GS, the 3.5L TT V6 IS and IS F will have extended appeal beyond just the compact class (even if just for loyal Lexus buyers and return GS customers).
Gecko
I also expect that in the absence of GS, the 3.5L TT V6 IS and IS F will have extended appeal beyond just the compact class (even if just for loyal Lexus buyers and return GS customers).

G