Tokyo is big show also, but there is no Tokyo show this year..
It would be nice to see IS 500 @ Parus Auto show.. If not, then my guess is Detroit/LA January next year...

 

I have a feeling its going to be like a 3.5 L V6 hybrid pumping out like 420 - 440 hp.

If not like a 4L V8, like the same amount of a little bit more.

Not sure how much it would add to the weight. Say like 200 pounds.

So the car would weigh 3700 - 3800 pounds.

It be a quick car 4.5 seconds to 5.3 seconds depending on the weight and if its going to be AWD or RWD.

Audi RS4 - 420 hp 4.1L V8 (AWD)
Mecedes Benz C63 - Over 400 hp 6.2L V8

One thing the IS shouldnt compete with the M3 seeing the M3 might compete with the CLK.

 

An IS hybrid would have... no trunk space?

 

The only reason you need trunk space is if you kill people and throw their bodies in it.

If you do that, I'm reporting your post to the moderators

If the IS500 comes out, I hope it comes with the gold BBS wheels and NOTHING else to distinguish it from a regular IS. That'd be a real sleeper.

600hp, 600lb-ft torque, and the reliability of a Toyota. Yeah... I'm diggin' it.

 

Perhaps turn the IS-h coupe into a 2-seater such as the 350Z?

If they do decide on such a car, I think they'll decrease the trunk ala GS450h. Have you heard of many magazines comparing the trunk space between competitors? People are more concerned about passenger capacities than trunk capacities; it's a better selling point.

Compare the regular and hybrid Camry: hardly anyone talks about the decreased awkwardly shaped trunk space of the hybrid. However, people still buy the Camry hybrid close to MSRP...

 

I think that would be a great idea. If they did that though I wonder what happens to the SC. I read on another thread on here that production might stop on the SC but I think that's unlikely.

Problem is I believe the IS has less trunk space to begin with than a GS.

No but paying customers do notice.

But if they do the 2 seater like you said those 2 occupants should have plenty of space for themselves and their stuff with a hybrid drivetrain. I think it could be really good.

The Camry Hybrid has 10.6cu.ft trunk space while the GS450h has something like 7cu.ft IIRC (despite lexus.com saying it has 12.7 the same as the non-hybrids).

But anyway, Camry Hybrid sales are very impressive, more than 10% of all Camrys sold in the U.S.

 

Oh here's a review that complains about GS450h trunk space and rates it at 7.5cu. ft.

http://www.businessweek.com/autos/co...912_991505.htm

 

Who needs trunk space?

The IS shouldnt be used for a weekend car to put suitcases in it.

If you want to have a couple suitcases get a GX or LX.

 

A SUV just to carry some suitcases!?! No, my whole family, 5 people, can take a vacation in any of my cars. But to not have room for a weekend for the wife and I makes it a fairly useless vehicle.

My $0.02