The 2014 Lexus IS is expected to make its official debut at the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit
04-17-12, 11:48 PM
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Given how well the look of the current IS has aged, I think an evolutionary approach is well founded. Small exterior details and a revamp of the interior to fit with the current GS/new ES interior with a large nav/info screen will make the car competitive again.
The one thing I am curious about is that the size of its competitors has increased greatly. The IS was always a bit smaller then the C class, and the previous generation 3 series, the Audi A4, and a whole heck of a lot smaller then the G37. The 3 series in particular has undergone a size increase that makes the rear seat on that model very usable while maintaining the sporting character of the car. I wonder if Lexus will go the same route and increase the size of the IS.
I know that people will say that increasing the size of the IS will take away from its character, but without an increase in size, I think the IS is doomed to suffer in the sales department.
If Lexus were to increase the size of the new IS marginally while adopting the new exterior and interior styling cues from its recent updates, I will be in line to buy the new IS 250 AWD. If not, I will likely go for the BMW 3 series.
The one thing I am curious about is that the size of its competitors has increased greatly. The IS was always a bit smaller then the C class, and the previous generation 3 series, the Audi A4, and a whole heck of a lot smaller then the G37. The 3 series in particular has undergone a size increase that makes the rear seat on that model very usable while maintaining the sporting character of the car. I wonder if Lexus will go the same route and increase the size of the IS.
I know that people will say that increasing the size of the IS will take away from its character, but without an increase in size, I think the IS is doomed to suffer in the sales department.
If Lexus were to increase the size of the new IS marginally while adopting the new exterior and interior styling cues from its recent updates, I will be in line to buy the new IS 250 AWD. If not, I will likely go for the BMW 3 series.
04-18-12, 01:31 AM
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Given how well the look of the current IS has aged, I think an evolutionary approach is well founded. Small exterior details and a revamp of the interior to fit with the current GS/new ES interior with a large nav/info screen will make the car competitive again.
The one thing I am curious about is that the size of its competitors has increased greatly. The IS was always a bit smaller then the C class, and the previous generation 3 series, the Audi A4, and a whole heck of a lot smaller then the G37. The 3 series in particular has undergone a size increase that makes the rear seat on that model very usable while maintaining the sporting character of the car. I wonder if Lexus will go the same route and increase the size of the IS.
I know that people will say that increasing the size of the IS will take away from its character, but without an increase in size, I think the IS is doomed to suffer in the sales department.
If Lexus were to increase the size of the new IS marginally while adopting the new exterior and interior styling cues from its recent updates, I will be in line to buy the new IS 250 AWD. If not, I will likely go for the BMW 3 series.
The one thing I am curious about is that the size of its competitors has increased greatly. The IS was always a bit smaller then the C class, and the previous generation 3 series, the Audi A4, and a whole heck of a lot smaller then the G37. The 3 series in particular has undergone a size increase that makes the rear seat on that model very usable while maintaining the sporting character of the car. I wonder if Lexus will go the same route and increase the size of the IS.
I know that people will say that increasing the size of the IS will take away from its character, but without an increase in size, I think the IS is doomed to suffer in the sales department.
If Lexus were to increase the size of the new IS marginally while adopting the new exterior and interior styling cues from its recent updates, I will be in line to buy the new IS 250 AWD. If not, I will likely go for the BMW 3 series.
04-18-12, 02:33 AM
#33
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Yes, I am sorry about that. I have just discovered that the one with the separator bar is none other an amalgamation of the 2013 GS and the 2014 IS. I marked the differences. Also, here are some clearer pics. BTW, where did you take yours again? Were you at NAIAS in January? I got these from InsideLine.
Last edited by Carmaker1; 04-18-12 at 04:26 AM.
04-18-12, 04:22 AM
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04-18-12, 06:02 AM
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The coupe looks great.
I understand they can create more interior volume with creative packaging. For Lexus' sake, I hope they increase the interior volume in line with its competitors. I know a small, compact, nimble road machine appeals to many, but the competition has grown up, and so should the IS. That is unless you want to pit the ES with the 3 series, G37, Audi A4, and C class. I think the ES is a better match up with near luxury cars from Buick, Acura, and the new wave of higher end mid-sized cars such as the Ford Fusion, Malibu, and Impala then with the sporting European sedans. So in my mind, a small size increase would help greatly. Judging by the pictures, the size doesn't appear to have changed.
I understand they can create more interior volume with creative packaging. For Lexus' sake, I hope they increase the interior volume in line with its competitors. I know a small, compact, nimble road machine appeals to many, but the competition has grown up, and so should the IS. That is unless you want to pit the ES with the 3 series, G37, Audi A4, and C class. I think the ES is a better match up with near luxury cars from Buick, Acura, and the new wave of higher end mid-sized cars such as the Ford Fusion, Malibu, and Impala then with the sporting European sedans. So in my mind, a small size increase would help greatly. Judging by the pictures, the size doesn't appear to have changed.
04-18-12, 12:19 PM
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The coupe looks great.
I understand they can create more interior volume with creative packaging. For Lexus' sake, I hope they increase the interior volume in line with its competitors. I know a small, compact, nimble road machine appeals to many, but the competition has grown up, and so should the IS. That is unless you want to pit the ES with the 3 series, G37, Audi A4, and C class. I think the ES is a better match up with near luxury cars from Buick, Acura, and the new wave of higher end mid-sized cars such as the Ford Fusion, Malibu, and Impala then with the sporting European sedans. So in my mind, a small size increase would help greatly. Judging by the pictures, the size doesn't appear to have changed.
I understand they can create more interior volume with creative packaging. For Lexus' sake, I hope they increase the interior volume in line with its competitors. I know a small, compact, nimble road machine appeals to many, but the competition has grown up, and so should the IS. That is unless you want to pit the ES with the 3 series, G37, Audi A4, and C class. I think the ES is a better match up with near luxury cars from Buick, Acura, and the new wave of higher end mid-sized cars such as the Ford Fusion, Malibu, and Impala then with the sporting European sedans. So in my mind, a small size increase would help greatly. Judging by the pictures, the size doesn't appear to have changed.
04-19-12, 06:11 PM
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Really? Thanks for the info. I guess that explains why no one really sees anything new from them until close to the unveiling. The only thing is that Mercedes-Benz also has a private test track in Laredo, Texas that they use to test prototypes undisguised, yet you still see them on streets and in rural areas doing testing as well. I guess Japanese companies have a different philosophy and it's more of German automakers showing off publicly for the press.
04-19-12, 08:36 PM
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Really? Thanks for the info. I guess that explains why no one really sees anything new from them until close to the unveiling. The only thing is that Mercedes-Benz also has a private test track in Laredo, Texas that they use to test prototypes undisguised, yet you still see them on streets and in rural areas doing testing as well. I guess Japanese companies have a different philosophy and it's more of German automakers showing off publicly for the press.
04-19-12, 09:11 PM
#40
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Well a couple of things. The GErmans don't have a big brand like Toyota behind them so they have to sell more volume, thus their 3/A4/C class continues to get bigger so they can slot the 1/A3/B class under them. The new A3 for example will offer a sedan.
Lexus doesn't HAVE to go that route and has stated they are done going downmarket with the CT. So I don't think the IS will HAVE to grow to much. The only thing I've heard is a CT coupe possibly, not a sedan.
My sources say IS coupe is coming, a hardtop coupe. If the IS remains based off the GS than the IS is going to be one hell of a great driving car considering how well the GS drives. The IS won't lose too much weight though.
Lexus is keenly aware an opportunity is rear seat room in the IS.
Lexus doesn't HAVE to go that route and has stated they are done going downmarket with the CT. So I don't think the IS will HAVE to grow to much. The only thing I've heard is a CT coupe possibly, not a sedan.
My sources say IS coupe is coming, a hardtop coupe. If the IS remains based off the GS than the IS is going to be one hell of a great driving car considering how well the GS drives. The IS won't lose too much weight though.
Lexus is keenly aware an opportunity is rear seat room in the IS.
04-19-12, 09:44 PM
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Well a couple of things. The GErmans don't have a big brand like Toyota behind them so they have to sell more volume, thus their 3/A4/C class continues to get bigger so they can slot the 1/A3/B class under them. The new A3 for example will offer a sedan.
Lexus doesn't HAVE to go that route and has stated they are done going downmarket with the CT. So I don't think the IS will HAVE to grow to much. The only thing I've heard is a CT coupe possibly, not a sedan.
My sources say IS coupe is coming, a hardtop coupe. If the IS remains based off the GS than the IS is going to be one hell of a great driving car considering how well the GS drives. The IS won't lose too much weight though.
Lexus is keenly aware an opportunity is rear seat room in the IS.
Lexus doesn't HAVE to go that route and has stated they are done going downmarket with the CT. So I don't think the IS will HAVE to grow to much. The only thing I've heard is a CT coupe possibly, not a sedan.
My sources say IS coupe is coming, a hardtop coupe. If the IS remains based off the GS than the IS is going to be one hell of a great driving car considering how well the GS drives. The IS won't lose too much weight though.
Lexus is keenly aware an opportunity is rear seat room in the IS.
Last edited by cino; 04-19-12 at 10:03 PM.
04-20-12, 04:53 AM
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Well a couple of things. The GErmans don't have a big brand like Toyota behind them so they have to sell more volume, thus their 3/A4/C class continues to get bigger so they can slot the 1/A3/B class under them. The new A3 for example will offer a sedan.
Lexus doesn't HAVE to go that route and has stated they are done going downmarket with the CT. So I don't think the IS will HAVE to grow to much. The only thing I've heard is a CT coupe possibly, not a sedan.
My sources say IS coupe is coming, a hardtop coupe. If the IS remains based off the GS than the IS is going to be one hell of a great driving car considering how well the GS drives. The IS won't lose too much weight though.
Lexus is keenly aware an opportunity is rear seat room in the IS.
Lexus doesn't HAVE to go that route and has stated they are done going downmarket with the CT. So I don't think the IS will HAVE to grow to much. The only thing I've heard is a CT coupe possibly, not a sedan.
My sources say IS coupe is coming, a hardtop coupe. If the IS remains based off the GS than the IS is going to be one hell of a great driving car considering how well the GS drives. The IS won't lose too much weight though.
Lexus is keenly aware an opportunity is rear seat room in the IS.
BTW, do you have any ETA for the new IS or the new IS Coupe? I believe IS cabriolet version will also be offered.
04-20-12, 05:22 AM
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1SICK is referring to a fixed roof coupe IS.
04-20-12, 09:35 AM
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Although I do agree that the current IS has aged extremely well (it's still a very attractive car whenever you see it on the road), a normal buyer wouldn't know the difference b/t the new design v. the old one. It's barely noticeable.