Next-gen Lexus IS design revealed to be swoopiest yet
Wed, 09 Jan 2013
Inside is an LFA-inspired cockpit with thinner sport seats and more room in just about every area, the moving "driver's meter" in the dash cluster, electrostatic controls for cabin temperature control, 60/40 folding rear seats and "metal film 3-D-effect ornamentation."
The F-Sport package will be available on the IS250, IS350, IS300h equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive. The hybrid will not come to the US.
We'll be bringing you the photos and information from the new sport sedan's reveal on January 15. The reveal will also be live-streamed at www.lexus.com and Lexus' Facebook page. For now there's a press release below with a few more tidbits, and a poll to register your satisfaction – or otherwise – with the future IS.
| I like it - I think it's better than the current car | 4881 (32.8%) |
|---|---|
| I'm not a fan - I think the current car is better | 6998 (47.0%) |
| I'm sitting on the fence | 3023 (20.3%) |
Lexus Releases First Official Photos of the Next Generation IS
- All-new exterior featuring Lexus spindle grille design and Lexus-first independent L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- New interior design with LFA-inspired, driver-focused cockpit
- F SPORT exclusive interior/exterior features
TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2013) - The all-new Lexus IS compact sport sedan will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 15, 2013. A press conference will be held in the Cobo Center at 9:30 a.m. EST, and live webcast streaming of the event will be available at http://www.lexus.com and on the Lexus Facebook page.
The all-new IS model range will include IS 250, IS 350, and the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, the IS 300h, which will be available in Europe, Japan and other international markets. F SPORT models will be available across the full range. Today Lexus released photos of the all new IS 350 F SPORT in advance of next week's World Premiere.
Exterior Design
The all-new IS features the new Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.
The tight, sporting proportions of the body are formed by powerful character lines generated by the shape of the spindle grille which passes through the base of the A-pillars then tightens up as it flows toward the rear. They clearly delineate the body from the cabin, emphasizing the wide flare of the wheel arches to give the new IS a broad, powerful stance.
In profile, the strong horizontal beltline shows off the large rear tires and its low center of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself is concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tires to enhance the perception of traction.
A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and into the rear lamp clusters adds the sweeping elegance to the sedan's sporty profile.
The exterior design incorporates a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus trademark, L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.
2014 LEXUS IS SEDAN DESIGN
F SPORT models are instantly recognized by an exclusive grille and front bumper design. The 'waistline' of the grille is higher than on standard models, increasing the area of the lower grille to make it capable of drawing in a larger volume of cooling air appropriate to sporty performance.
Interior Design
The new IS interior design creates a focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within which the driver can fully exploit the new Lexus compact sedan's superb driving dynamics.
The new IS' increased width and longer wheelbase provide significantly improved rear seat comfort. The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates best-in-class knee room and improved accessibility. And new, 60:40 split/folding rear seats, provide expansive luggage capacity.
Cabin material, trim and finish refinement is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analog clock with surface-emitting illumination. The center console incorporates Lexus-first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.
Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position. F SPORT models feature the LFA's innovative driver's meter with a moving center ring.
F SPORT trim detailing includes a perforated leather finish to the steering wheel and shift knob, metal film 3-D-effect ornamentation, black seat stitching, and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.
A choice of three F SPORT interior color schemes includes a new Rioja Red finish which is exclusive to the marque.
By Jonathon Ramsey
See also: Toyota and Lexus show off advanced safety research vehicle [w/video], Forza Horizon announces January Recaro Car Pack with LFA N"urburgring Edition, Toyota to pay $17.35M federal fine for delayed Lexus RX recall.