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.

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Comments
R
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
Joaquin Ruhi
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
In theory, you're absolutely right.

In practice, however, Lexus has been down this road before. The current (4th-gen) GS was on the verge of cancellation but received an 11-th hour reprieve and was built. Similar rumors are now making the rounds about 5GS, and, given the precipitous drops in sedan sales numbers in general, may well happen this time.

Per current rumors, Lexus wouldn't really abandon the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Instead, the ES would broaden its model lineup to add enthusiast-oriented AWD and F-Sport variants to its current comfort-oriented FWD base models. In other words, such a 7ES would be more akin to the FWD-centric Audi A6 (which goes from base FWD to Quattro to S6 to all-out RS6) than to the RWD-centric BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Joaquin Ruhi
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
In theory, you're absolutely right.

In practice, however, Lexus has been down this road before. The current (4th-gen) GS was on the verge of cancellation but received an 11-th hour reprieve and was built. Similar rumors are now making the rounds about 5GS, and, given the precipitous drops in sedan sales numbers in general, may well happen this time.

Per current rumors, Lexus wouldn't really abandon the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Instead, the ES would broaden its model lineup to add enthusiast-oriented AWD and F-Sport variants to its current comfort-oriented FWD base models. In other words, such a 7ES would be more akin to the FWD-centric Audi A6 (which goes from base FWD to Quattro to S6 to all-out RS6) than to the RWD-centric BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Joaquin Ruhi
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
In theory, you're absolutely right.

In practice, however, Lexus has been down this road before. The current (4th-gen) GS was on the verge of cancellation but received an 11-th hour reprieve and was built. Similar rumors are now making the rounds about 5GS, and, given the precipitous drops in sedan sales numbers in general, may well happen this time.

Per current rumors, Lexus wouldn't really abandon the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Instead, the ES would broaden its model lineup to add enthusiast-oriented AWD and F-Sport variants to its current comfort-oriented FWD base models. In other words, such a 7ES would be more akin to the FWD-centric Audi A6 (which goes from base FWD to Quattro to S6 to all-out RS6) than to the RWD-centric BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Joaquin Ruhi
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
In theory, you're absolutely right.

In practice, however, Lexus has been down this road before. The current (4th-gen) GS was on the verge of cancellation but received an 11-th hour reprieve and was built. Similar rumors are now making the rounds about 5GS, and, given the precipitous drops in sedan sales numbers in general, may well happen this time.

Per current rumors, Lexus wouldn't really abandon the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Instead, the ES would broaden its model lineup to add enthusiast-oriented AWD and F-Sport variants to its current comfort-oriented FWD base models. In other words, such a 7ES would be more akin to the FWD-centric Audi A6 (which goes from base FWD to Quattro to S6 to all-out RS6) than to the RWD-centric BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Trexus
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
I agree as well. Lexus needs to keep the GS to compete with the 5 Series and E Class just as the IS competes the 3 Series and C Class.

However the ES does so well sales wise. The ES is Lexus highest selling sedan. So in practice just like Joaquin mentioned maybe Lexus will elevate the ES as a midsize sedan to compete with the 5 Series, E Class and A6.

It's funny because when Lexus arrived in 1990 the ES was the entry level sedan.

ES 250
GS 300
LS 400

Even when the IS arrived, Lexus positioned the ES as entry level comfort/plush sedan and the IS was entry level sporty sedan.

ES 300/330/IS 300
GS 300/400/430
LS 400/430

Now the ES has moved up.

IS 200t/300/350
GS 350/ES 350/300h
LS 460/500/500h

In the end IMO and I agree with renyeo Lexus should keep the GS, increase variants to go head to head with the 5 Series and E Class.

GS 300
GS 300h
GS 350
GS 500 (V35A-FTS)
GS 500h (8GR-FXS)
GS F (TTV8)
Trexus
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
I agree as well. Lexus needs to keep the GS to compete with the 5 Series and E Class just as the IS competes the 3 Series and C Class.

However the ES does so well sales wise. The ES is Lexus highest selling sedan. So in practice just like Joaquin mentioned maybe Lexus will elevate the ES as a midsize sedan to compete with the 5 Series, E Class and A6.

It's funny because when Lexus arrived in 1990 the ES was the entry level sedan.

ES 250
GS 300
LS 400

Even when the IS arrived, Lexus positioned the ES as entry level comfort/plush sedan and the IS was entry level sporty sedan.

ES 300/330/IS 300
GS 300/400/430
LS 400/430

Now the ES has moved up.

IS 200t/300/350
GS 350/ES 350/300h
LS 460/500/500h

In the end IMO and I agree with renyeo Lexus should keep the GS, increase variants to go head to head with the 5 Series and E Class.

GS 300
GS 300h
GS 350
GS 500 (V35A-FTS)
GS 500h (8GR-FXS)
GS F (TTV8)
Trexus
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
I agree as well. Lexus needs to keep the GS to compete with the 5 Series and E Class just as the IS competes the 3 Series and C Class.

However the ES does so well sales wise. The ES is Lexus highest selling sedan. So in practice just like Joaquin mentioned maybe Lexus will elevate the ES as a midsize sedan to compete with the 5 Series, E Class and A6.

It's funny because when Lexus arrived in 1990 the ES was the entry level sedan.

ES 250
GS 300
LS 400

Even when the IS arrived, Lexus positioned the ES as entry level comfort/plush sedan and the IS was entry level sporty sedan.

ES 300/330/IS 300
GS 300/400/430
LS 400/430

Now the ES has moved up.

IS 200t/300/350
GS 350/ES 350/300h
LS 460/500/500h

In the end IMO and I agree with renyeo Lexus should keep the GS, increase variants to go head to head with the 5 Series and E Class.

GS 300
GS 300h
GS 350
GS 500 (V35A-FTS)
GS 500h (8GR-FXS)
GS F (TTV8)
Trexus
renyeo
IMO, It’s improbable Lexus will can the GS to cause the brand’s lineup to be without a proper RWD 5-series/E-Class challenger, much like how the IS has been the designated 3-series fighter for Lexus.
I agree as well. Lexus needs to keep the GS to compete with the 5 Series and E Class just as the IS competes the 3 Series and C Class.

However the ES does so well sales wise. The ES is Lexus highest selling sedan. So in practice just like Joaquin mentioned maybe Lexus will elevate the ES as a midsize sedan to compete with the 5 Series, E Class and A6.

It's funny because when Lexus arrived in 1990 the ES was the entry level sedan.

ES 250
GS 300
LS 400

Even when the IS arrived, Lexus positioned the ES as entry level comfort/plush sedan and the IS was entry level sporty sedan.

ES 300/330/IS 300
GS 300/400/430
LS 400/430

Now the ES has moved up.

IS 200t/300/350
GS 350/ES 350/300h
LS 460/500/500h

In the end IMO and I agree with renyeo Lexus should keep the GS, increase variants to go head to head with the 5 Series and E Class.

GS 300
GS 300h
GS 350
GS 500 (V35A-FTS)
GS 500h (8GR-FXS)
GS F (TTV8)
R
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
R
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
R
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
R
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
mikeavelli
renyeo
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
Trexus has soon good history noted here. I still have my 1992 ES 300 manual. It was originally marketed and pitted as a sporty luxury sedan believe it or not. Won quite a few comparos or at least fared very well. That said the market didn't buy it for that, they bought it since it was quite, comfy, etc. The next generation was also marketed a bit as sporty but it was obvious the 3 series buyer was not looking at the ES at this point. The ES became the baby LS, fluffy and great in everything but sport.

It was at this time the IS 200 (1997 I believe) was introduced in Europe and as the Altezza in Japan. Lexus realized they needed a true RWD car to battle the 3 series. In Europe it got a petrol I-6 and in Japan a high revving 4 cylinder. But we didn't get it until 2000 as a 2001 IS 300 with the 2JZ from the Supra. It fared well in comparisons but the engine just wasn't that fast unless you boosted it. Sales were okay but never amazing and dwindled fast. But Lexus saw they had a strong niche and a buyer that wanted an IS 300 and not an ES 300. These were people who otherwise probably wouldn't drive a Lexus or only a GS at the time. The ES at the time was a full blown luxury car, not 1 iota tuned to sport.

Fast forward to the 3rd gen which was beautiful but drove less sporty. Sales were great. At this time the ES was a full blown fluff mobile. Sales of the ES were great. The GS debuted but if you remember it had carryover engines which were not a hit in comparisons with the V-8. It also drove less sporty to the competition than the previous GS did. It was cramped to the ES. The IS was faster. The GS then was put in a weird spot by its own brand. Then the IS F came.

Lexus hit it out the park with the current IS which is arguably the best driving car in class. The interior is almost a throwback to the IS 200/300/Altezza. Interior room is better.

The GS languished for a long time. The new generation also is arguably the best driving car in class but most of the public hasn't taken notice. And I'm sorry but salespeople continue to push the ES not the GS. The ES is an easier sale.

The ES arguably is the sweeter looking car, especailly the rear 3/4 view. Its larger inside. Cheaper. The interior is not close to the GS but most I guess don't see the value in a smaller, sportier Lexus that costs more.

As you can see more than ever the GS has been squeezed by the IS and ES. To complicate matters, the RX is now sportier looking with an interior nearly on par with the GS. My wife is the perfect example of having and liking her GS F-Sport but never considered the GS F or any other GS when she saw the RX F-Sport.

Sigh :(

Trying to wrap this long post back to the IS, I expect the next generation to mix more luxury inside and maybe try to grab some GS buyers who won't consider an ES.
mikeavelli
renyeo
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
Trexus has soon good history noted here. I still have my 1992 ES 300 manual. It was originally marketed and pitted as a sporty luxury sedan believe it or not. Won quite a few comparos or at least fared very well. That said the market didn't buy it for that, they bought it since it was quite, comfy, etc. The next generation was also marketed a bit as sporty but it was obvious the 3 series buyer was not looking at the ES at this point. The ES became the baby LS, fluffy and great in everything but sport.

It was at this time the IS 200 (1997 I believe) was introduced in Europe and as the Altezza in Japan. Lexus realized they needed a true RWD car to battle the 3 series. In Europe it got a petrol I-6 and in Japan a high revving 4 cylinder. But we didn't get it until 2000 as a 2001 IS 300 with the 2JZ from the Supra. It fared well in comparisons but the engine just wasn't that fast unless you boosted it. Sales were okay but never amazing and dwindled fast. But Lexus saw they had a strong niche and a buyer that wanted an IS 300 and not an ES 300. These were people who otherwise probably wouldn't drive a Lexus or only a GS at the time. The ES at the time was a full blown luxury car, not 1 iota tuned to sport.

Fast forward to the 3rd gen which was beautiful but drove less sporty. Sales were great. At this time the ES was a full blown fluff mobile. Sales of the ES were great. The GS debuted but if you remember it had carryover engines which were not a hit in comparisons with the V-8. It also drove less sporty to the competition than the previous GS did. It was cramped to the ES. The IS was faster. The GS then was put in a weird spot by its own brand. Then the IS F came.

Lexus hit it out the park with the current IS which is arguably the best driving car in class. The interior is almost a throwback to the IS 200/300/Altezza. Interior room is better.

The GS languished for a long time. The new generation also is arguably the best driving car in class but most of the public hasn't taken notice. And I'm sorry but salespeople continue to push the ES not the GS. The ES is an easier sale.

The ES arguably is the sweeter looking car, especailly the rear 3/4 view. Its larger inside. Cheaper. The interior is not close to the GS but most I guess don't see the value in a smaller, sportier Lexus that costs more.

As you can see more than ever the GS has been squeezed by the IS and ES. To complicate matters, the RX is now sportier looking with an interior nearly on par with the GS. My wife is the perfect example of having and liking her GS F-Sport but never considered the GS F or any other GS when she saw the RX F-Sport.

Sigh :(

Trying to wrap this long post back to the IS, I expect the next generation to mix more luxury inside and maybe try to grab some GS buyers who won't consider an ES.
mikeavelli
renyeo
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
Trexus has soon good history noted here. I still have my 1992 ES 300 manual. It was originally marketed and pitted as a sporty luxury sedan believe it or not. Won quite a few comparos or at least fared very well. That said the market didn't buy it for that, they bought it since it was quite, comfy, etc. The next generation was also marketed a bit as sporty but it was obvious the 3 series buyer was not looking at the ES at this point. The ES became the baby LS, fluffy and great in everything but sport.

It was at this time the IS 200 (1997 I believe) was introduced in Europe and as the Altezza in Japan. Lexus realized they needed a true RWD car to battle the 3 series. In Europe it got a petrol I-6 and in Japan a high revving 4 cylinder. But we didn't get it until 2000 as a 2001 IS 300 with the 2JZ from the Supra. It fared well in comparisons but the engine just wasn't that fast unless you boosted it. Sales were okay but never amazing and dwindled fast. But Lexus saw they had a strong niche and a buyer that wanted an IS 300 and not an ES 300. These were people who otherwise probably wouldn't drive a Lexus or only a GS at the time. The ES at the time was a full blown luxury car, not 1 iota tuned to sport.

Fast forward to the 3rd gen which was beautiful but drove less sporty. Sales were great. At this time the ES was a full blown fluff mobile. Sales of the ES were great. The GS debuted but if you remember it had carryover engines which were not a hit in comparisons with the V-8. It also drove less sporty to the competition than the previous GS did. It was cramped to the ES. The IS was faster. The GS then was put in a weird spot by its own brand. Then the IS F came.

Lexus hit it out the park with the current IS which is arguably the best driving car in class. The interior is almost a throwback to the IS 200/300/Altezza. Interior room is better.

The GS languished for a long time. The new generation also is arguably the best driving car in class but most of the public hasn't taken notice. And I'm sorry but salespeople continue to push the ES not the GS. The ES is an easier sale.

The ES arguably is the sweeter looking car, especailly the rear 3/4 view. Its larger inside. Cheaper. The interior is not close to the GS but most I guess don't see the value in a smaller, sportier Lexus that costs more.

As you can see more than ever the GS has been squeezed by the IS and ES. To complicate matters, the RX is now sportier looking with an interior nearly on par with the GS. My wife is the perfect example of having and liking her GS F-Sport but never considered the GS F or any other GS when she saw the RX F-Sport.

Sigh :(

Trying to wrap this long post back to the IS, I expect the next generation to mix more luxury inside and maybe try to grab some GS buyers who won't consider an ES.
mikeavelli
renyeo
It’s funny customers are buying more ESes because they are purportedly to be cheaper than the GS. Does this means the Lexus brand has been competing in the lower pricepoint market attracting buyer demographics that are different from the German cars customers?

Anyhow, it’d be great if Lexus could sell a new RWD ES (built on the GA-L platform no less) for less money than the GS going forward.
Trexus has soon good history noted here. I still have my 1992 ES 300 manual. It was originally marketed and pitted as a sporty luxury sedan believe it or not. Won quite a few comparos or at least fared very well. That said the market didn't buy it for that, they bought it since it was quite, comfy, etc. The next generation was also marketed a bit as sporty but it was obvious the 3 series buyer was not looking at the ES at this point. The ES became the baby LS, fluffy and great in everything but sport.

It was at this time the IS 200 (1997 I believe) was introduced in Europe and as the Altezza in Japan. Lexus realized they needed a true RWD car to battle the 3 series. In Europe it got a petrol I-6 and in Japan a high revving 4 cylinder. But we didn't get it until 2000 as a 2001 IS 300 with the 2JZ from the Supra. It fared well in comparisons but the engine just wasn't that fast unless you boosted it. Sales were okay but never amazing and dwindled fast. But Lexus saw they had a strong niche and a buyer that wanted an IS 300 and not an ES 300. These were people who otherwise probably wouldn't drive a Lexus or only a GS at the time. The ES at the time was a full blown luxury car, not 1 iota tuned to sport.

Fast forward to the 3rd gen which was beautiful but drove less sporty. Sales were great. At this time the ES was a full blown fluff mobile. Sales of the ES were great. The GS debuted but if you remember it had carryover engines which were not a hit in comparisons with the V-8. It also drove less sporty to the competition than the previous GS did. It was cramped to the ES. The IS was faster. The GS then was put in a weird spot by its own brand. Then the IS F came.

Lexus hit it out the park with the current IS which is arguably the best driving car in class. The interior is almost a throwback to the IS 200/300/Altezza. Interior room is better.

The GS languished for a long time. The new generation also is arguably the best driving car in class but most of the public hasn't taken notice. And I'm sorry but salespeople continue to push the ES not the GS. The ES is an easier sale.

The ES arguably is the sweeter looking car, especailly the rear 3/4 view. Its larger inside. Cheaper. The interior is not close to the GS but most I guess don't see the value in a smaller, sportier Lexus that costs more.

As you can see more than ever the GS has been squeezed by the IS and ES. To complicate matters, the RX is now sportier looking with an interior nearly on par with the GS. My wife is the perfect example of having and liking her GS F-Sport but never considered the GS F or any other GS when she saw the RX F-Sport.

Sigh :(

Trying to wrap this long post back to the IS, I expect the next generation to mix more luxury inside and maybe try to grab some GS buyers who won't consider an ES.
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.
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.
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.
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).

M