2014 Lexus IS to Sharpen Sporty Focus, Take Inspiration from LFA
05-23-12, 09:17 AM
#1
2014 Lexus IS to Sharpen Sporty Focus, Take Inspiration from LFA
Set to arrive next year, the third-generation IS sports sedan from Lexus will move further into the sporty realm to help it better compete with the segment leading BMW 3 Series.
“I have driven an early prototype and it’s amazing,” said Ketan Renade, Lexus product planner for the ES and LS sedans.
“On the IS we realized it needs to be more focused,” he continued, pointing out a unique advantage Lexus has in this area. While rivals have carefully balanced the hard-edge performance wants with luxury ride quality, “The IS doesn’t have to play a comfort role for us,” he continued. Instead, Lexus offers the ES350 (as well as the new ES300h) to suit that demand.
When pressed about how far Lexus will push the performance envelope on the next-generation IS Renade would only say that a sport model will be offered, “maybe an F Sport”. He stopped short of confirming an next-generation IS-F, though it does without saying that such a car is necessary to keep Lexus relevant in the segment.
As for how it will look, expect to see a more engaging design, as we’ve seen Lexus considerably beef up its aesthetics as of late with new products like the GS and now the ES too. The brand’s large spindle grille design is certain to dominate the front of the car.
Speaking with other product planners over dinner at a launch event for the 2013 ES, they were surprised by the new Cadillac ATS, describing the styling as “conservative”, a strong hint that Lexus will go a more dramatic route. In fact, product planner Ben Mitchell confirmed that the dash of the 2014 IS will take inspiration from the brand’s LFA supercar.
“I have driven an early prototype and it’s amazing,” said Ketan Renade, Lexus product planner for the ES and LS sedans.
“On the IS we realized it needs to be more focused,” he continued, pointing out a unique advantage Lexus has in this area. While rivals have carefully balanced the hard-edge performance wants with luxury ride quality, “The IS doesn’t have to play a comfort role for us,” he continued. Instead, Lexus offers the ES350 (as well as the new ES300h) to suit that demand.
When pressed about how far Lexus will push the performance envelope on the next-generation IS Renade would only say that a sport model will be offered, “maybe an F Sport”. He stopped short of confirming an next-generation IS-F, though it does without saying that such a car is necessary to keep Lexus relevant in the segment.
As for how it will look, expect to see a more engaging design, as we’ve seen Lexus considerably beef up its aesthetics as of late with new products like the GS and now the ES too. The brand’s large spindle grille design is certain to dominate the front of the car.
Speaking with other product planners over dinner at a launch event for the 2013 ES, they were surprised by the new Cadillac ATS, describing the styling as “conservative”, a strong hint that Lexus will go a more dramatic route. In fact, product planner Ben Mitchell confirmed that the dash of the 2014 IS will take inspiration from the brand’s LFA supercar.
05-23-12, 09:49 AM
#3
I personally think the current IS is a pretty good mix of sport with some luxury thrown in. I hope they don't go too far off base.
The driving dynamics and engines could be refined, similar to the new GS, but I don't want them deviating too far from the current formula...just my opinion.
The driving dynamics and engines could be refined, similar to the new GS, but I don't want them deviating too far from the current formula...just my opinion.
05-23-12, 09:51 AM
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Didn't read the article but it's pretty funny they are talking to a product guy for ES and LS about how sporty a car should be. Might as well ask a fat guy for fitness tips....yeah getting up from a couch, oh yeah it's a good work out felt that burn there. 
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05-23-12, 12:36 PM
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I'm surprised at all the comments from people who are satisfied with the 2IS' "sportiness". Mine was lowered with sway bars and still didn't handle as good as my '98 328is. Not to mention the uber-fail false paddle shifter system. Looking forward to the much-needed improvements on the 3IS, although I won't be buying one unless by some act of God it offers a turbo.....
05-23-12, 01:14 PM
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I'm surprised at all the comments from people who are satisfied with the 2IS' "sportiness". Mine was lowered with sway bars and still didn't handle as good as my '98 328is. Not to mention the uber-fail false paddle shifter system. Looking forward to the much-needed improvements on the 3IS, although I won't be buying one unless by some act of God it offers a turbo.....
Last edited by cino; 05-23-12 at 01:18 PM.
05-23-12, 03:36 PM
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cino - I agree, that's exactly what I'm saying...it's no where near sporty enough. I do like the new F-sport seats, but they should come as standard, IMO. Leave the soft bolsterless seats for the ES.
05-23-12, 03:46 PM
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I'm surprised at all the comments from people who are satisfied with the 2IS' "sportiness". Mine was lowered with sway bars and still didn't handle as good as my '98 328is. Not to mention the uber-fail false paddle shifter system. Looking forward to the much-needed improvements on the 3IS, although I won't be buying one unless by some act of God it offers a turbo.....
Braking, 60-0 mph: 120ft
Lateral acceleration G: 0.86
Speed through 600-ft slalom: 66.6mph
2008 IS250 with F-sport accessories:
Braking, 60-0 mph: 109ft
Lateral acceleration G: 0.89
Speed through 600-ft slalom: 71.0mph
It's not quite right to say the '98 328is handled better than your IS250, because it didn't. It's not even close, and I don't expect a 10 year old car (relative to the IS) to handle as well, so it's not really a knock on BMW.
What you're probably referring to is the often-cited "BMW feel." The steering probably felt better to you and gave you the illusion of better handling, but make no mistake, the '98 328is can't hold a candle to an F-sport equipped IS250 in the handling department.