rob stolen

iTrader: (2)

Assuming the refreshed IS releases for the 2017 model year, how drastically different do you think it will look compared to the 14-16 model?

Looking at some of their other models in their product line, the changes are pretty pronounced. For example, the 16 ES and 16 GS have very different looking front ends (to keep in line with rest of the brand). And the last gen RX went through a similar change as well adding their corporate grille. However, I recall when the 06 IS was refreshed in 09, the exterior changes were very minor and pretty much unnoticeable unless you were following the brand closely. But it appears that Lexus in the last several years has made their LCI cars with very dramatic changes to their appearances, most notably in their front ends.

But the current IS was the first car (I believe) that incorpotated/started the whole Nike swoosh DRL LED/spindle mesh grille look for the car brand, so I wonder how drastic of a change the refreshed IS could be since the other cars like 2016 ES, GS, and LX were refreshed to keep it physically aligned with the entire brand as a whole, which the 3rd gen IS started.

I'm guesing maybe the refreshed IS will not be that dramatic as those other cars for that reason alone and will have minor differences. Or who knows... since Lexus has been doing some really "outside the box" things lately (just look at the new RX F-Sport) and wants to keep their cars fresh to boost sales.

Thoughts?

sirwawa

instead of projectors (I assume/hope) L shaped lenses and the tail-lights look more like the GS/RX

gnawhdivad

highly doubt there would be much difference in the 2017, as the 2016 recent updated the cars with 200t, 300, and 350 line up. I would expect 2018 to have same body but updated front bumper and updated rear tail lights.

CrackerJac

Even though this thread is pure speculation, I would like to agree with your post. I think we will see the L-style headlights in 2019+. Gotta save something for last!

gregerst

Almost always there will be redesign (new generation) then 3 or 4 years later a mid-cycle refresh or mid-gen refresh. 3 or 4 years after that the model will get redesigned again.
The IS started it's 3rd generation with the 2014 model year. It will most likely get some styling updates inside and out. Although I personally don't think they will change much. The exterior front end is already pretty aggressive and the interior is awesome. Maybe some modifications to headlights to more pronounced LED's and interior could see a larger infotainment screen?
Lexus has also been talking more about turbocharging because it's perceived as being 'modern'. Maybe a turbo v6 like what the new infiniti Q60 / Q50 will be getting are in the cards. 300HP in the standard motor and 400HP in the top line version. If Lexus did something like that I would expect the 400HP version to command an extra $6 - 8k. Putting the price tag close to $60k for the top performing IS but also being more on-par with the new Infiniti's and BMW M3.

rob stolen

iTrader: (2)

The general consensus is that the refreshed IS will take place next year (2017 MY), just like the 13 GS and the 13 ES were refreshed for 2016 (from 2013). There is also a precedent as well as the 2nd gen IS received it's refresh in 2009 (from 2006). Lexus could break from convention, but more than likely not.

The only real question is what and how much will change.

davyjordi

that's precisely what this thread is aimed at speculating on -- what and to what extent will change.

rob stolen

iTrader: (2)

I also agree that the current IS (especially F-Sport) already has a very aggressive look and since Lexus had already aligned some of their other cars (refrshed GS, ES, LX) with styling elements with the 3rd gen IS, I'm real curious how far they will go with changes to the front and rear for the refresh.

However, if they planned a major upgraded engine for the LCI, we would've heard about it by now. It's possible, but I imagine a new higher performance engine would be introduced in the next model or very late in the cycle if Lexus decides to extend the life of the IS 8 model years like they did the 2nd gen (06-13). The 2nd gen had a second refresh in 2011. So maybe in 2019. But that's assuming Lexus stretches the 3rd gen out 8 years like it did in the past.

rob stolen

iTrader: (2)

Yeah man, I know. I created this thread.

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

you'd be fooling yourself if you don't think '17 isn't the MMC year for 3IS. 2017 model year will be the 4th year into the 3IS generation. model year 2016 only upgraded the engines, there were no exterior and interior changes to be consider a mid-cycle refresh. Lexus did that for more sales. people would buying more '16s due to the new engine choices, and will continue buying more of '17 due to exterior and interior refreshes. engine upgrades and MMC aren't the same thing, BMW has done that quite a bit with one immediately followed by the other.

davyjordi

haha - apologies.

rob stolen

iTrader: (2)

No prob. Cheers.

Kimchiguy

I have a pretty credible source who has advised that there will be no further powertrain updates until the 4th gen IS launches for MY2019 (at the very earliest). They are likely testing a turbocharged 3.0 V6 as we speak. The LC-F will receive a turbocharged V8. For now Lexus wants to concentrate its efforts on reliability - especially after faltering with the floormat/unintended acceleration fiasco several years ago. True, those were not reliability issues but it tarnished their "perfect" image.

MY2017 will introduce a larger navi screen (10") and possibly some other visual updates. MY2018 will have updated LED headlights and corresponding front bumper changes. I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but I'm nit-picky and am not happy that my quad LED bulbs don't align with the bumper grooves like the dual bulb Xenon HIDs.

EZZ

On one hand, i'm happy that my 2nd model year IS350 won't be obsolete until 2019 or beyond...on the other hand i'm sad that we won't be able to witness this wonderful chassis married to a more powerful powertrain.

Those updates stated above I couldn't care less about...

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

311hp V6