Our spies have spotted the next generation Lexus IS testing. The new BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class rival has been seen with a modified version of the current car’s body. This version has been in showrooms since 2005, so is substantially older then its competitors.
Lexus has confirmed that the next IS will look more like a shrunken version of the new GS, which goes on sale in June. Styling wise, that means the new IS will wear the new corporate grille that’s appeared across the entire Lexus range, and will have more angular styling to match.
The next IS range will reflect the current showroom line-up, with the entry-level IS 200d powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection diesel, the IS 250's 2.5-litre V6 petrol and range-topping 5.0-litre IS F V8. The IS F is expected to use the same engine as the current model, while there will also be a hybrid version of the IS for the first time. The IS hybrid should easily exceed the best performing model in the current range, the IS200d, which returns 55.0mpg and 134g/km of CO2.
Optional F Sport packages will also continue to be available, while it’s also likely that the next IS will have adaptive suspension, like its GS stablemate and German rivals, as well as the Dynamic Handling System that includes rear-wheel steering.
The new Lexus IS range goes on sale in 2013 with pricing expected to start around £26,000.
Disqus - noscript
I still don't see where it has a three-pointed star or a propeller badge. When will Lexus pick up on these vital styling cues, so essential to get good test reviews.
I currently own a Lexus and it is a far better car all round than the BMW's I owned previously, and more importantly to me, it doesn't have a long list of niggles that require constant visits to the garage. Yet if I were to read the reviews of all the Lexus models, then it would appear that they are way behind their German rivals in all departments. The real world must be out of touch.....
new is250 are you sure , looks like its a lexi-cab on the way to the bodyshop ? bored already ...
nedsplace4: I think these photos show a 'cut and tuck' current IS250 body shell, mounted on a new floor pan for testing purposes. Writing off a new model on the basis of these photos is a wee bit hasty, perhaps?
so really, saying that this is the new IS in testing, really doesn't tell or show much at all... presumably your assuming its the new IS due to the predicted arrival of the new model ! what your really saying is a new IS is coming, and this MAY be lexus testing something for it , as it appears to be a car in testing.