Rear view comparison, old vs new body style, lights. Personally, I am mixed about the lights. Don't mind the white part, but I do mind the 'vertical' amber light. It doesn't quite fit (also looks too big. I like the square amber more on the old IS.....). The bumper seems to be the same, and the diffuser seems to have been there on the 08's as well. We still get the shark fin.

 

The side mirrors look smaller so that's a positive. As for the tail lights, half of the IS's on this forum have redouts for a reason right?

Thanks for the pictures.

 

IMO, im not feeling 09!

 

Finally, the mirror comparison. The mirror seems to be the one off the IS-F, which is a bit smaller height-wise. Length seems to be the same. i.e. the old model is more 'squarish' while the new model is more like a rectangle. IS-F also don't have the lights in them. Overall mirror surface area is definitely smaller.

Other observations:

* The wheels are indeed not 'directional' On the right, you get the fat spoke followed by the thin spoke. On the left you get the thin spoke followed by the fat spoke....

* Overall, the changes are really minor (at least on darker colored 09's). You won't immediately notice the mirrors, but you WILL notice the chrome. Also you will notice the brake lights. Other than that, it's pretty much the same car.

* The Black leather with white stiches is the seks! It looks VERY Good. And it is all around, on the armrests, seats, center console armrest etc. The black wood is also very nice, but you won't get it if you order the sports model. Only luxury. Sports still get aluminium trim.

* I can see why they re-designed the AC... it has better airflow for driver/passenger now. Prob. sux for rear passengers, but who cares about them..

* Navigation seems to be the same generation

* It seems like the 'moose knuckles' are indeed the 'premium' wheels...and come standard on the Sport version ... Maybe you can bribe your salesperson to swich them out for tourmalines or spiders.

* X package / front air dam is still available for '09.

 

The chrome really blings..... we will be hated on a sunny day by oncoming traffic.......

 

Wheels ugly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

dang i wish all dealers didn't install front plate <- still bitter!

 

why would you think the AC vents provide for better airflow? they kind of look the same no?

 

Just look at the dealer mark above the LEXUS on the back of the car. Ridiculous. On a Lexus, no way. I'd make them remove it before the test drive!

 

Finally can see that the mirrors are indeed smaller, not by much though. So I guess those that want the '09 turn signal mirror cover, it would be a no go. Unless u buy the whole mirror. Personally I like the JDM/Ebay one's anyways, more light less chrome. Thanks for the Pics!

 

My wife got her 09 tonight. I will get better picture tomorrow.

 

Nice one, you're the 1st here

Did you get any discount from the MSRP?

 

The wheels look hideous with the uneven split on the spokes. Would have looked better without the holes. Will look like the 350z rims

 

I couldn't agree more! I actually really liked the IS350 stock wheels at one point...

 

I think the 09s look great. I might be the only one who likes the new rims...not necessarily any more than the old split 5 spoke ones, but they had to do something different and I like these.

The front end looks a little nicer to me now, but no big deal over the previous models.

I don't like the amber part in the tails, but if you were to red it out it would look HAWT with just the white "swoosh".

Overall I give the 09 a . I don't like it any more or less than the 06-08, but think they did a nice job on making it a little different.