On top of the wagons they offer, the Germans ALSO offer several hatchback models.

The CT is a FWD hatchback.

The IS wagon would be RWD or AWD.

Hatchback and wagon, two different classes and categories.

Again, how is this any different than what the Germans are already offering in Europe?

 

The way Lexus needs to step up their game in this particular 3 Series dominated segment is to first offer a solid performing sedan and coupe. Then they should explore wagon and convertible variants based off the demand for the sedan and coupe. It's a really easy formula...but Lexus keeps trying to veer off into left field hoping everyone else will follow.

 

I definitely agree. Do you think this possibly implies in any way the next-gen IS sedan will be a solid performer, and that there will be a real coupe?

 

I hope so. When I went to the HS/ISC Press Event last year, I was seated with the Chief Engineer for the ISC. He did tell me he was involved with the 3rd Generation IS. He asked me what I would like to see in the next round of IS. I told him exactly what we are discussing now...a great performing sedan and a real 2 door coupe.

Being an owner of both 1st and 2nd gen IS, there are many attributes of both cars that I like. So far Lexus has offered the Sport Cross and now the ISC...which in my opinion are nice cars, but they are certainly not what everyone wants. If Lexus offered a real 2 door coupe version for first and second gen IS, there would definitely be a lot more lookers from the Euro side of things.

 

Thanks for the scoop .

I wonder if potentially we might see an IS-F coupe? Now that surely would get more attention over in Europe as well I think.

 

When the hell was the CT and IS even in the same class

Guys the CT is a foot shorter than the IS and n no way would an IS wagon and CT hatchback compete. look at Audi they have the A3 hatchback and they have an A4 Avant, plus an A6 Avant. BMW has the 1 series hatchback, plus a 3 series and 5 series wagon. On top of all that BMW is adding new "grand tourer" mega hatchback to the 3 and 5 series. Europeans love hatchback/wagons and the more the merrier.

YES, the next IS will be hybrid only in Europe. This has been discussed time and time again here. In Europe they have an entry level 4 cylinder diesel IS, and Lexus Europe is going to replace the entry level I4 diesel with an entry level hybrid IS. They will probably also have a higher powered hybrid IS as well.

My thinking is that the entry level hybrid will be an I4 hybrid similar to the CT/HS drivetrain and the higher powered one will be either a 2.5L V6 or 3.5L V6 hybrid.

The CT line will be hybrid only and be the entry line of Lexus in Europe.

 

I definitely agree with this.

I'm really surprised Lexus didn't tackle the much larger Coupe market before entering the niche convertible segment. At the time the IS-C was probably in development (in the 2006 timeframe) Infiniti was selling an easy 2-3K G Coupes a month.

 

I don't care for the wagon, but they need to make a non convertible coupe. If they do, I will definitely buy it.

 

I'm looking forward to a new generation IS. Hopefully Lexus won't let us down.

 

Estates are popular in Europe. That said SUVs are growing in popularity there as well. A hybrid IS wagon would be different as you simply are not going to outsell the status quo there with petrol only engines.

Image is EVERYTHING there.

 

This is true, and people in Europe support their own brands very strongly.

In order to be successful in Europe as a foreign brand you need to offer something REALLY unique.

 

ISF Estate FTW!

 

well, lexus's interpretation of the IS wagon was the IS sportcross which wasnt really a wagon but a hatchback...that looks rather similar to the CT in terms of shape. If they make it a true wagon, then fine, different classes. But if they put a 5th door on the IS, then I still feel its too close to the CT

 

Agreed, both could increase sales significantly worldwide.

 

Wagons can look good and sell well in Europe. They don't have to look like CrossTurds and ZDX's.