All new 2021 Lexus IS debuts 6/9

[Mook]

2021 Lexus IS Teased With Swanky Taillights, Debuts June 9

Lexus is providing an early look at the new IS ahead of the sports sedan's big debut next week. It's the latest car to get full-width LED taillights.

www.motor1.com

With a total of zero spy shots in our database, we’re a bit surprised Lexus is about to take the wraps off the revamped IS. Then again, the compact luxury sedan entered the third generation more than seven years ago, so a replacement was bound to happen sooner or later. Our first official look at the overhauled BMW 3 Series rival reveals the IS will be the next model in line to get full-width taillights. It’s a design feature that has been increasing in popularity in recent years as automakers are looking to inject some pizzazz at the rear.

Lexus isn’t willing to go into any details for the time being, other than saying its new sedan is “dressed to thrill” and will be unveiled on June 9. Latest rumors suggest that while a high-performance F model is not on the agenda to make a comeback, the IS 500 will still rock a V8 after all. The jury is still out on whether it will be the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter or a newly developed twin-turbo that’s bound to power the LC race car and hopefully, the LC F.

Another missing piece of the puzzle has to do with the car’s underpinnings. There are contradicting reports about the hardware used by the 2021 IS, with some saying it will stick with the old bones rather than switching to the TNGA-L platform. Some reports are suggesting the engines might be carried over as well, and that IS 500 might not have a V8. Instead, the range topper will allegedly get the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 from the LS 500 where it makes 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque.

With the demise of the GS, it is believed the IS will be pushed upmarket to fill in the void. Expect a more luxurious interior cabin where there will be a tech infusion. Outside, the car is said to offer a sportier look, which we’re beginning to see judging by the aggressive rear end suggested by the swanky taillights.

There are a lot of things we don't know about the 2021 IS, but we should have answers to most questions in a week from tomorrow.

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[YoushallgoFo]

Hopping on the tail light bar bandwagon I see.

 

[cacicgtp7]

Between this and the 2021 Acura TLX - pretty exciting for the 4 door performance segments. Finally getting the power bumps they need it seems. I would assume the IS will get a power bump as well.

 

[m_dogg]

It better have a front grille ready to swallow a grown ass man.

 

[IDAFC21]

Between this and the 2021 Acura TSX - pretty exciting for the 4 door performance segments.

My thoughts exactly. I'm liking this.

 

[cacicgtp7]

Well color me underwhelmed. Way more excited about the Acura TLX now.

2021 Lexus IS First Look Review: The IS Goes to Driver’s School

A focus on handling and structural rigidity define this mid-life update to the entry level Lexus IS sedan.

www.motortrend.com

 

[Mook]

Interior looks nice.

 

[cacicgtp7]

Interior looks nice.

It does, but it's the same platform, same engines, much of the same again. With Lexus removing the GS, and the IS taking the spot for both those platforms I kinda expected more this go around.

 

[SpeedSpeak2me]

Hate the infotainment screen placement. As with all of those styles they look like an afterthought and were tacked on at the last minute.

 

[Rent Free]

 

[IDAFC21]

I actually kinda like the straight on front shot of this car........but little else. Interior does look decent tho. I wish there were better shots of the gauge cluster, cuz that looks pretty sweet

 

[ragingclue]

Looks like a small GS. Doesn't look bad IMO.

The iPad glued to the top of the dash fad seems weird. If it was being used for much easier module upgradability/replacement, I'd understand. But they're all doing this just for style points, right? Meaning there's no actual functional benefit in these designs? Or did I miss that bus?

 

[BS ISF]

Major let down again from Lexus!!!! As mentioned before, no real improvements in any performance category.

Fucking get it together already.

 

[YoushallgoFo]

Needs a bigger grille

 

[IDAFC21]

Yeah, still not really feeling this car

 

[SpeedSpeak2me]

Looks like a small GS. Doesn't look bad IMO.

The iPad glued to the top of the dash fad seems weird. If it was being used for much easier module upgradability/replacement, I'd understand. But they're all doing this just for style points, right? Meaning there's no actual functional benefit in these designs? Or did I miss that bus?

From what I’ve read it’s in that “elevated” location so that when you need to look at the screen it is more in your line-of-sight than if it was lower in the center stack. So less time with your eyes off of the road. If the dash were brought up to the same level you wouldn’t be able to see over it. You’d need a tilting-nose like the Concorde to see where you’re going.

Instead of form over function it’s function over form, and unsightly. Like I said, looks cheap and out of place.

You know there was some accountant in a meeting discussing where to place it to keep costs down. Probably took the chewing gum out of their mouth, stuck it on the clay model dash, then stuck their clipboard or iPad to it, and said to call it a day.