Nip and tuck for IS as Lexus blows its top!

By Jack Rix

12th September 2008

The wraps are off the facelifted Lexus IS. And while it looks a bit familiar, the firm has a big surprise in store – in the shape of a new coupé-cabrio version.

Revisions to the saloon are limited to a tweaked front grille, revamped tail-lamp clusters – including L-shaped reversing lights – and new wing mirrors now with integrated indicators.

There’s also a new 15-spoke alloy wheel design, plus fresh interior and exterior colour combinations. Under the bonnet, the current line-up of 2.5 and 5.0-litre petrol engines, plus a 2.2-litre oil-burner, is expected to remain untouched.

And you can’t blame Lexus for not making any dramatic changes to a proven package. The IS is the mainstay of the range, selling around 8,000 units a year. More details of the updated model will be revealed when it makes its debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show. But the IS is likely to be outshone on the Lexus stand by the new hard-top. This will rival the BMW 3-Series Cabriolet and Infiniti G37 Coupé-Cabriolet, and while bosses will call it a concept, the show car will be virtually production ready.