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
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.
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
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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