I was browsing Lexus.com and found this.

 

Nice find!

It should be any day now that we'll have official pics.

 

mm,,, wood in my hands...

whoever wants to swap center console and door trims let me know!!!

 

Too bad that the lower air dam lost definition. Looks like a kid who has stuffed too much food in his cheeks.

 

center console looks sexy

I wonder if Sewell will offer it for us

 

It does not get any more offical than the pictures found on page 10 & 11

Joe Z

 

We can't expect much when Lexus pushes through just a "Refresh" on a current model...

The IS model just pretty much followed what Lexus did to the 2008 GS Model... Which it didn't take much to figure out what Lexus' plans were for the 2009 IS.

Almost just a quick correction for you...

Recent example 2006-2007 GS Model had a Refresh in 2008... Which means the original design stuck around for only 2 years.. Minor changes occured this year.

&

The current ISx50, which lasted 2006-2008... has gotten a Refresh just after 3 years...
Again minor changes to bumpers, tailights, interior, wheels, etc, etc...
(psst new 2009+ GFX kit on the way.. will only work on those new bumpers)

Nothing ground breaking.. Its when they change the entire design from bumper to bumper, is when it really matters in all honesty.

Which for Lexus is usually after 5 years.. with the Exception of the current out dated SC430, which is now starting is 7th year...

Another example, there was never really a "Refresh" on the 2001-2005 IS300... just some very, very small updates.. Bumpers remained the same, tailights remained the same except for some extra "Smoke" if you know what I mean...


On a personal note, I am glad I got my 2008 IS350 when I did...


Joe Z

 

I think I am going to agree with this too. After seeing the 2009 updates, I don't see anything that really stands out as way better or overly different. About the most obvious change to a passer-by will be the rims, and I flat out don't like deer hoofs or split hairs on my wheels. So all in all, I am pretty happy about the '08 vs '09 story.

 

My gripe with the GS Wood Wheel was that it was too thin (diameter).

This pic of the IS with part leather and part wood is sorta appealing to me only because it still remains that "beefier" wheel in your hands. I like the black marbled wood, if it looks good in person I think it will make the interior more Lexus upscale. I've never really been a huge fan of wood on my wheel but this one doesn't look bad.

The one thing I love about the IS is the beefy steering wheel and the leather adds a nice touch, I just love feeling it. lol. I do wish they would have notched the bottom out so I can rest my hand there.

 

Lot's of additional pictures here...

http://www.lexus.co.kr/popup/2008082...new_IS250.html

I don't know how to capture images from adobe flash. Maybe someone can post them here.

 

wow the tail lights are hot!

 

I've been meaning to ask--what's this 'Style Edition' thing? Is it a special model, or just a temporary name for the facelift?

 

Finally some decent pictures...the taillights look sweet lit up

 

Here's a screen shot from here...

http://www.lexus.co.kr/popup/2008082...new_IS250.html

Overall I think it looks OK. Most people won't notice the changes unless you point them out. I'd like to see one in person as things sometime look different once you see them in full perspective.

 

I'm beginning to change my mind about the tail lights, if it didn't have an amber section it would look pretty good.