ldc

The Hybrid GS450 dumbfounded me yesterday. I didnt reaslised it and ignored the owner when he said "it's like the PRIUS", that's Toyota PRIUS.

Anyway i got in and couldnt start the car, i was freaking waiting for the engine to start . All th elights came on but i just couldnt hear nothing

After another attempt i realise that it had already started, freaking Hybrid technology

I would so want a Hybrid Is. Anyone know if one is on it's way?

100plus

Last i heard, lexus was going to release 3 more models soon. It could be hybrid versions of the ES and IS and another crossover vehicle. I cant remember where i read it from.

MR_F1

An IS450h Sportcross would be cool.
I so don't want to see 400lbs added to an IS sedans curb weight

RXSF

i highly doubt an IS hybrid is one the way. There are already too many variations of the model: 250, 250 awd, 350 and then the new IS-F

i think if there were going to be hybrids added in, it would be in the ES350, SC460 (coming up) and the new RX coming out next year

joonsta

I read an article someone put up on these forums about Lexus making all their models (IS, ES, GS, LS, RX, etc.) have a hybrid model sometime in the near future.

If Lexus incorporates an hybrid IS in the next gen IS, count me in!

ISbb

hybrid is going to be a big selling point for any car so if Lexus wanna sell big then Hybrid IS is a way to go...

Faymester

yea i read that article too ... i just looked for it and coulnt find it tho ... it was about Britian making some rule about % hybrids by 2012 or something

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Big problems with the IS as a hybrid:

1) Not enough room for the batteries. Trunk would be minimal at best.

2) The IS is more performance oriented. Making the IS even heavier would be counter-intuitive.

3) You want more gas-efficiency? Get the IS250. You want more power? Get the IS-F.


Of all the Lexus models, the IS is the least likely to get a hybrid variant. I would expect the ES to be the next vehicle made available as a hybrid...

RXSF

they already have one. its called the Camry

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, but one with more than 187 hp.

Lexus hybrids equal more power, not better gas efficiency. That's what Toyota is for...

ldc

1) Who knows that the 3rd gen IS would look like but Hybrid in the entry model Lexus (aka Is) should be there. I don't think room would be a problem if they work around it, but then again there might be a change in design you never know.

2) see point 1 and add some changes to weight issue to it.

3) Lexus is more about class and luxury than performance. if i want a performance car i'd not buy a Lexus.

IS_NIICE

iTrader: (1)

yeah i drove this girls hybrid last week. you press the button and you dont hear anything, but you can still drive it...ill stick to hearing my sweet exhaust and crank.

Faymester

maybe make the next gen 250 a hybrid? you could have like IS250 AWD & IS250h RWD

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

It would be interesting to see how the IS will evolve in design.

There are rumors of a coupe (which will most likely mean smaller interior space), and no word yet of a cross-sport, such as found on the first gen IS. A cross-sport would be more beneficial in terms of space, but I think it would have to be radically designed. There is a rumor in regard to developing a crossover smaller than the RX, so an "IX" crossover may be a possibility.

Weight issues with a hybrid can be addressed with Lithium batteries, in which is currently being developed. Very hush hush, and will most likely be introduced with the third gen (2009?) Prius, then the LS hybrid (it currently is more than 5200 lbs!!!), then other models in the Toyota/Lexus line-up.

As for luxury and performance, I can understand your reasons for buying Lexus. I bought my IS over the 3-Series or G35 because it had the most luxury (and the least performance) of the three. However, that doesn't mean the IS should be less performance oriented. If the line between the IS350 (performance oriented entry level sedan) and ES350 (comfort oriented entry level sedan) are blurred, sales of the IS will quickly diminish. And we definately don't want that...

ldc

So the Is is gonna get a makeover in 2009?, i would think at the end of 2009 as that would make the 2IS 4 years old. I thought 5 years would have been the min before a change??

There are plenty of ways to reduce weight of a car, one beung using less weight materials but with the level of electronics it'll be hard i think. I wouldnt want it to be overweight or be light if it means to reduce features (the more features the better for me).

I hope Lexus makes an Is coupe, an Is coupe will strongly rival the 3 series coupe or beat it i recon.