After reading over the Lexus USA, Global, Canada and Australia news releases for the 2021 IS, here are some totally random detail thoughts and comments:
- When I read the USA Newsroom passage that "there are five new exterior colors available on the 2021 IS, including Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Matador Red Mica, Infrared, and Grecian Water", my reaction was, "What's up with that? Matador Red has been around since the 2IS launch for 2006." What slipped under my radar is that Matador Red was discontinued as an IS option after the 2015 model year, went on a 5-year hiatus and now returns for 2021. Infrared makes its way from the RC and LC color palette to its first 4-door application, albeit only for IS 350 F Sport in the U.S. That leaves 3 actual new hues for 2021 in the U.S.: Iridium, Cloudburst Gray and Grecian Water.
- Yet, the Global Newsroom only mentions 2 new exterior colors: Sonic Iridium and Sonic Chrome. Those would be Iridium (duh) and, probably, Cloudburst Gray.
- It's nice that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally made their way to the IS, but couldn't they have made it wireless like in the lowly 2021 Hyundai Elantra? And couldn't they have squeezed in a Qi wireless charging pad in that area in the console between the seat heater and cooling fan controls?
- It's good that they're talking about how much lighter the suspension and the BBS wheels in the Dynamic Handling Package are, but no mention of an overall curb weight savings. Could the 2021 IS have gotten heavier overall?
- Only the Australian newsroom states that "with available 18-inch wheels (comparable to the previous IS F Sport) the latest Lexus sports sedan rides on a 45mm (1.77") wider front track and 50mm (2"") wider rear track". But 18" wheels are standard in North America. Does that mean that 17" wheels remain standard in some markets?
- In spite of the above, I see no evidence that they grafted on the wider GS/RC front sub-frame to allow for the 2UR V8 to fit.
- The Lexus Safety System+ in its Japanese iteration includes a couple of additional exclusive features: Low Speed Acceleration Control (which supports the prevention of collisions caused by pedal misapplication at times of reduced speed) and Driver Emergency Stop Assist. The latter coordinates with Lane Tracing Assist to support the driver through audio and visual alerts and gentle deceleration. It then activates the vehicle's hazard lamps and horn to alert those outside the vehicle to help prevent or reduce damage to the vehicle or to others, while slowing and eventually stopping the vehicle within its lane. After stopping the vehicle, it unlocks the doors and activates an automatic HELPNET connection for a rescue request, contributing to early driver rescue.
- According to the Global and Australian news releases, approximately 1.09 million Lexus ISs have been sold worldwide from its launch over 20 years ago until 30 April 2020.
- Still no word of an IS 500 trademark registered in the U.S.
