http://jalopnik.com/5286955/lexus-may-build-is-coupe

This article has some validity. I'm wondering if a reasonable business case could be made for an IS coupe in the current generation or does the IS Convertible make the IS Coupe redundant. In a sense that its killing two birds with one stone with the hardtop convertible?

 

There's definitely a thread where a good number of us have commented on how a hard-top vert does not equal coupe.

What you need is an IS-F coupe

 

The IS should have been a coupe to begin with, I mean who else can sit in the back seat besides children. The back seat in the IS is a pure joke, what was the point.

 

It's a bit late for the gen IMO. I say wait it out and when the 3IS comes out, immediately have the sedan and coupe versions available with the vert in a year or so.

 

For the third generation IS, yes. Lexus has the ability to enhance the line-up with all variants such as a sedan, coupe, sportcross, and convertible.

For the current generation IS, no. It's too late, but the wheels of progress has turned. Lexus knows what it can do...

 

I agree with Phillip. This generation will be done in two years so there is no sense in bothering with it now, but I am quite sure that they will have a coupe version of the 3rd generation IS.

In this generation alone we got two engine options, a hard top convertible, an AWD option, and the IS F. That is significant progress over the 1IS

 

Lexus is just very cautious. At its best the G35/G37 sold between 1500-2000 units a month. Not bad for a coupe. Even today it is the 2nd best selling luxury badged coupe behind the 3 series.

The convert IS-C is to sell 1200 a month, I believe the G37C is 600 a month. How much would a IS coupe sell? I am not sure.

As Philip stated it is apparent no coupe was planned for the 2IS, so I expect one fully planned for the 3IS. Lexus NEEDS (yes Needs) an entry level coupe. To continue to attract young buyers and for image.

Remember the IS-F was not a planned Lexus product either. We are lucky to have it.

 

Hey now, 1IS had 2 engine options (200 & 300) and 2 body options (wagon or sedan).

But I do agree with you, there was some good progress made with the 2IS. Does anyone on here have the vert yet?

 

Well, the 2IS actually has FIVE engine options (220d, 250, 300, 350, F).

I predict the 3IS will have four-five engine options (maybe even a hybrid) as well and four body options (sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible). I believe the sedan and coupe will have all engine options, and the wagon and convertible will have all except the F (due to very low demand).

 

I don't know if I see them adding an IS wagon/SportCross again, simply because it would probably compete almost directly with the RX based on size, price, power, and features.

The one case I could see for an IS wagon is if it was more wagon-esque than SUV-ish, when compared to the RX, but then again wagons still sell in limited volumes compared to similar SUV/SAVs. Just look at the X3 and 3 series wagon for proof.


If they took an IS wagon, in theory, and added another 2-3 inches of ground clearance, beefier fenders and bumpers, and bigger tires, they might have something like an IS version of the Venza which would be awesome, IMO. That could certainly have a compelling case for production if it was priced from like $31 or 32K and had a base V6 with less power than the RX.

 

I would be very interested to see a coupe version of the IS. Lexus is only hurting themselves by not having a true coupe version of the car. Infiniti, BMW, MB, etc... all have coupes in their line up. The IS X50C is a great idea, but not for people that live in winter prone climates. I personally would rather have a sunroof that I could use all 4 seasons of the year instead of a convertible top that can only be used for a few hot summer days, and doesn't have a view to the sky when closed.

I would definatley consider a 3IS coupe if one were to be produced.

When should the 3IS be out? 2 more years?

 

I hope the come out with a coupe and I hope its sooner rather than later.

I test drove the convertible last week and was very disappointed. It was a huge let down for me after waiting for more than a year for that car to come out.

 

they call the convertible IS350C so what would they call a 350 coupe? IC350?

 

They can just call the non-convertible coupe IS350C too, the 3-series does not have different names for their coupe and convertible either ...

 

I think Lexus needs a premium sport coupe, based on the success of BMW and Infiniti with their coupes.