When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Third refresh or a new model? (personally think its a 3rd refresh)
Japan's answer to the BMW 3 Series coming next week with a whole new look.
With a total of zero spy shots in our database, we’re a bit surprised Lexus is about to take the wraps off the revamped IS. Then again, the compact luxury sedan entered the third generation more than seven years ago, so a replacement was bound to happen sooner or later. Our first official look at the overhauled BMW 3 Series rival reveals the IS will be the next model in line to get full-width taillights. It’s a design feature that has been increasing in popularity in recent years as automakers are looking to inject some pizzazz at the rear.
Lexus isn’t willing to go into any details for the time being, other than saying its new sedan is “dressed to thrill” and will be unveiled on June 9. Latest rumors suggest that while a high-performance F model is not on the agenda to make a comeback, the IS 500 will still rock a V8 after all. The jury is still out on whether it will be the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter or a newly developed twin-turbo that’s bound to power the LC race car and hopefully, the LC F.
Another missing piece of the puzzle has to do with the car’s underpinnings. There are contradicting reports about the hardware used by the 2021 IS, with some saying it will stick with the old bones rather than switching to the TNGA-L platform. Some reports are suggesting the engines might be carried over as well, and that IS 500 might not have a V8. Instead, the range topper will allegedly get the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 from the LS 500 where it makes 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque.
With the demise of the GS, it is believed the IS will be pushed upmarket to fill in the void. Expect a more luxurious interior cabin where there will be a tech infusion. Outside, the car is said to offer a sportier look, which we’re beginning to see judging by the aggressive rear end suggested by the swanky taillights.
There are a lot of things we don't know about the 2021 IS, but we should have answers to most questions in a week from tomorrow.
PLANO, TX (June 1, 2020) – Bringing the thrill of driving to the compact luxury sports car segment, Lexus will pull the cover off the new 2021 IS sports sedan next week.
Lexus obviously has learned nothing from GS and LS debacles.
When you do these dumb refreshes to prolong the model without updating the platform or engines - it’s basically a death sentence to that model. Consumers are very educated nowadays and can spot lipstick on a pig miles away.
By the time, the “all-new” IS comes in 3years - most of its existing customer base will be long gone...
My theory :
The project that was to be the 5GS was diverted to the Toyota Mirai but instead of being completely cancelled from Lexus duty, it still does become a Lexus, just not the GS; instead this platform becomes the new IS instead.
Makes sense: the GS since the 3rd generation has been half a size smaller than the German mid-sizers : 5 series/E class/A6. Recently,all the IS competitors have grown so large that they actually overlap the outgoing 4GS in size and interior volume : 3 series, C class, TLX, Volvo S60, A4. So Lexus decided that instead of fighting them with an IS sized platform, they would come to battle with a GS sized platform rebadged as an IS.
So in one fell swoop, the IS goes from being smallest in class to being the largest in useable space and interior volume in the compact sports luxury segment ( pending the Acura TLX).
The "Lexus will reuse the Mirai platform for a GS type replacement" is a false rumor that's been debunked numerous times. There is no replacement, and the IS will merely be a facelift using the same platform and powertrains as before. The only thing left to speculate is if whether Lexus will give it the 5.0 V8 from the GS-F for the rumored IS 500, which may very well also be a baseless claim.
The "Lexus will reuse the Mirai platform for a GS type replacement" is a false rumor that's been debunked numerous times. There is no replacement, and the IS will merely be a facelift using the same platform and powertrains as before. The only thing left to speculate is if whether Lexus will give it the 5.0 V8 from the GS-F for the rumored IS 500, which may very well also be a baseless claim.
The IS500 would be an issue...what would the tune be for a V8 thats not an F car? Do you give it the full 467hp treatment which would then be faster than the GSF (which isn't really that fast) or would you detune it to 400hp? Given the weight of the V8, the 400hp tune wouldn't be all that much faster than the current IS350...maybe 0-60 in 5s vs. 5.5? Then how much would you charge for the V8...maybe can get away with $5k before encroaching on M340 prices and would still be significantly slower comparatively. I think Lexus does the safe thing and offers a new 2.5L turbo or gives it he same old V6 for the higher trim with the 2L turbo for standard trim. Probably a slow hybrid version too.
Both GS and IS shared the same New N Platform, and if V8 fits in 4GS, then why can't V8 fit into 3IS?
If they do IS500, it is more likely to be 3.5 TT.
Japanese Mag-X is right in predicting new major refresh 3.5IS this October, which will sell for a few years until it is totally replaced by a BEV.
Now let's see if Japanese Mag-X is right about GS being replaced by a Mazda-sourced all new premium midsize platform with a 48V mild hybrid 3.0 in-line six and RWD; Lexus will probably sell this midsize RWD for a while until it is totally replaced by a BEV too...
At this point engine carryovers are most likely option. Don't get your hopes up about 5.0 or 3.5TT cause you will be disappointed. I hope I'm wrong but none of the Lexus extensive refreshes before have introduced new engines. Again I hope I'm wrong maybe this time Lexus has nothing to loose so it will be ***** out approach. The only thing I'm looking forward to is interior upgrade cause the current one has been so anti Lexus since the get go.
Japanese Mag-X believes that neither 5.0 V8 nor 3.5 TT will be available this October.
Lexus is only "considering" [thinking about] 5.0 V8 or 3.5 TT, and if one or the other eventuated, it would be released later on.
06-01-20 | 08:20 AM
2021 Lexus IS
