2009 IS post-U.S. release discussion thread
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: CT
agreed
Is it just me or does it seem like some of these changes are aimed towards streamlining production with less initial configuration options. Perhaps a cost cutting measure?
Starting in mid 08, you no longer have 2 carpet choices, only black.
09 center console armrest color choice down from 3 to 1 - black
09 door panel armrest color choice down from 3 to 1 - black
09 seat belt color choices down from 2 to 1 - black.
Other things I don't care for:
Black buttons on the sunroof controls and removal of the dial, I like the 06-08 buttons where they are color matched. Have you seen the pic with the cashmere interior with the black seat-belts? I think it looks mismatched. I don't like the center dash vents, I liked the 06-08 much better, I think the black ones look like an afterthought. I don't care for the ES taillights, or the chrome on the cd slot or the nav. Not a fan of the black seat-backs, and I actually like the 06/07 rear seat pockets better than the 08+
Things I like about the new design:
Foldable rear headrests are cool. I think the change made to the rear diff, if it helps performance is a good thing, as well as any suspension or steering mods. I like the mirrors somewhat but not something I would spend the money to upgrade. The illuminated mirror control is a nice touch. The power window accel / decel is sort of a neat feature. Updated Nav is always good.
Things they should have changed but didn't:
Window up on the keyfob like JDM.
I agree unlock for the nav like JDM (from what I hear).
limited slip / positrack rear diff.
Power folding mirrors like the JDM.
Selectable suspension settings, lux, norm, sport, would be nice.
To me most of the changes don't do much for the car other than make it different. Given the choice I would still go with the 06/08, just my 02.
Starting in mid 08, you no longer have 2 carpet choices, only black.
09 center console armrest color choice down from 3 to 1 - black
09 door panel armrest color choice down from 3 to 1 - black
09 seat belt color choices down from 2 to 1 - black.
Other things I don't care for:
Black buttons on the sunroof controls and removal of the dial, I like the 06-08 buttons where they are color matched. Have you seen the pic with the cashmere interior with the black seat-belts? I think it looks mismatched. I don't like the center dash vents, I liked the 06-08 much better, I think the black ones look like an afterthought. I don't care for the ES taillights, or the chrome on the cd slot or the nav. Not a fan of the black seat-backs, and I actually like the 06/07 rear seat pockets better than the 08+
Things I like about the new design:
Foldable rear headrests are cool. I think the change made to the rear diff, if it helps performance is a good thing, as well as any suspension or steering mods. I like the mirrors somewhat but not something I would spend the money to upgrade. The illuminated mirror control is a nice touch. The power window accel / decel is sort of a neat feature. Updated Nav is always good.
Things they should have changed but didn't:
Window up on the keyfob like JDM.
I agree unlock for the nav like JDM (from what I hear).
limited slip / positrack rear diff.
Power folding mirrors like the JDM.
Selectable suspension settings, lux, norm, sport, would be nice.
To me most of the changes don't do much for the car other than make it different. Given the choice I would still go with the 06/08, just my 02.
...Black buttons on the sunroof controls... instead of 3 color buttons now there is one
...removal of the dial... i'll bet if the dial was cheaper they would have left it
... black seat-belts?... used to have three colors in stock, now just one.
...I don't like the center dash vents... again here, they are probably cheaper (they look cheaper)
...Not a fan of the black seat-backs... what was once 3 colors, now one.
overall, though, they took money out where no one would notice for the most part, but i will say the black seat backs could be polarizing ...
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I like the new 18's and the revised chrome for the interior as for whether or not the new camber changes improve handlin we will see. I even like the new sunroof controls. The rest im not so sure of but im glad they didnt just leave it pretty much the same like the first gen IS.
Am I missing something here with regards to the new center cluster? The press release said "A newly designed center cluster", but it looks like besides the dials being relocated to the center of the air vents, there are no real changes other than maybe the nav buttons being slightly flatter. Is this picture below an actual non-photoshopped photo? If so, then it's basically the same as the 06-08...
Buttons are flat, instead of "bumped"
Climate buttons are now black instead of silver
Nav screen surround is black instead of silver
Chrome strip (creates a "U" shape")
A/C vents are different
Here is the old console:
Rookie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 5
From: OR
I think the idea for the black climate buttons originated on the IS-F. Here is an 08 IS-F for reference.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=377371
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=377371
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,885
Likes: 604
From: USA
I think the idea for the black climate buttons originated on the IS-F. Here is an 08 IS-F for reference.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=377371
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=377371
Revised center instrument panel in the 09 IS F - piano black:
On another note;
My thought on the tail lights, it almost looks the same as when the G35 sedan had it's upgrade from the two circle tails to the two straight dotted lines, witch I didn't like at all. Old design ftw
Rookie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 5
From: OR
For the most part, yes they are the same but the 08 ISF does differ in that it has black climate controls directly under the nave screen, 08 IS has silver.
Last edited by threefiveo; Sep 11, 2008 at 11:28 PM.
I like the new 18's and the revised chrome for the interior as for whether or not the new camber changes improve handlin we will see. I even like the new sunroof controls. The rest im not so sure of but im glad they didnt just leave it pretty much the same like the first gen IS.
The "Build your IS" page has now been updated to 2009 on the website. The only package being offered in my area (Washington, DC) is awful:
Run-flat summer tires
Additional Options:
- Voice-activated DVD Navigation System
- Premium Package
- Bi-Xenon® High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- Intuitive Parking Assist
- Headlamp washers - requires Bi-xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
No Luxury Package? No 18" wheels? No all-season tires available?
Run-flat summer tires
Additional Options:
- Voice-activated DVD Navigation System
- Premium Package
- Bi-Xenon® High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- Intuitive Parking Assist
- Headlamp washers - requires Bi-xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
No Luxury Package? No 18" wheels? No all-season tires available?
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13,441
Likes: 1,076
From: Under an IS F since 2008
Um...I think the wheels on 09 are 17s that come with run flats all season tires (check out Lexus.com)
I know! SoCal has the same crappy options too for the 09s. That's a shame that the stock 09 wheels are 17" and with run flats...WTF? I'm glad I went with an 08 last December instead of holding out for the 09s.
I know! SoCal has the same crappy options too for the 09s. That's a shame that the stock 09 wheels are 17" and with run flats...WTF? I'm glad I went with an 08 last December instead of holding out for the 09s.
See this post for clarification of new features..
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...&postcount=102
Joe Z
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13,441
Likes: 1,076
From: Under an IS F since 2008
Top of Page 7 - Important Information
I just got wind from a little birdie..
Some of the 2009 Models scheduled for Sept 09' Release are being held up at the Plants and/or ports..
Including the New 2009 IS, ES, LX, SC, GX
Reason is too much 2008 Lexus metal is sitting in dealership inventories across the Nation..
If this info is accurate, which came down the Lexus Corp managerial pipeline... We might not see the 2009 ISx50 hit the USA showroom floors till sometime in October..
Joe Z
Some of the 2009 Models scheduled for Sept 09' Release are being held up at the Plants and/or ports..
Including the New 2009 IS, ES, LX, SC, GX
Reason is too much 2008 Lexus metal is sitting in dealership inventories across the Nation..
If this info is accurate, which came down the Lexus Corp managerial pipeline... We might not see the 2009 ISx50 hit the USA showroom floors till sometime in October..
Joe Z