While unlikely, there is always a chance Lexus would bring out a new IS and continue to sell the current coupe version for another year or two. Other manufacturers (Audi and BMW) have done this to get their tooling money's worth. I believe the current coupe was originally planned to come out in 2007 or 2008, and was to run until 2011 or 2012 with the 4-door. Obviously it didn't make it out on time, throwing off the model run.

 

It's possible, assuming they have the production capacity, that they'll introduce a new 3rd gen IS as a 2012 model, but keep the convertible in the 2nd gen body style till 2013 model year... but you're not gonna see a new IS of either kind earlier than MY2012 unless Lexus acts differently than they have on every RWD car they've made for quite some time.

 

Very likely this will come out for the 2012 model. That will make it a 6 year cycle.
More sportier on the outside, more luxury and high tech on the inside.
IS400 and IS500?

 

technically, isnt the IS F the IS500? if the IS250 has a 2.5L engine, and the IS350 had a 3.5L one, the IS F surely has the 5.0L engine, just under a different subscript. I'm glad Lexus didn't name it the IS500; makes it seem too bimmer or benz. but then again, there might be just a change in cosmetics and technology, while still keeping the 250 and 350 names intact.

 

^ i wouldnt see why they would change it from a 2.5L and 3.5L to something else..most companies have a 3.5L anyways..just UP the horse and change the look.

 

change the look for the BETTER THO... not be stupid like ACURA and pwn the TLS look and make them fugly as helll

 

I hope they keep it the same, with some minor adjustments. But this is me just being vain and wanting my car to not be 'old' when the new one does come out.

 

i hope 3rd gen is ugly as fk. will make my car look better!

 

make it a IS300 and IS350 ... like it should have been in the first place!! That way its not a 100HP gap... more like 60-65 hp gap

 

Theres seems to be a trend with newer models being uglier, take for example acura has gone for the worse design on their TL dodo bird front end. Also IMO, the old version Subaru Legacy looks better than the new model.
Im a big fan of Toyota, but I think they screwed up also on the new 4 Runner and Sequoia. New model designs seem too boxy and bulky IMO.
Spoke to my insider at Lexus of Sacramento, he called up Lexus and says that there will be minor updates in Sept 2010, and a redesign for 2012.

 

^ true. the automakers are trying that edgy look that makes cars look futuristic. just look at the RX line. IMO i prefered the 400h as opposed to the 450h, despite any alterations in terms of luxury or performance that lexus did. the TL series looks more angry than intimidating. not sure if thats what acura was going for. they had it right with the tl type s, but they definitely dropped the ball with the newer tl sh-awd. bimmer and mb had decent changes in their body structure for their 3 series and c class, respectively. both look much better than the more square-ish look of the prior generation, yet many from those forums swear that the older look (the ones more boxed in than rounded and curvaceous) is the better look.

as for the 3rd gen IS line, if they do introduce the LF-Ch, the IS line needs a similar change in body structure. but as is, the 2nd gen IS looks pretty good. dont know how lexus will make minor updates to it, but im looking forward to seeing what will be done. as far as i know, the '10 IS has updated the side mirror lights, smaller, leaner,and IMO pretty damn sexy.

 

With the new BMW 3 series already in development for 2012 checkout http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/12/16/sp...inter-testing/ ive been looking around for info on the next generation IS and there is not much online, no spy photos, teasers absolutely no mention of it lol.

i think the GS is getting a redesign for 2012 but when can we see a new IS? hopefully it looks as good as the current gen and > the F30

 

There have been several threads about this here already. Consensus seems to be it'll be out in fall of 2011 as a 2012 model.

 

2011-2012 seems about right. six years is an ideal product cycle, so it should come by that time. i like the idea of the solar panel in the 3 series, but not sure about the weight for the roof. MB has been integrating the driver intuitive function, so thats something i'd like to see lexus utilize. but we shall see.

 

3IS spy pic