Kandyman1

I agree. I think lots of signs point to another F sedan. I however doubt it will be 8 cylinder based. My bet is on a highly boosted V6 plus electric motors to supplement. And it will very likely be AWD to be able to fully apply the gobs of torque to the tarmac. I also guess 2026 or later.

GaryJG

if you're talking three years away I would get the IS 500 now.. If an IS F did come out later and I liked it, then I would get it too. And maybe sell the 500.

Compromise

Like most others have mentioned, IS500 is the perfect middle ground right now. Let's say Lexus produces it for 3 years: probably will have incremental improvements yearly to attract buyers/owners to possibly upgrade like HUD, wireless charging/wireless carplay/android auto, etc. Besides some comforts, and tweaks to suspension, this is it for the 3IS chassis. I wish the 2022 version had HUD though :P

Racer00J

To add to that. The 2021 IS isn't sold in Australia because they recently updated their crash testing standards. Unfortunately, that means the IS no longer meets their safety requirements. I believe this was partly the issue for Europe as well.

Hopefully, the IS name somehow survives the current overflowing toilet of SUVs and crossovers being pumped out. It would have to be made on a new platform to meet the safety standards of other countries, allowing it to be sold globally.

Sasnuke

I think there is enough signs to point to a possible IS F in the future.
However, I'd still buy the IS500 now.

Factoring in a few items in that decision:

1. It's actually here...well almost here...the IS F could or couldn't happen still as it's years away
2. All three versions of the 3IS aesthetics I like, who's the say that a new IS F couldn't look like a dogs breakfast...likely not, but you never know...look at BMW and dat grill (you know the grill i mean)
3. Price - unfortunately a new F car is out of my budget (your budget will obviously differ), but a used IS500 would price just right
4. I'd rather not have turbos, as cool as they are...cause I don't see this V8 surviving that long to make it into a new IS F
5. The IS500 will have a uniqueness onto itself, even though it's not an F car
6. And for those that have the budget, get an IS500 now, and by time a new IS F launches it would be a perfect time to trade up

E46CT

It is puzzling why the world's biggest and most powerful automaker doesn't already have a next-gen new-gen 4IS on dealer lots right this second. (Actually right this second would be a year or two TOO late)

Other automakers march on with a new C Class, 3-Series, TLX, Tesla 3, Audi A4 etc. as normally scheduled. If anyone I would think Acura would be the dunce in the back of the class with a facelifted TLX. But nope, tiny and small Honda wowed the world and put a brand new design on the showroom floor. Acura didn't even wait. they just moved on the segment like a b.

On one hand it seems like it's a no brainer that Lexus comes out with a 4IS but on the other hand, it's kind of weird that we haven't seen a prototype. Yep I get that crossovers are the main thing right now, but they are too for all the above automakers yet they soldier on.

I hope Lexus makes a 4IS. It would send a strong message that Lexus is here competing with BMW, Audi, Mercedes and trying to keep younger buyers in the fold.

wthrman2

See my comments embedded in Sasnuke's great point (as always)

arentz07

I am starting to lean towards waiting for an IS F. I like the way my IS 350 handles and wonder if adding the V8 and transmission from the F cars is really worth paying over-sticker for. If they make a proper F version it would be more interesting. But, things could change, we'll see. I am just thinking that, if I am not getting the 500 now, I will be ready for something different (from a normal IS) by the time I'm car-shopping again.

Zoomzoom1

I would be all in on the IS500. I am a huge fan of the exterior and I like what they did with the infotainment screen. With that being said, I just bought my 16’ 3IS last year before all this COVID crap for a good price with almost no interest. I don’t think I am ready to upgrade just yet but maybe when the IS500 is available on the used market in 3 years when I have paid off my current IS

darbs242

iTrader: (5)

I wish they would keep the F car special and not have all the in between. They are devaluing the crap out of the what should be a awesome performance brand. They have a Normal car, f sports car, f sport performance line and F. So confusing, if you don’t love Lexus you don’t even know the difference. I wish this car was an ISF. If it were I’d be looking at it. They should get back to the basics. It’s either a normal one or an F car and F cars need to be competing with M and Amg… IMO

AJinDFW

Yes to both. I was fortunate to get an IS 500. I needed a new daily driver. I went to buy a 2021 RCF and it got sold an hour before I got to the dealer. I should’ve called first. I picked up a 2021 IS 350 FS DHP and loved everything about the car except the missing power. Found out an IS 500 was coming so I got on the wait list the same day I got the 350. The IS performs pretty closely to the RC, and with a functional back seat, it made more sense than searching for an RCF.

There are people who’ve waited longer than I did for my IS 500. Production delays make it a guess as to when any of you who are waiting will receive their cars. These production delays will likely delay any next-generation F cars. The world is very unpredictable and it’s been bad these past several years. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. If you’re in a position to responsibly get some experience you want, go for it.

If you want an IS 500 and can get your hands on one, get it. On your way out of the dealership, ask your sales manager to put you top of the list for the next F car.

AJinDFW

The auto industry has perfected the upsell. The Germans diluted their performance lines long ago, creating dilutions of their AMG, M, and S variants at least 20 years ago.

Im with you. I don’t like the dilution of the performance line. I also don’t like the upsells in the performance lines. Buying an F, AMG, M, etc should be enough, but they tack on an extra $10-50K or more for enhancements to their top-line performance cars, for example the M3 vs the M3 Competition. The Porsche upsells are ridiculous.