Next-Generation Lexus IS & IS F Sedans Coming in 2021?

Posted by Kevin on July 10th, 2019

The next-generation Lexus IS sedan will have a three-engine lineup and will also be offered as a high-performance IS F, according to Japanese website Response.

Let’s tackle the rumoured powertrains first — the 2.0L turbo from the current model will be carried over as a base model, as will the 2.5L hybrid currently offered on the IS 300h outside of North America. A new 2.4L turbo engine has been tasked to replace the outdated 3.5L V6 that’s been a staple of the model for over a decade.

The next-generation model will debut in 2021 and share a platform with the Japanese marketToyota Crown. It’s expected that the IS will increase slightly in overall length.

The bigger news is the reappearance of the high-performance IS F, which was discontinued in 2015 after the current model was introduced. Response is reporting that the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 from the LS 500 will be the powertrain, delivering 416 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

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Comments
MichaelL
I look forward to the new IS... can't come soon enough. Is the RC coming at the same time?
Gecko
416hp for IS F in 2021?

200.gif


First gen had 416hp in 2008 and the competition is now at 500hp. SMH.

That render is really nice though.
CRSKTN
Gecko said
416hp for IS F in 2021?

200.gif


First gen had 416hp in 2008 and the competition is now at 500hp. SMH.

That render is really nice though.
Click to expand...

This is some AMG 43 level watering down of the F branding.
Gecko
CRSKTN said
This is some AMG 43 level watering down of the F branding.
Click to expand...

Hell - I'm cool with watering down AMG to a more accessible level because it's a flagship product line. If the Lexus F products were half as good as the AMG 43 products, I'd be pleased.
CRSKTN
Gecko said
Hell - I'm cool with watering down AMG to a more accessible level because it's a flagship product line. If the Lexus F products were half as good as the AMG 43 products, I'd be pleased.
Click to expand...

What part/aspect of current F offerings do you think are somehow less than half as good as say, the C 43 AMG?
Gecko
CRSKTN said
What part/aspect of current F offerings do you think are somehow less than half as good as say, the C 43 AMG?
Click to expand...

Basically the fact that it exists and the IS F doesn't? With regard to performance, the E53 is probably a better competitor for the GS F than the E63. I have a lot of respect for how Mercedes has invested in AMG and grown it as a product line, from C to E, CLS, S, etc. More options never hurt!
S
i think people should take rumors less seriously... ie USA will certainly get new 2.4l turbo as well that replaces V6.
Then it is hard to believe that F engine will be just LS V6.

Then 2.5l hybrid is not the same, it would be next generation 2.5l hybrid.
G
No C43/S4/M340i competitor?
James
I am looking for a new car in 2021 would love to get an ISF please bring it back!
ahmed abou elsaoud
i think like the exist Gen they will start with IS suff and IS F kit only
after 2 years they will make the IS F performance

the LS500 engine which supplied with tow turbo chargers is very hi performance and in 2021 will be added to the LX as it already in LS
Carmaker1
😕🧐🤨😠😡🤬2021!!!????? Knowing they're Japanese reports, this definitely points to CY of launch, not model year season! WTH? I am tired. Awful product planning.

This car should not be arriving longer than 15 months, as it is 6 years old now since June 2013 launch!!! The original IS lasted only 6.5 years from early 1999's IS 200 to the IS 300 in September 2005. What gives??

Gecko said
416hp for IS F in 2021?

200.gif


First gen had 416hp in 2008 and the competition is now at 500hp. SMH.

That render is really nice though.
Click to expand...

It is a nice rendering, but what is happening with the LS+ design language?

Is Lexus backtracking on pushing the envelope as of 2017-18 design approvals? (for future models)

Thirdly, I echo disappointment at utilizing the V35A-FTS 3.5L V6...well unchanged that is.

Is that engine at peak performance?

In fact, how has IS-F and RC-F reliability been in comparison to their lesser 350 counterparts or that of the LS 460 and GS 460 UR V8s?

Is it possible to expect that higher stressed Lexus performance vehicles may not last as long as non-performance counterparts, but still eons longer and more durable than the luxury performance competition?

If Lexus chooses to get more out of the V35A-FTS for performance use (LS 500 already is putting out roughly 119 hp per litre!), then hopefully if there is some compromise in durability (lasting as long) it isn't too obvious.

As for the launch date, I am very annoyed, as an 8-year life cycle is a very pathetic and unfortunate joke.

BMW is right on time with redesigning the 3er, with it being last redesigned in February 2012 and February 2019.

Other than to heavily study and benchmark the G20 3er the past few months (to 1 extra year), there is no reason to wait another year on the IS, not even talk of a possible mid-LATE 2021 launch.

Now as for elaborating on my biggest annoyance, a 2022 MY redesign is laughably poor timing and painfully drags on a poorly received late 2016 facelift for an audacious 5 years.

The same way the once GREAT LS 460 went unchanged from September 2012 to its belated retirement in December 2017.

Many LS drivers (XF20, XF30, XF40) jumped ship to Tesla, Audi, BMW, and MB. On this other level of entry, they've needed to build the IS brand, but haven't put in the effort and care more about 2 door offerings (Akio's pets), the NX, and old K/GA-K duo.

I can't bother to know anymore, as I need to focus on my own young future in the present and not fall for studying products, that continually seem delayed or arriving later than stated (supplier database earmarked July 2020 SOP).

Years back (late 00s/early 10s), I took a very heavy interest in the future of MB, because they were making a rumoured serious comeback.

Now they have achieved it (starting with current S-Class) and Dieter Zetsche has retired, thus I don't focus much on what's incoming there as I do with Lexus. Particularly as, although MB is far from perfect, I now fully grasp what they are truly capable of in the 21st century post-DaimlerChrysler/Mckinsey & Co./Jurgen Schrempp eras of the 90s and 2000s that saw serious quality reductions and gross corruption.

I want to know the best Toyota/Lexus is capable of under the leadership and guidance of a Toyoda family member.

(Not in reference to Toyoda) But it seems like I had dangled in front of me, New N and heavy facelift products much of this 2010s decade, while waiting for modular TNGA grandslams.

So far, it is mostly the new Camry, RAV4, and Corolla line that have made a truly lasting impact (and ES to a degree).

Everything else just always seems be coming (IS, GA-F, GA-L CUVs), in dire straits (GS/CT), or being heldback (LS/LC*) from peak execution levels or diversification. I have to take a long break and return focus, when I see some results.

I know that this company is capable of LASTING and IMPACTFUL greatness and very much this (Lexus) brand, but some things clearly don't make sense.

I am not here to aimlessly berate Lexus (constructiveness matters), but to express frustration and hope they do better, against strong competition.

Netsfan said
A supercharged version of the V8 in the current rcf would be nice
Click to expand...

That might end up being affected by the GGT in the USA.

GNS said
No C43/S4/M340i competitor?
Click to expand...
Exactly...they need a potent 6 cylinder variant. IS 350 is being squeezed out by such competition in 3.0t Q50, C43, S4(?) and 340i/M340i (over time).

Looking at the LS struggle, I can say confidently they don't know what they're doing in targeting the right market.

The LS 500/h is the perfect super GS, but I digress.

IS needs to be designed for its market properly or otherwise, not be redesigned. New 2.4 sounds nice, but why I do feel as the liter size is inaccurate? It is good to replace AWD IS V6 and non-sport V6 IS.

An F-sport orientated turbo V6 is needed as M340i competitor and IS-F at higher levels.
F1 Silver Arrows
Carmaker1 said
It is a nice rendering, but what is happening the LS+ design language?

Is Lexus backtracking on pushing the envelope as of 2017-18 design approvals? (for future models)

Thirdly, I echo disappointment at utilizing the V35A-FTS 3.5L V6...well unchanged that is.

Is that engine at peak performance?

In fact, how has IS-F and RC-F reliability been in comparison to their lesser 350 counterparts or that of the LS 460 and GS 460 UR V8s?

Is it possible to expect that higher stressed Lexus performance vehicles may not last as long as non-performance counterparts, but still eons longer and more durable than the performance competition?

If Lexus chooses to get more out of the V35A-FTS for performance use (LS 500 already is putting out roughly 119 hp per litre!), then hopefully if there is some compromise in durability (lasting as long) it isn't too obvious.

As for the launch date, I am very annoyed, as an 8-year life cycle is a pathetic joke.

BMW is right on time with redesigning the 3er, with it being last redesigned in February 2012 and February 2019.

Other than to heavily study and benchmark the G20 3er the past few months, there is no reason to wait another year.

Now as for my biggest annoyance, a 2022 MY redesigning is laughably poor timing and painfully drags on a poorly received facelift for an audacious 5 years, the same way the LS 460 went unchanged from September 2012 to its belated retirement in December 2017.

Many LS drivers (XF20, XF30, XF40) jumped ship to Tesla, Audi, BMW, and MB. On this level, they've needed to build the IS brand, but haven't put in the effort and care more about 2 door offerings (Akio's pets) and the NX and old K/GA-K duo.

I can't bother to know anymore, as I need to focus on my own young future in the present and not fall for studying products, that continually seem delayed or arriving later than stated (supplier database earmarked July 2020 SOP).

Years back (late 00s/early 10s), I took a very heavy interest in the future of MB, because they were making a serious comeback.

Now they have achieved it (starting with current S-Class), I don't focus much on what's incoming there as I do with Lexus, because although MB is far from perfect, I now fully grasp what they are truly capable of in the 21st century post-DaimlerChrysler/Mckinsey & Co./Jurgen Schrempp.

I want to know the best Toyota/Lexus capable under the leadership and guidance of a Toyoda family member.

(Not in reference to Toyoda) But it seems like I had dangled in front of me New N and heavy facelift products, while waiting for modular TNGA grandslams. So far, it is mostly the new Camry, RAV4, and Corolla line that have made a truly lasting impact (and ES to a degree).

Everything else just always seems be coming (IS, GA-F, GA-L CUVs), in dire straits (GS/CT), or being heldback (LS/LC*) from peak execution levels or diversification. I have to take a long break and return focus, when I see some results.




That might end up being affected by the GGT in the USA.


Exactly...they need a potent 6 cylinder variant. IS 350 is being squeezed out by such competition in 3.0t Q50, C43, S4(?) and 340i/M340i (over time).

Looking at the LS struggle, I can say confidently they don't know what they're doing in targeting the right market.

The LS 500/h is the perfect GS, but I digress. IS needs to be designed for its market properly or otherwise, not be redesigned.
Click to expand...

I'm literally on the verge of giving up. I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to buy a luxury car, ever. It seems that I'm going to have to stick to FWD Toyotas that cut a f*ck load of power because only old farts buy those cars and cannot handle anything more than 2 horsepower, or old dinosaur BOF platforms as cars I can buy. Everything is just so out of reach or just "meh". Nothing excites me anymore. And I don't think I will ever be compelled to buy a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche or Lexus. Nobody is getting their sh*t together.
Carmaker1
F1 Silver Arrows said
I'm literally on the verge of giving up. I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to buy a luxury car, ever. It seems that I'm going to have to stick to FWD Toyotas that cut a f*ck load of power because only old farts buy those cars and cannot handle anything more than 2 horsepower, or old dinosaur BOF platforms as cars I can buy. Everything is just so out of reach or just "meh". Nothing excites me anymore. And I don't think I will ever be compelled to buy a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche or Lexus. Nobody is getting their sh*t together.
Click to expand...

Let's hope not, as one worries at times. I know I rule myself out of luxury market by my traditionalist tastes (sadly only M3 sedan offered what I want), but "wow" I just say in what we encounter as the years progress.
Ch’Pok
Others here know far more about bringing a design to production than me, but it appears the IS is stuck between “don’t want to kill it” and “don’t want to commit resources to it”. Is it possible the 4IS was paused or greatly slowed at some stage of development? This while management throws resources into (1) finding out how many crossovers it’s possible to build at once and (2) electric. The 4IS is left to hang there with a “we’ll get to it when we get to it” philosophy. Maybe even left to wither on the vine until the day they can save money by offering only the ES and LS? I imagine most dealers would favor concentrating on the RX redesign, LQ or whatever they’re gonna call it, etc.

Genesis G70 here I come...
M
Ch’Pok said
Others here know far more about bringing a design to production than me, but it appears the IS is stuck between “don’t want to kill it” and “don’t want to commit resources to it”. Is it possible the 4IS was paused or greatly slowed at some stage of development? This while management throws resources into (1) finding out how many crossovers it’s possible to build at once and (2) electric. The 4IS is left to hang there with a “we’ll get to it when we get to it” philosophy. Maybe even left to wither on the vine until the day they can save money by offering only the ES and LS? I imagine most dealers would favor concentrating on the RX redesign, LQ or whatever they’re gonna call it, etc.

Genesis G70 here I come...
Click to expand...

Smells like 4GS scenario all over again. They were probably aware current IS wouldn't be competitive in 2019 and if they had serious plans or priority to keep IS relevant 4IS prototype would have been presented already earlier this year. Waiting for 2 more years to get it into production is LS suicide deja vu. I hope Toyota rebadges give them enough sales to justify exotic LC like car venture in the future.
P
Why, already? The current model was released in 1985, why the rush? And where is the electric version? Lexus probably doesn’t know about this company called Tesla that will eat everyone’s lunch once they iron out the current nail bitting challenges. I’m definitely watching.

Certainly hope they don’t use the same designer of the new RAV4, what a shocker in poor interior quality, the ventilation control assy you can shake the $&%# out of it
Gecko
Ch’Pok said
Others here know far more about bringing a design to production than me, but it appears the IS is stuck between “don’t want to kill it” and “don’t want to commit resources to it”.
Click to expand...

I have come to believe this is how Toyoda/ToMoCo views the Lexus brand overall. Look at CT, IS, GS, LS, UX, GX, LX and even ES to an extent. All of it is minimal effort and "is this good enough?" vs the real passion to build great cars that died somewhere around 2012.

The future of Lexus is FWD. No doubt next gen RX and NX are where they're focusing their resources.
Ian Schmidt
phoenixss said
Lexus probably doesn’t know about this company called Tesla that will eat everyone’s lunch once they iron out the current nail bitting challenges.
Click to expand...

Nobody's worried about Tesla. Their recent "record sales!!!@!" proclamation hid that the average sale price for the quarter fell by $12,000, meaning the S and X are now deader than disco and the 3s they're selling are mostly base and near-base models. And they aren't making money on those.
P
correct, they got some nail bitting challenges ahead, but on the innovation front, they are not looking at tailing anyone.
S
The biggest advantage of turbocharging is the flexibility to tune the power level. If they do launch an IS-F there's no way they will only offer it with the 310 kW version.

Think of it this way, the 310 kW 'F-lite' version will compete favorably against the likes of C43/S4/340. I don't understand why people instantly rant '416hp IS-F is dead' the moment they see 'V35A-FTS'. It's like saying 'crap the Ford GT is dead because it uses Explorer engine'. If you followed OVTune you will know that the V35A-FTS is easily tunable to 650hp on stock turbos, if the bottom end allows it.

Heck, we are even promised two engines that are more powerful than the V35. These engines have to go somewhere. I am not overly worried about them messing up the IS-F. Remember Lexus is still a value brand compared to BBA, so they ALWAYS offer more at the same price (they have been doing that for 30 years after all). A $65k IS-F will have more power than the AMG/M/RS guaranteed.

The more alarming thing should be the lack of rumor on more electrified options.
Ian Schmidt
ssun30 said
If you followed OVTune you will know that the V35A-FTS is easily tunable to 650hp on stock turbos, if the bottom end allows it.
Click to expand...

Can you point us to where they're talking about the V35A-FTS? I'd love to follow along with whatever they're doing there.

Found it!

www.ovtuned.com

Toyota / Lexus V35A-FTS Twin Turbo Engine. Can it be tuned? YES!

The all new Toyota / Lexus 3.5L V35A-FTS engine. A marvel from Toyota. There are actually turbochargers in there! This new v6 comes out of the gates with 416 horsepower and 442 ft lbs. Impressive. But is that all it can do? The V35A Engine is one of the most electronically controlled engine...
www.ovtuned.com

They explicitly say the software's limiting how quick the engine is in order to impose smoothness, which is something I've long suspected.
Carmaker1
ssun30 said
The biggest advantage of turbocharging is the flexibility to tune the power level. If they do launch an IS-F there's no way they will only offer it with the 310 kW version.

Think of it this way, the 310 kW 'F-lite' version will compete favorably against the likes of C43/S4/340. I don't understand why people instantly rant '416hp IS-F is dead' the moment they see 'V35A-FTS'. It's like saying 'crap the Ford GT is dead because it uses Explorer engine'. If you followed OVTune you will know that the V35A-FTS is easily tunable to 650hp on stock turbos, if the bottom end allows it.

Heck, we are even promised two engines that are more powerful than the V35. These engines have to go somewhere. I am not overly worried about them messing up the IS-F. Remember Lexus is still a value brand compared to BBA, so they ALWAYS offer more at the same price (they have been doing that for 30 years after all). A $65k IS-F will have more power than the AMG/M/RS guaranteed.

The more alarming thing should be the lack of rumor on more electrified options.
Click to expand...

I knew it, thank you! I think using that engine in a two-tier format for the IS would make sense.

As for electrification of the IS, I would need a whole different thread to discuss that.

Also, that seems likely it will not happen before midcycle. Even an electrified IS-F would be very interesting, but would the general buyer base for that vehicle be put off?

I am concerned Tesla's success is derived from "doing it first" or branding, meaning other competitors jumping on the EV bandwagon might face hurdles with desired conquests.
Carmaker1
I had wanted to reply to a lot of posts in this thread, but I'll just say something nice and simple.

It flabbergasts me that there is a possibility although highly rumoured, that the Lexus lineup will not see any redesigns until MY 2022.

It seems awfully inaccurate, but much of these Japanese reports echo this. The RX is understandably far out, the IS, LX, and NX made sense for CY 2020, but I have observed CY 2021 now for the LX and NX, now IS and LQ.

So what is Lexus doing, other than rebadges (LM), refreshes, and facelifts for MY 2020 and 2021?

It is very bad idea to push back and squeeze in so many new models in (Year) 2021. I hope and expect otherwise next year and things go accordingly (as before) over the next 17 months.
James
Carmaker1 said
I had wanted to reply to a lot of posts in this thread, but I'll just say something nice and simple.

It flabbergasts me that there is a possibility although highly rumoured, that the Lexus lineup will not see any redesigns until MY 2022.

It seems awfully inaccurate, but much of these Japanese reports echo this. The RX is understandably far out, the IS, LX, and NX made sense for CY 2020, but I have observed CY 2021 now for the LX and NX, now IS and LQ.

So what is Lexus doing, other than rebadges (LM), refreshes, and facelifts for MY 2020 and 2021?

It is very bad idea to push back and squeeze in so many new models in (Year) 2021. I hope and expect otherwise next year and things go accordingly (as before) over the next 17 months.
Click to expand...
Carmaker1 like normal you bring up great points. Sorry about my being excited about 2021 I just think that’s the next year I’m getting a new car would love all this to be out like yesterday lol but the point on what will they bring out is interesting. LS no GS is dead (probably) ES brand new IS old LX we know is a no GX “new” this year RX isn’t that old NX thought was coming soon and then any of the rumored cars who knows rt so yeah great point. One of those that you mentioned or maybe two has to come out. NX and IS makes sense as they would sell the most of those compared to the rest rt? I’m cautiously excited about Lexus but these models need to come out sooner rather than later!
G
Carmaker1 said
Exactly...they need a potent 6 cylinder variant. IS 350 is being squeezed out by such competition in 3.0t Q50, C43, S4(?) and 340i/M340i (over time).
Click to expand...

Not to mention:

- Genesis G70
- Upcoming Acura TLX Type-S
- Cadillac CT5-V
Joaquin Ruhi
Carmaker1 said
...Thirdly, I echo disappointment at utilizing the V35A-FTS 3.5L V6...well unchanged that is.

Is that engine at peak performance?...

If Lexus chooses to get more out of the V35A-FTS for performance use (LS 500 already is putting out roughly 119 hp per litre!), then hopefully if there is some compromise in durability (lasting as long) it isn't too obvious.
Click to expand...

Ian Schmidt said
They explicitly say the software's limiting how quick the engine is in order to impose smoothness, which is something I've long suspected.
Click to expand...

Carmaker1 said
I knew it, thank you! I think using that engine in a two-tier format for the IS would make sense.
Click to expand...

I've written it ad nauseam both on these forums and in Kaizen Factor articles: with the single prominent exception of the LFA, there seems to be an unofficial corporate edict that no Lexus model will incur the U.S. EPA CAFE Gas Guzzler Penalty, and Toyota/Lexus' distaste for cylinder deactivation further limits their options in that regard. Even without having yet read @Ian Schmidt's link posted above, I'm sure that the LS 500's 416-hp output is dictated in great part by the optimal power-to-weight ratio necessary to avoid the CAFE Guzzler Tax.

A reborn IS F's smaller size and lighter-than-LS curb weight should certainly allow wiggle room for more than 416 hp.
maiaramdan
Agree on watering down the next ISF under only 1 condition, which is we need another high performance as top of the ladder
GSCT
ssun30 said
The more alarming thing should be the lack of rumor on more electrified options.
Click to expand...

Agree wholeheartedly! At least bring the 300h to North America.
Ian Schmidt
Joaquin Ruhi said
I've written it ad nauseam both on these forums and in Kaizen Factor articles: with the single prominent exception of the LFA, there seems to be an unofficial corporate edict that no Lexus model will incur the U.S. EPA CAFE Gas Guzzler Penalty, and Toyota/Lexus' distaste for cylinder deactivation further limits their options in that regard.
Click to expand...

That makes sense. The same tuner has a flash available that they claim makes the Lexus 2.0T much, much more powerful, although they don't talk about MPG with it. Interestingly, their Tacoma flash does improve both power and MPG, suggesting Toyota screwed up.
maiaramdan
My view the IS needs
200+ hp gasoline
300+ hp hybrid
400+ hp gasoline
500+ hp hybrid

That's my view

M