2021 is a perfect (for me) release date! My 2010 IS350 will likely need replacing by then or I can hand it down to my son who will be turning 16 then! C'Mon Lexus, don't let me down!
No, I strongly disagree (industry basis). 2021 is not a good release date nor is it the actual date, unless you live in a territory that gets staggered launches after JDM and USA. (Buying an XE40 6-9 months in, is not a bad idea, as it will not be Job #1 anymore.)
For a platform on its last legs, merely a heavy redo of a longtime aging platform that might even date back to 1991, Toyota needs to get this the hell out ASAP and is already pushing it, by allowing the facelifted IS to run 4 years without further aesthetic and major mechanical improvements. Should've been rushed for NYIAS reveal, then Q4 2019 launch as MY 2020 or Q1 2020 like LS in 2018. This car won't even be seen until Chicago 2020 or later, since no NAIAS in January.
The N platform just might even date back to 1991 via S140 cars, with New N being introduced in 2011-12 on the L10, 2013 for IS, and likely hindering the ability to introduce a TTV6 pre-2020 because of limitations.
A 2021 release means, the 2GR V6 only changed a smidgen (just once!) over a 16-year period for IS 350. That right there is pitiful and reeks of grossly resting on their laurels. The GS is suffering, as the actual customer for it can already perceive the lack of improvement in certain areas and made the choice to buy something else, until Lexus makes the necessary enhancements.
Some form of cognitive dissonance has allowed product planners to be blind to that and just cancel the GS redesign. The IS 350 suffers from that, where the existing and targeted customer base for such a vehicle, are not being motivated by the lack of changes to buy or lease another.
On a side note: It does annoy me when people try to make it seem as if, just because other Lexus customers and overall segment buyers, "don't care about numbers", doesn't mean this applies to buyers of the range-topping 350s, 3.0t RSes, M340is, and 450 AMGs. An IS 300 I4 RWD buyer is not a IS 350 buyer, who given consideration to spend more money for more performance and prestige in some cases.
These kind of buyers pay more attention to numbers and will not buy, unlike the IS300 RWD buyer, who just wants a good deal on a flashy car or strictly is being prudent.
A car with the once highly competitive engine in 2005, will NOT stand tall in 2018, just because of a suffix and Atkinson cycle changes, small increase in hp.
I am strongly highlighting this, to point out I disagree fervently that the IS will not come with a new twin-turbo V6 to replace the IS 350 or supplant it as a non-F variant range topper.
In advance, the LS offering this engine doesn't mean other Lexus vehicles cannot use it. Once upon a time, the IS had a petrol 5.0 litre V8 and flagship LS600hL similar to it. Not to mention even GS 460 and LS 460 for a brief spell.
Also, ES is irrelevant to whether or not the IS will benefit from such an engine. The ES does not compete with the 3-Series, C-Class, XE, and Q50. So, therefore the ES 350 suffices with 2GR-FKS. Honestly, a detuned AWD ES 400 would be a little better. In fact, back in late 2015 and early 2016, there were turbo ES mules running around New York and elsewhere.
When your competitors are offering TT 6-cylinders, don't bring a bat to a gunfight and show up with a NA V6 in use essentially for 2 previous generations into a 3rd one! I really cannot stomach nor entertain justifications, as to why they should keep the current 3.5L unchanged upon redesign.
I like and respect the Lexus brand, but I will never be an apologist for bad product planning.
