I just want to see an ISF before this gen runs out, or even something like the Infiniti red sport would suffice.

 

While there is no confirmation on when the 4th Lexus IS is releasing, I do think the bloomberg article is within reason and its probably right. The Lexus IS runs on a 7 year cycle - this will make the 4th gen Lexus IS a MY2021 which will be released in 2020. Features to be expected: HUD, 360 Camera and Enform 2.0 with Apple Carplay are likely.

Agreed - the next gen Lexus IS will continue to have the turbo four. However, I don't think the detuned TTV6 will make its way onto the Lexus IS yet because its their baby sedan offering. If they were to offer a detuned TTV6 - it'll likely be on the Lexus GS (if redesigned) or a high-trim Lexus ES first. They'll make that for a few years - then it'll be on the Lexus IS. This is due to the fact that Lexus is slow-moving-conservative company.

I don't think they'll make a Lexus ISF for this gen. Chances are, if they do make one, it'll be next generation (4th). This is also another reason why I think Lexus won't offer the TTV6 on the Lexus IS yet. They could potentially use the TTV6 to make a IS400 to compete w/ the Q50 RS or make a IS-F with the TTV6 to compete with the M3.

 

My bet is that they have a detuned V6 turbo. Especially if the GS is canceled then the IS may be a tweener car. The hIgher trim IS has always been more powerful than the ES so the ES being FWD and more powerful doesn't make sense.

The reliability of the Germans is getting pretty good so if they don't bring more HP, I see a lot of enthusiasts leaving.

 

Even if they don't offer the 3.5-liter turbo, there's gotta be an up-level offering on the engine. Just having a 2.0-liter turbo four with different outputs for different trims would be lame, though we've seen that before (BMW's 320i versus 330i for example). I suspect there will be a smaller-displacement turbo V-6 sometime soon.

 

The rumor floating around is the ES might merge with the GS. IE: They'll have a Lexus ES with luxury package and sport package. If this rumors hold true, you can assume the Lexus ES sport package will come with AWD being the Lexus GS replacement. And it'll also might come with a power boost with the TTV6 to make sure the Lexus ES sells. I'm not saying the Lexus won't have the TTV6 - I'm saying it'll trickle down at a later time to make Lexus' other vehicles sell.

I think they will offer a detuned TTV6 on the Lexus IS - just at a later time. Especially with the ES/GS limbo going on - I think Lexus wants to use the TTV6 to make sure the new Lexus GS sells. Or, if they cancel the GS, to make sure the new Lexus ES sells since it merged with the GS. The best way to do it is with a new TTV6 in them. Because of that, its likely the Lexus IS might get the shorter end of the stick for the first few years. Just my assumption.

 

Note that the 2nd gen IS had an 8 year run (2006 - 2013).

 

I know. The 2nd generation was a 8 year run and the 1st generation was a 7 year run. Its totally possible for them to do a 8 year cycle for the Lexus IS again. I was doing a conservative guess on Lexus doing a 7 year cycle for the IS.

Note: Its unlikely it'll be a 6 year cycle for the Lexus IS because that would make it a 2019 release and we have yet to see any spy shots. With a 2019 release for MY2020, we would have spy shots by now or at least a bit of information. Also - they are too busy working on the Lexus ES at this time.

 

your last paragraph describes my exact experience with the IS infotainment system.

 

I don't see why having the option of Android Auto or Carplay is bad. Besides, it means you can navigate using your phone, without the need for a factory nav system. That said, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

AutoGuide's recent comparo of the IS to the TLX is proof of this - if you read the comments, an awful lot of people complain that it seems like the TLX won the comparison because A) it's bigger and B) it has Android Auto and Apple Carplay. They didn't really talk about the Lexus at all, and the comments section has a lot of people saying "yeah Apple Carplay isn't the end all be all of car infotainment".


PS - I am now unsubscribed to that channel, since they are going to do blatantly sponsored reviews, lol.

 

So you think the Lexus IS infotainment system is awful and laggy? That's fine. That's your opinion. I have a question though: how long have you had your Lexus IS, how long do you plan to keep it, and how often do you switch cars?

I ask these questions because these are factor questions into how people think about their infotainment systems. If someone is more likely to jump cars every three years, they'll never take the time to vest into their car. They'll be jumping from multiple infotainment system every 3 years. This will likely affect the way you feel about it because you keep switching it without getting used to it.

Also - the Lexus IS infotainment system, no matter how you feel about it, its definitely better than Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Especially when it already has Siri hands-free to do your text messages/make phone calls/etc... for you.

I agree having Android Auto or CarPlay is not a bad thing but I think its redundant and a waste of space.

Navigation was one of the points I addressed. Take Apple Carplay for example: it only allows you to use limited Apps and Apple Maps only for Navi. Apple Maps is hands-down garbage. Its not better than any factory navigation. On top of that - Lexus already offers free weather and traffic through so you don't even Carplay/Android Auto feed you with live traffic. This goes back to my point - Carplay/Android Auto is a good feature and probably an important feature for awful infotainment systems that don't have navigation. That will give owners a chance to replace the original factory one and use their Carplay/Android Auto as standard. In my experience with Carplay/Android Auto, I only used it in my rented Camaro SS because it didn't have navigation.

The thing is though - quite a bit of people think Android Auto and Apple Car play is a must. (Which is quite strange to me, because I never thought Carplay/Android Auto to be anything big and I still don't think its a big deal.) Its definitely not a deal-breaker - especially in the luxury segment. I have yet to see a BMW or Audi owner replace their iDrive or MMI Virtual Cockpit to use Carplay or Android Auto solely. Besides - someone who blows 40-50K on a luxury vehicle to just use Carplay/Android Auto, instead of their default infotainment system because its hard to learn, is just wasting their money.

 

 

Bippu - while the technology in these cars is very important, especially at this price point, the way it drives is #1 for me (and I suspect for the majority of people commenting here). Driving experience including handling, acceleration, cornering, and fun is always paramount. Quality of craftsmanship, fit and finish, and nice materials is 2nd place for me. Now tech is 3rd place because of the little supercomputer I carry in my pocket everywhere (iphone).

Tech is nice but in the end, this is a car that's meant to be driven. If I wanted to **** around on a computer, I'd stay home.

 

Was at my Lexus dealer tonight...my sales guy is expecting MY2020 with a Sept 2019 release for the next gen IS.

 

Dealership sales people tend to know pretty much nothing.

Based on the 1st and 2nd generations - the Lexus IS runs a 7 year and 8 year cycle. Similarly - Lexus' competition: the C-Class, 3 Series, A4, and Q50 runs on a 7-8 year cycle. Best assumption is the Lexus IS will be on another 7 - 8 year cycle as well.
This will leave it to be MY2021 (2020 release the earliest); MY2022 (2021 release the latest).

Also - if the 4th gen Lexus IS was indeed a MY2020, then there should be spy spots by now. If not spy shots, then rumors/information at the very least.