Does anyone know why the American version of the 2Gen IS's do not have side markers? I noticed that the Japanese version have side markers and they look awesome.

Sorry, I tried copying a picture from www.lexus.jp but it's in Flash Player, so I couldn't copy pics. Anyone else have pics?

Niiiiiiiiiiiice. Especially looks good in white. Did you add those later or do you have a Japanese model?

I like them too. have since I saw them, I would like to know if we can aquire some

That obviously looks like one in Japan since it's got RHD.

I guess this car is treated more as a sendan than sports car in Asia.

Also, it may have something to do with market sale strategy when they brought into US market... Like offering a base look in the first year, fin antenna in the 2nd year, and side-mark in the third year.... SIGH, they all are available in JDM initially.

My guess only!

i don't think the pic is bichon's car... i could be wrong. but he is just posting a picture of an IS with the ings kit and it happened to be a JDM version. but i've been browsing around about side markers and there was a post a while back but apparently we could get some ordered but it would require drilling a hole in the side and we're not even sure about wiring, etc. seemed to be more of a hassle so i guess everyone dropped the idea. if anyone has any more insight, preferrably someone outside the US, please chime in.

Not my car, I'm afraid. I've also wanted the side markers ever since I first saw them.

A hole would be no big deal as long as we could figure out the correct way of doing the mounting.. I'm still interested

i tend to notice this trend too and my guess is by the final year theyll add the obvious looking led taillights.

It is law. In Europe and Japan, it is required to have a side marker.
In the USA it is not. Thus we do not have standard side markers as turn signals.

Oh and yes, I am sure you can buy these JDM side markers from one of our vendors here. i know they carry for other Lexus models.

lol I personally like the IS without the side markers!! However Macao's IS are JAPAN RHD model so no choice!!

Yeah, I think it looks cleaner without them, alot of times we just want things cause we don't have them.

Totally agreed...