2021 Lexus IS
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Thats probably not a bad deal as it already makes 420hp in the LS. Some things to consider are that the 3.5L TT hasn't ever been fitted on the current IS platform...just the newer generation LS platform while the V8 has already been proven that its a fit. The V8 has an issue of pricing...do you detune it so that you don't step on the toes of the RCF as the IS500 isn't a true F car? It will be interesting to see how Lexus approaches these issues.
Thats probably not a bad deal as it already makes 420hp in the LS. Some things to consider are that the 3.5L TT hasn't ever been fitted on the current IS platform...just the newer generation LS platform while the V8 has already been proven that its a fit. The V8 has an issue of pricing...do you detune it so that you don't step on the toes of the RCF as the IS500 isn't a true F car? It will be interesting to see how Lexus approaches these issues.
My two cents: We won't see the 3.5L TT until the next generation IS. They will phase the 5.0 out. There will likely be an RC500. Eventually '500' will denote the 3.5L TT across the range. I don't believe the TT V8 has been cancelled, just delayed. But I would not expect it in the IS/RC. It will be for LC, LX, and possibly LS, cars over $90,000. IS, RC will utilize the 3.5L TT 370-450hp range, and should they do F variants they will also use the 3.5L TT with 450-500hp. There will still be a 2.0T on the low end of the powertrain spectrum for some models, but the workhorse 3.5L V6 GR replacement is looking to be a 2.4L turbo 4 with 300-350hp. Again just IMO
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
Now that you mention it, maybe the "IS 500" filing is for the next gen model, and it's coming sooner than we expect? Certainly would make sense with the rumors about the shared Mazda platform with the TTV6. There's no physical way the LS's 3.5TT + 10 speed would fit in the current IS platform, and the V8 so far has been exclusive to F models barring the LC.
Now that you mention it, maybe the "IS 500" filing is for the next gen model, and it's coming sooner than we expect? Certainly would make sense with the rumors about the shared Mazda platform with the TTV6. There's no physical way the LS's 3.5TT + 10 speed would fit in the current IS platform, and the V8 so far has been exclusive to F models barring the LC.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,602
Likes: 89
From: Singapore
Real world videos of the 2021 Lexus IS350 F-Sport
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CEwnTf3jePj/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CExAWMLDuIN/
Exterior is stunning imo but the interior needs some lighter colors to give it more pop. As it is, the black interior seems too spartan and utilitarian and doesn't match the gorgeous exterior.
I would have preferred some light brown/walnut/light grey open pore wood instead of the black open pore wood and red or light brown leather on the seats and dash. That would be a nice combination of Sporty on the outside, Luxurious on the inside.
But it's an easily fixable problem : just be careful in specifying your interior color combination when making your 2021 IS purchase.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CEwnTf3jePj/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CExAWMLDuIN/
Exterior is stunning imo but the interior needs some lighter colors to give it more pop. As it is, the black interior seems too spartan and utilitarian and doesn't match the gorgeous exterior.
I would have preferred some light brown/walnut/light grey open pore wood instead of the black open pore wood and red or light brown leather on the seats and dash. That would be a nice combination of Sporty on the outside, Luxurious on the inside.
But it's an easily fixable problem : just be careful in specifying your interior color combination when making your 2021 IS purchase.
Last edited by natnut; Sep 9, 2020 at 07:12 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,195
Likes: 1,844
From: WA
Man, they just nailed the styling of that thing. Absolutely love it!
I don't mind the interior at all and I think the black is fine. I don't care for the round vents, but otherwise I have no complaints.
I don't mind the interior at all and I think the black is fine. I don't care for the round vents, but otherwise I have no complaints.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Its the best looking car in the segment. Stick in the V8 or V6TT for a higher trim and see it fly off the shelf. I can't understand why Lexus doesn't use these design cues and base a CUV off that platform...it would be a much more compelling product than the NX.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 33
Likes: 3
From: VA
Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous!
The styling just exudes character and looks so aggressive. I haven't had this level of emotional response for the IS since the 2nd-gen IS debuted in 2005 which I thought that was another great design for its time. This 2021 model will be a serious head-turner on the road and I can't wait to hear about how it drives with the chassis enhancements!
The styling just exudes character and looks so aggressive. I haven't had this level of emotional response for the IS since the 2nd-gen IS debuted in 2005 which I thought that was another great design for its time. This 2021 model will be a serious head-turner on the road and I can't wait to hear about how it drives with the chassis enhancements!