The 2014 Lexus IS is expected to make its official debut at the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit
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#19
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I think they are just testing a new power train. In 2010, we have already seen the same mule pics, and two years later, we are still with the mule testing? That's nonsense.
I expect to have its debut this fall.
I expect to have its debut this fall.
#20
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A mule like this is usually the best indicator for any dimension changes in the car, and it doesn't look like the IS will be changing much.
Yep, as I've been saying all along, that's the new IS, and it seems to be little more than the current model with a spindle grill MCE, which is disappointing. Or not, considering I really like the look of the current IS but wish it was a bit more aggressive up front.
Yep, as I've been saying all along, that's the new IS, and it seems to be little more than the current model with a spindle grill MCE, which is disappointing. Or not, considering I really like the look of the current IS but wish it was a bit more aggressive up front.
I'd say that it's more of an evolutionary redesign as many of us know that facelifts at times can design-wise be precursors to the next generation models. Looking at the UCF30/31 facelift, one can see how it somewhat influenced the current LS(USF40/41-45/46). On that update designed in 2002 for the 2004 model year, the headlights and grille became much sharper than the original UCF30/31 from 2000. All the facelift design elements were later incorporated on the then in-development 2007 LS.
Last edited by Carmaker1; 04-17-12 at 04:11 AM.
#22
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Toyota’s method of testing new car models on public roads involves using the current generation’s body over the new platform (engine, transmission, suspension) until the very last moment before the new model’s introduction; we won’t likely see a camouflaged new IS until a few weeks before it is due to be revealed. Unless, that is, we get grainy spy photos of the new model from a dealer introduction or Chinese photographs.
Using the current model as a test mule does give us a chance to judge the dimensional changes to the new model.
Using the current model as a test mule does give us a chance to judge the dimensional changes to the new model.
- If the wheels on the current-generation test mule come out closer to, or out past the edge of, the fender line, we know the track is wider (and the car will likely be wider also).
- If there are unsightly gaps in the front or rear fascia, like between the headlights and the grill or the rear lights and the trunk cut-line, we know that the car will be a little wider.
- If there seems to be a wider B-pillar or what seems to be a wider rear door, we know that the wheelbase will be longer. And similarly, if we see what seems to be a shorter rear door, we know that the wheelbase will be shorter.
- There is a gap between the front fascia (grill) and the hood. This may be a longer front overhang on the 3IS or perhaps a longer front end (from front fascia/bumper to base of the windshield).
- There may also be a longer rear bumper. Does anybody else see this? This may be a longer rear overhang or it may mean a slightly longer car.
- Is there a wider B-pillar or do my eyes deceive me? If so, the wheelbase has probably been lengthened a bit.
#23
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#25
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Toyota’s method of testing new car models on public roads involves using the current generation’s body over the new platform (engine, transmission, suspension) until the very last moment before the new model’s introduction; we won’t likely see a camouflaged new IS until a few weeks before it is due to be revealed. Unless, that is, we get grainy spy photos of the new model from a dealer introduction or Chinese photographs.
Using the current model as a test mule does give us a chance to judge the dimensional changes to the new model.
Using the current model as a test mule does give us a chance to judge the dimensional changes to the new model.
- If the wheels on the current-generation test mule come out closer to, or out past the edge of, the fender line, we know the track is wider (and the car will likely be wider also).
- If there are unsightly gaps in the front or rear fascia, like between the headlights and the grill or the rear lights and the trunk cut-line, we know that the car will be a little wider.
- If there seems to be a wider B-pillar or what seems to be a wider rear door, we know that the wheelbase will be longer. And similarly, if we see what seems to be a shorter rear door, we know that the wheelbase will be shorter.
- There is a gap between the front fascia (grill) and the hood. This may be a longer front overhang on the 3IS or perhaps a longer front end (from front fascia/bumper to base of the windshield).
- There may also be a longer rear bumper. Does anybody else see this? This may be a longer rear overhang or it may mean a slightly longer car.
- Is there a wider B-pillar or do my eyes deceive me? If so, the wheelbase has probably been lengthened a bit.
#26
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My only thing is that for some reason, companies like Mercedes-Benz and BMW will be seen testing their upcoming up to 2-3 years before their release, yet the TMC puts out test mules or prototypes up to only 6 months prior. Why is that exactly? Are most of these future vehicles tested in Japan, but locals do not care to snap them?
#27
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You may note that from the image below that there doesn't seem to be a separator bar on the spindle grill:
Attachment 502358
The rather Audi-esque horizontal chrome bars seem to extend to the bottom.
Attachment 502358
The rather Audi-esque horizontal chrome bars seem to extend to the bottom.