IS/RC Spy Shots: 2014 Lexus IS

[Carmaker1]

An insider has confirmed that for me that these speculative old teaser shots I found are INDEED the front end of the 2014 Lexus IS(XE30). Obvious Toyota did not mind teasing mere facelifts of the LX, LS, RX(plus the ES, GS, & CT) against an all new model like the IS, which hasn't been seen in any visible teasers this year except the ones shown above in a nanosecond back in January.

 

[K-A]

Wow. Like they really needed to tease that. It has the same goofy overwrought front end as every other nu-language Lexus.

 

[Levi68]

An insider has confirmed that for me that these speculative old teaser shots I found are INDEED the front end of the 2014 Lexus IS(XE30). Obvious Toyota did not mind teasing mere facelifts of the LX, LS, RX(plus the ES, GS, & CT) against an all new model like the IS, which hasn't been seen in any visible teasers this year except the ones shown above in a nanosecond back in January.

It looks like current IS with facelift.

 

[Carmaker1]

Looks like the Lexus executive that told me in 2 weeks ago that prototypes were testing around Torrance, CA was right, as this is the 2014 Lexus IS (XE30) that after "dodging" spy photographers for 2-3 weeks has now shown up in spy photos.

SOURCE - Motor Trend

 

[Carmaker1]

New Lexus IS Spotted For The First Time

These are the first spy shots of the next generation Lexus IS, caught testing on the streets in America. The prototype is heavily disguised, revealing very little.
Lexus recently updated both the GS and LS. The next-generation IS is expected to follow similar design. We can see a wide grille with big air intakes, sharper lines, dual exhaust tips and L-shaped LED taillights. . . . Read more here

Makes one really wonder if these 2011 renders have any relevance(excluding the front fascia).

SOURCE - G Motors UK

 

[Levi68]

Facelift or really new IS? Front looks like facelift.

 

[Merc1]

Same car just a facelift. Lexus is going to pay for this laziness in the long run. The LS and IS are going to go stale again very fast IMO.

M

 

[Carmaker1]

Facelift or really new IS? Front looks like facelift.

After almost 8 years, I think it's likely all-new unlike the LS XF40 III. This car has been in development for almost 6 years, so I think they're finished with it. The changes will probably be along the lines of the E90 to the F30. Is it the front that makes it seem like a facelift to you? I'm sure that isn't the case and it will have new sheet metal, along with new engines(like back in '05) and more. The front rendering shouldn't be used as a reference as the real car's front is already posted above in silhouette and the grille doesn't look like that(the middle bar is smaller). Also, the prototype seems to show a smaller spindle grille as I expected. The render's fascia is the only part that isn't entirely accurate.

Another thing is that I've never seen a Lexus facelift being tested in this get-up, except the infamous LS facelift of late. Besides that, the LS spindle grille facelift was obviously a ruse as Lexus never tests facelifts in "camouflage" and were only doing that for PR purposes. What I have also noticed, is that Lexus seems to test prototypes up in Japan away from prying eyes ahead of the U.S. testers. Someone obviously saw something last year that produced the very accurate render of the side profile.

 

[Carmaker1]

Here more pics from Motor Authority.

2014 Lexus IS Spy Shots

Prototypes for the completely redesigned 2014 Lexus IS have been spotted in the U.S., and though they are heavily camouflaged a few key details about the upcoming sedan can be ascertained. We can clearly see elements of the car’s new spindle grille, which looks to be the most aggressive iteration of the corporate Lexus grille we’ve seen thus far.

The overall dimensions of the car haven’t changed much compared to the current IS, though the profile appears much more streamlined. The trailing edge of the roof has been masked with additional padding to hide the new shape, but we know from previous comments made by a Lexus exec that the design will be rather striking.

At the rear, we can see a sharp crease leading from the top of the fender to the trunk lid, as well as what could possibly be new inverted L-shaped tail-lamps inspired by the units on the LF-LC concept car. Beneath these is a pair of fairly conventional oval exhaust tips.

Though there are claims the 2014 IS will utilize a stretched version of Toyota’s rear-wheel drive platform underpinning the Scion FR-S and its Subaru BRZ twin, a more likely scenario would see the new IS ride on a shortened version of the GS’ platform. Giving credence to the latter was the sighting of early test mules for the new IS wearing a similar suspension setup to the one in the GS. This means that the new IS may feature adjustable damping and active rear steering, just like its bigger brother.... Read more here

 

[Centurion]

If the car is anything like the chop above I'd be really disappointing. This current generation is Lexus' best design since the SC. Given Toyota's great run with the FT86 and LF-A, this has the potential to be one hell of a car.

 

[Levi68]

For Lexus, the most important thing is weight reduction. Engines are not bad. But if the car is only an extensive facelift and not a new model, then it will be difficult to make it lose some weight.

 

[K-A]

If this is just another lazy extensive facelift, then Lexus are finished.

They already gave up on the Large Luxury Sedan segment with a slightly warmed over version of a car that was behind and bland to the bone back when it launched 7+ friggin' years ago, now if they do the same with the very competitive Small Luxury Car market.... wow.

The ES at least is a nice improvement it seems. The GS at least was an effort, but it looks more soulless and homely than the previous GS's.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

This is based on the current GS, which, if I recall correctly, is a new platform. While the current car's front and side good-looking, the rear is an after-thought and almost Corolla-like. Hopefully the next-gen will address that. I don't know what it is with Toyota, but it seems often that their designers just stop putting any thought once they reach the rear end.

 

[Levi68]

This is based on the current GS, which, if I recall correctly, is a new platform. While the current car's front and side good-looking, the rear is an after-thought and almost Corolla-like. Hopefully the next-gen will address that. I don't know what it is with Toyota, but it seems often that their designers just stop putting any thought once they reach the rear end.

I can't agree with that if to think about the LFA or the LF-LC. And I actually like the rear of the new GS and the new LS.

 

[Carmaker1]

Official brochure pic?

 

[330CIZHP]

No I refuse to believe that is an official picture. Just one of those ugly renderings. No way would Lexus not only re-use much of the same platform, but also make a nice looking car hell of an ugly looking car.

 

[Carmaker1]

Read more at Auto Spies

 

[Centurion]

I hope this new model is designs for Europeans. Despite the GS being a boring car, the IS is pretty alright. It's only short coming is a tight rear bench which should, this time around be modeled after curvy Europeans and Americans.

 

[Kowalski]

It will continue being overshadowed by the German competition that will obliterate it in the sales charts specially in China.

 

[330CIZHP]

I hope this new model is designs for Europeans. Despite the GS being a boring car, the IS is pretty alright. It's only short coming is a tight rear bench which should, this time around be modeled after curvy Europeans and Americans.

The newer GS especially with the F sport package has actually been deemed more exciting to drive in reviews than the 535i M and the Audi A6.

Things look promising for the next IS.