The LF-C (Lexus Future Coupe) concept is our first glimpse of the design language that will define the next-generation IS, which surfaces in early 2006. With only a sedan and a crossover wagon, the current IS300 has had a tough time competing with the many BMW 3-series models, and Lexus aims to rectify that shortcoming next time around. "If we have more variants-two-door models, four-doors, multiple engines, all-wheel drive-we can sell more than the 1000 a month we're doing now," says U.S. Lexus chief Denny Clements. To that end, the curvaceous LF-C is a multifunctional four-seater that starts as a coupe and, as its hard top retracts, morphs into a targa, a speedster, and a fully open convertible. The IS will follow the new GS as part of Toyota's long-range plan to remake Lexus's design image in a sexier, more sculptural direction. Like the GS, the IS will jettison its current inline six-cylinder engine in favor of a new, 245-hp V-6, and the corporate 4.3-liter V-8 also will be offered. Will the LF-C's trick roof actually make it to production? "We certainly hope so," says Clements. That would put us in a position of leading the segment, not following."

LF-C

 

The demise of the 2JZ-GE unfortunately, but that V8 offering will be a definite welcome.

 

Seems like most of the talk here is just about more power........ what's the status of an All-Wheel-Drive IS?
AWD in this car is needed just as much as, if not more, than more HP. If the IS doesn't get it, sales are going to be lost to the G35X.

 

As long as they don't make it front wheel drive. All wheel is fine, but front wheel is horrible.

 

If any AWD, then they would proberbly use the same system as with the GS/LS/RX-h, meaning Hybrid in order to get AWD, meaning even more power.

The stated that all models would be Hybrid in the near future, or at least have a hybrid model

 

Would AWD be a must, wouldn't that be more weight? Would RWD with a little more power be just as good? I'm just wondering due to a lot of powerful cars who only sport RWD.

 

i guess it depends on the technology you have to build the car. if built well, yes awd is heavier but the plus in the traction is just incredible

 

Yes, more power, of course, would help compensate for the added weight and drag of AWD, but there are other ways to do it, too, besides just more HP. The torque curve of the engine can be recalibrated for more torque at low RPM's without increasing the total peak figure. Shorter transmission and final-drive gearing will give better pickup without more power....and the manual tranny model could get a 6th gear to compensate for the shorter gearing at cruise speeds. With AWD, the stability and traction control systems would not be needed as much...they could be eliminated to save some weight to help compensate.

 

And, to top it off, more and more of the IS300's potential competition is getting AWD as an opion....the Audi A4/S4 Quattro, the BMW 330 AWD, the Infiniti G35X, the Volvo S60/S70 AWD, the Mercedes C-Class, etc.... An AWD system is being developed for the Cadillas CTS as we speak. I don't see where Lexus is going to have a choice if it wants to keep the IS in the marketplace.

 

Just imagine...a 4.3L V8 awd IS. Can you say IS430 All-Trac?

 

I'd say its important that lexus doesnt actually name the production car "LF-S"

It's important that they keep the exact same alpha-numeric strategy of naming their cars with two letters representing an acronym for the vehicles type, and the 3 digits that follow being the engines displacement in liters X 100. It has been that way since the very first LS400 and ES250 and somethings should never change.

Acuras one big ping pong ball... real names... then displacement in liters followed by 2 letters that make absolutely no sense AT ALL, trucks that are represented by three letters.. oh man, screw all that.

 

Couldn't agree more with you.. Acura's downfall besides bland product lines for the past 5 years has been when they took away Legend, Integra as car names.. Styling back then too was much much better in my eyes at least..

Anyways back to the LF-S.. Just an amazing little concept with the multi adjustable top which I hope makes it to production in about a year or so.. The Mrs. will get tired of her car sooner or later and maybe we'll be in the market for an AWD IS with power and a cool multi top.. Lexus if you are reading this make it happen and i'll be at the dealership with cheque book in hand..

 

You are right, Honda is still playing catch up with their so-called "luxury" nameplate, despite the fact they were the first Japanese company from 1986 to introduce such a line. The first Japanese "so-called luxury" nameplate is trying their hardest to play catch up with their "me-too" and copycat marketing and brand equity. Since when did Honda make a truck? Ahem....minivan truck-wannabe.
LMFAO

 

Yes, I can SAY it, but I would rather DRIVE it.......or even a 300 All-Trac, for that matter.

 

am i the only one that doesnt care about the convertable and AWD options. i'll be much happier with a 2 door hardtop and RWD.