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
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mikeavelli
I've actually looked into swapping bumpers. But you also miss the Sport plus and suspension and brakes, rear steer option etc....
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
S
mikeavelli
I've actually looked into swapping bumpers. But you also miss the Sport plus and suspension and brakes, rear steer option etc....
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
S
mikeavelli
I've actually looked into swapping bumpers. But you also miss the Sport plus and suspension and brakes, rear steer option etc....
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
mikeavelli
Sakura
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
Thanks Sakura, I appreciate that.
mikeavelli
Sakura
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
Thanks Sakura, I appreciate that.
mikeavelli
Sakura
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
Thanks Sakura, I appreciate that.
mikeavelli
Sakura
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
Thanks Sakura, I appreciate that.
mikeavelli
Sakura
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
Thanks Sakura, I appreciate that.
mikeavelli
Sakura
Yeah. There's so much else you miss out on besides bumpers. I really find it annoying that Lexus splits the two apart. In my opinion, the F-Sport just looks so much better majority of time.

Side note: I just realized you are Mike F from Vossen. Holy crap. Lol. Huge fan of the Wheels and saw you in some Vossen videos before.
Thanks Sakura, I appreciate that.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • October 1, 2018
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • October 1, 2018
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • October 1, 2018
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • October 1, 2018
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • October 1, 2018
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • October 1, 2018
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
C
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
C
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
C
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
C
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
C
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
C
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
G
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Almost everyone else has a turbo 6 cylinder powerplant...hell, even Kia has one. I'll admit to test driving one of those (GT2 AWD, aka 'Limited' in Canada) and after I extricated myself from the soft nappa leather seats, I could not believe that I had just finished test driving a Kia with a sudden urge to buy one right there and then. The 3.3L TTV6 puts out a lot of power, combine it with the HTRAC system (basically BMW xDrive) and you're in a Kia that can outgun or match any Lexus vehicle in acceleration and speed...save for the LFA, of course.

I'm still holding out for the 4th gen IS anyway because I know that Toyota/Lexus makes a superior product, but if Lexus drops the ball and recycles the NA V6, I'll be looking away from the IS line.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
It'll be interesting to see what Lexus does, since the C43 is getting 385hp and the Q50 RS is already pushing 400hp. Just price it in line with the 340i / S4 / C43 ($56k - $58k CAD) and I'll be happy.

As a side note... I think @Carmaker1 was supposed to have commented on this thread with more info on the 4IS, but it looks like he was taken away by the Lexus police.
G
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Almost everyone else has a turbo 6 cylinder powerplant...hell, even Kia has one. I'll admit to test driving one of those (GT2 AWD, aka 'Limited' in Canada) and after I extricated myself from the soft nappa leather seats, I could not believe that I had just finished test driving a Kia with a sudden urge to buy one right there and then. The 3.3L TTV6 puts out a lot of power, combine it with the HTRAC system (basically BMW xDrive) and you're in a Kia that can outgun or match any Lexus vehicle in acceleration and speed...save for the LFA, of course.

I'm still holding out for the 4th gen IS anyway because I know that Toyota/Lexus makes a superior product, but if Lexus drops the ball and recycles the NA V6, I'll be looking away from the IS line.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
It'll be interesting to see what Lexus does, since the C43 is getting 385hp and the Q50 RS is already pushing 400hp. Just price it in line with the 340i / S4 / C43 ($56k - $58k CAD) and I'll be happy.

As a side note... I think @Carmaker1 was supposed to have commented on this thread with more info on the 4IS, but it looks like he was taken away by the Lexus police.
G
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Almost everyone else has a turbo 6 cylinder powerplant...hell, even Kia has one. I'll admit to test driving one of those (GT2 AWD, aka 'Limited' in Canada) and after I extricated myself from the soft nappa leather seats, I could not believe that I had just finished test driving a Kia with a sudden urge to buy one right there and then. The 3.3L TTV6 puts out a lot of power, combine it with the HTRAC system (basically BMW xDrive) and you're in a Kia that can outgun or match any Lexus vehicle in acceleration and speed...save for the LFA, of course.

I'm still holding out for the 4th gen IS anyway because I know that Toyota/Lexus makes a superior product, but if Lexus drops the ball and recycles the NA V6, I'll be looking away from the IS line.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
It'll be interesting to see what Lexus does, since the C43 is getting 385hp and the Q50 RS is already pushing 400hp. Just price it in line with the 340i / S4 / C43 ($56k - $58k CAD) and I'll be happy.

As a side note... I think @Carmaker1 was supposed to have commented on this thread with more info on the 4IS, but it looks like he was taken away by the Lexus police.
G
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Almost everyone else has a turbo 6 cylinder powerplant...hell, even Kia has one. I'll admit to test driving one of those (GT2 AWD, aka 'Limited' in Canada) and after I extricated myself from the soft nappa leather seats, I could not believe that I had just finished test driving a Kia with a sudden urge to buy one right there and then. The 3.3L TTV6 puts out a lot of power, combine it with the HTRAC system (basically BMW xDrive) and you're in a Kia that can outgun or match any Lexus vehicle in acceleration and speed...save for the LFA, of course.

I'm still holding out for the 4th gen IS anyway because I know that Toyota/Lexus makes a superior product, but if Lexus drops the ball and recycles the NA V6, I'll be looking away from the IS line.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
It'll be interesting to see what Lexus does, since the C43 is getting 385hp and the Q50 RS is already pushing 400hp. Just price it in line with the 340i / S4 / C43 ($56k - $58k CAD) and I'll be happy.

As a side note... I think @Carmaker1 was supposed to have commented on this thread with more info on the 4IS, but it looks like he was taken away by the Lexus police.
G
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Almost everyone else has a turbo 6 cylinder powerplant...hell, even Kia has one. I'll admit to test driving one of those (GT2 AWD, aka 'Limited' in Canada) and after I extricated myself from the soft nappa leather seats, I could not believe that I had just finished test driving a Kia with a sudden urge to buy one right there and then. The 3.3L TTV6 puts out a lot of power, combine it with the HTRAC system (basically BMW xDrive) and you're in a Kia that can outgun or match any Lexus vehicle in acceleration and speed...save for the LFA, of course.

I'm still holding out for the 4th gen IS anyway because I know that Toyota/Lexus makes a superior product, but if Lexus drops the ball and recycles the NA V6, I'll be looking away from the IS line.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
It'll be interesting to see what Lexus does, since the C43 is getting 385hp and the Q50 RS is already pushing 400hp. Just price it in line with the 340i / S4 / C43 ($56k - $58k CAD) and I'll be happy.

As a side note... I think @Carmaker1 was supposed to have commented on this thread with more info on the 4IS, but it looks like he was taken away by the Lexus police.
G
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Almost everyone else has a turbo 6 cylinder powerplant...hell, even Kia has one. I'll admit to test driving one of those (GT2 AWD, aka 'Limited' in Canada) and after I extricated myself from the soft nappa leather seats, I could not believe that I had just finished test driving a Kia with a sudden urge to buy one right there and then. The 3.3L TTV6 puts out a lot of power, combine it with the HTRAC system (basically BMW xDrive) and you're in a Kia that can outgun or match any Lexus vehicle in acceleration and speed...save for the LFA, of course.

I'm still holding out for the 4th gen IS anyway because I know that Toyota/Lexus makes a superior product, but if Lexus drops the ball and recycles the NA V6, I'll be looking away from the IS line.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
It'll be interesting to see what Lexus does, since the C43 is getting 385hp and the Q50 RS is already pushing 400hp. Just price it in line with the 340i / S4 / C43 ($56k - $58k CAD) and I'll be happy.

As a side note... I think @Carmaker1 was supposed to have commented on this thread with more info on the 4IS, but it looks like he was taken away by the Lexus police.
S
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Yes - in terms for car enthusiasts - it will fall flat on its face. But in terms of the "bean-counters" and Toyota corporate - it'll make 100% sense to recycle the engine. And 100% I hope they don't either but the business-perspective side of me know they will.

Why do I think they will recycle the engine?
1) Firstly - Toyota is slow as hell in terms of changing things up. Evidence of this is the IS250/IS350 engine from the 2G IS made it into the 3G IS. That shows Toyota has no problem with recycling engines.
2) The 8AR was first introduced in 2015 and the 2GR-FKS was also introduced in 2015. That's still "fairly" new. Toyota will want to max the use of these engines before changing them.
3) Price - probably. A TTV6 Lexus IS350 might increase the cost of the vehicle too much for what it is. I think they'll run the TTV6 in the IS-F before the regular IS gets it.

The Lexus IS will be successful regardless. The 2014 Lexus IS sold the same nearly the same amount of cars as the 2006 Lexus IS - and Lexus recycled the engines for the 2014 model year. In perspective - the engines were about 8 years old and still sold. This is why I think Toyota might just project a "IDC attitude" and just recycle it.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
The issue here is - they have to detune the engine. If they keep the same engine specs from the LS, it'll be a 400+HP IS. That might push the starting price of a 400HP IS to over 50K - with options that would probably hit 60K. That makes the car 4K or less away from the start price of a RC-F and they still need to leave room for a IS-F slot. This is why I think the IS-F might return in the 4G with the TTV6.
S
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Yes - in terms for car enthusiasts - it will fall flat on its face. But in terms of the "bean-counters" and Toyota corporate - it'll make 100% sense to recycle the engine. And 100% I hope they don't either but the business-perspective side of me know they will.

Why do I think they will recycle the engine?
1) Firstly - Toyota is slow as hell in terms of changing things up. Evidence of this is the IS250/IS350 engine from the 2G IS made it into the 3G IS. That shows Toyota has no problem with recycling engines.
2) The 8AR was first introduced in 2015 and the 2GR-FKS was also introduced in 2015. That's still "fairly" new. Toyota will want to max the use of these engines before changing them.
3) Price - probably. A TTV6 Lexus IS350 might increase the cost of the vehicle too much for what it is. I think they'll run the TTV6 in the IS-F before the regular IS gets it.

The Lexus IS will be successful regardless. The 2014 Lexus IS sold the same nearly the same amount of cars as the 2006 Lexus IS - and Lexus recycled the engines for the 2014 model year. In perspective - the engines were about 8 years old and still sold. This is why I think Toyota might just project a "IDC attitude" and just recycle it.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
The issue here is - they have to detune the engine. If they keep the same engine specs from the LS, it'll be a 400+HP IS. That might push the starting price of a 400HP IS to over 50K - with options that would probably hit 60K. That makes the car 4K or less away from the start price of a RC-F and they still need to leave room for a IS-F slot. This is why I think the IS-F might return in the 4G with the TTV6.
S
CT2IS
No way Lexus is keeping the current 8AR-FTS and current V6 for the 4IS. These engines are extremely underwhelming even as of 2016. The 4IS would fall flat on its face at launch.

My take is Lexus will launch with a new redesigned turbo 4 (or at least HIGHLY revised--there's some strong deliberate de-tuning in the current one) and a scaled down/detuned TT V6 (probably through software) from the LS to push out around 330 hp.

The 4IS will have to lose at least 150-200 lbs to be successful.
Yes - in terms for car enthusiasts - it will fall flat on its face. But in terms of the "bean-counters" and Toyota corporate - it'll make 100% sense to recycle the engine. And 100% I hope they don't either but the business-perspective side of me know they will.

Why do I think they will recycle the engine?
1) Firstly - Toyota is slow as hell in terms of changing things up. Evidence of this is the IS250/IS350 engine from the 2G IS made it into the 3G IS. That shows Toyota has no problem with recycling engines.
2) The 8AR was first introduced in 2015 and the 2GR-FKS was also introduced in 2015. That's still "fairly" new. Toyota will want to max the use of these engines before changing them.
3) Price - probably. A TTV6 Lexus IS350 might increase the cost of the vehicle too much for what it is. I think they'll run the TTV6 in the IS-F before the regular IS gets it.

The Lexus IS will be successful regardless. The 2014 Lexus IS sold the same nearly the same amount of cars as the 2006 Lexus IS - and Lexus recycled the engines for the 2014 model year. In perspective - the engines were about 8 years old and still sold. This is why I think Toyota might just project a "IDC attitude" and just recycle it.

carguy420
They better not detune the TT V6 for the IS.
The issue here is - they have to detune the engine. If they keep the same engine specs from the LS, it'll be a 400+HP IS. That might push the starting price of a 400HP IS to over 50K - with options that would probably hit 60K. That makes the car 4K or less away from the start price of a RC-F and they still need to leave room for a IS-F slot. This is why I think the IS-F might return in the 4G with the TTV6.

S