Is there going to be a Gen3 IS-F in 2014/2015?
#137
Lexus Fanatic
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Posts: 13,441
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From: Under an IS F since 2008
Breaking News...!!!
BREAKING NEWS..!!
*Spy photos have emerged of a possible MY 2014 Lexus IS "Test Mule"..
This variant happens to be our first raw look at a Lexus IS-F Convertible Hardtop..!!! "It's Coming!!!"
Photos linked Edmunds Inside Line
See more here: Photos linked Edmunds Inside Line
Also, check out the same photos plus some more at [size=5Left Lane News[/size]
~ Joe Z
*Spy photos have emerged of a possible MY 2014 Lexus IS "Test Mule"..
This variant happens to be our first raw look at a Lexus IS-F Convertible Hardtop..!!! "It's Coming!!!"
Photos linked Edmunds Inside Line
- The disguise is good, but under the skin is the next-generation Lexus IS. | July 16, 2012 | KGP Photography
- Don't put any stock in that rear wing. It's taped on. | July 16, 2012 | KGP Photography
- The heavy use of aluminum hits you first. | July 16, 2012 | KGP Photography
See more here: Photos linked Edmunds Inside Line
Just the Facts:
2014 Lexus IS F convertible is caught testing on the Nürburgring.
GS-derived rear suspension is capable of offering rear steering.
Aluminum lower control arms replace stamped steel currently in use.
NURBURG, Germany — The long-rumored Lexus IS F convertible has finally been spotted testing at Germany's famed Nürburgring, but it's what's under the car that is even more exciting.
Before the camoflauged 416-horsepower V8 convertible went for laps around the circuit, engineers put the IS on a lift and forgot to close the garage bay door, giving us our first look at the next-generation 2014 Lexus IS hiding beneath the convertible skin.
The key giveaway is the clearly-visible rear suspension that is all-new. Aluminum lower control arms replace the steel arms used on the current IS F, a nod to the fact that at 3,812 pounds, the current IS F sedan isn't exactly a lightweight. Separate dampers and springs replace the coil-over configuration in the existing IS. In the above photo, the lower spring perch can be seen as the bowed-out section of the lower control arm just slightly inboard of the shock. Furthermore, a new rear toe adjuster or rear-steer ball joint is evident on this mule, something that doesn't exist on the current IS F. See our suspension walkaround of the 2011 Lexus IS F or the above photo of the 2011 model for comparison.
Taking a closer look at the geometry and setup at play here, this next-generation IS's rear suspension is an adaptation of that found under the 2013 Lexus GS. Accordingly, the 2014 IS could employ adjustable damping as well as active rear steering — features that are currently optional on the larger GS sedan.
Inside Line says: The suspension gives it away. Expect the 2014 Lexus IS to break cover in the next 12 months.
2014 Lexus IS F convertible is caught testing on the Nürburgring.
GS-derived rear suspension is capable of offering rear steering.
Aluminum lower control arms replace stamped steel currently in use.
NURBURG, Germany — The long-rumored Lexus IS F convertible has finally been spotted testing at Germany's famed Nürburgring, but it's what's under the car that is even more exciting.
Before the camoflauged 416-horsepower V8 convertible went for laps around the circuit, engineers put the IS on a lift and forgot to close the garage bay door, giving us our first look at the next-generation 2014 Lexus IS hiding beneath the convertible skin.
The key giveaway is the clearly-visible rear suspension that is all-new. Aluminum lower control arms replace the steel arms used on the current IS F, a nod to the fact that at 3,812 pounds, the current IS F sedan isn't exactly a lightweight. Separate dampers and springs replace the coil-over configuration in the existing IS. In the above photo, the lower spring perch can be seen as the bowed-out section of the lower control arm just slightly inboard of the shock. Furthermore, a new rear toe adjuster or rear-steer ball joint is evident on this mule, something that doesn't exist on the current IS F. See our suspension walkaround of the 2011 Lexus IS F or the above photo of the 2011 model for comparison.
Taking a closer look at the geometry and setup at play here, this next-generation IS's rear suspension is an adaptation of that found under the 2013 Lexus GS. Accordingly, the 2014 IS could employ adjustable damping as well as active rear steering — features that are currently optional on the larger GS sedan.
Inside Line says: The suspension gives it away. Expect the 2014 Lexus IS to break cover in the next 12 months.
~ Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 07-17-12 at 07:10 AM.
#140
Photoshop what? Did you read the link?
Another link http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-is-f-convertible.html. Could this just be an IS-F Convertible base upon IS-C rather than any new redesign?
Another link http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-is-f-convertible.html. Could this just be an IS-F Convertible base upon IS-C rather than any new redesign?
Last edited by PurduePete; 07-16-12 at 08:28 PM.
#141
Photoshop what? Did you read the link?
Another link http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-is-f-convertible.html. Could this just be an IS-F Convertible base upon IS-C rather than any new redesign?
Another link http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-is-f-convertible.html. Could this just be an IS-F Convertible base upon IS-C rather than any new redesign?
#142
It would be quite late in the game and waste of resources to develop an IS-F convertible based on the current bodystyle, especially if they're spending the time to upgrade suspension components based on the new GS.
I agree this mule rides on the next-gen IS platform and indicates not only a future IS-F, but a future IS Coupe as well.. It would make sense for them to release the new Coupe first then the Convertible, however since they need a current body to slap on the mule, and we only have a convertible now, they put the IS-C body on this mule. It would be interesting to see if the top ever comes down as I doubt they bothered to put in the folding roof mechanism on this mule at this point.
Should also point out that I like the style of that front bumper with the side splits to the lower center grille. It's a bit first-gen C63-ish or Porsche 911 GT3-like. I like it, even though I know it's not gonna see production.
I agree this mule rides on the next-gen IS platform and indicates not only a future IS-F, but a future IS Coupe as well.. It would make sense for them to release the new Coupe first then the Convertible, however since they need a current body to slap on the mule, and we only have a convertible now, they put the IS-C body on this mule. It would be interesting to see if the top ever comes down as I doubt they bothered to put in the folding roof mechanism on this mule at this point.
Should also point out that I like the style of that front bumper with the side splits to the lower center grille. It's a bit first-gen C63-ish or Porsche 911 GT3-like. I like it, even though I know it's not gonna see production.
#144
These pics do show exhaust tip finishers, but imo they're far too small to be the final ones used if they go this route. Whether attached or not, current exhaust tip finishers for performance cars nowadays are intentionally oversized for an aggressive appearance.
#146
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13,441
Likes: 1,064
From: Under an IS F since 2008
Photoshop what? Did you read the link?
Another link http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-is-f-convertible.html. Could this just be an IS-F Convertible base upon IS-C rather than any new redesign?
Another link http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-is-f-convertible.html. Could this just be an IS-F Convertible base upon IS-C rather than any new redesign?
Notice the "Spindle Grill" is also still missing...
~ Joe Z
#148
The taillight makes me think of Honda Accord
Man I'm buying a 08 SGM ISF in a few day.. I finally can drive a car with the latest look... for a few month, then it will be an old car again...
Man I'm buying a 08 SGM ISF in a few day.. I finally can drive a car with the latest look... for a few month, then it will be an old car again...
#149
^^^ Any exterior talk is just fun debate for now, and shouldn't be taken seriously as anything final b/c Lexus's intent is just that, an exterior cover for whatever the purpose is with testing of the internals.
Exterior camouflage like this is wayyyy better than an vinyl design, IMO.
Exterior camouflage like this is wayyyy better than an vinyl design, IMO.