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By all the shrouded responses around a high HP variant, I think you can bet something is coming.
Having said that, who is going to buy a top of the line F Sport in the first year knowing, with some certainty, that something better is coming year two.
Given the life cycle of this refresh will be about 3 years, maybe 4, the high HP variant has to drop by year two.
By all the shrouded responses around a high HP variant, I think you can bet something is coming.
Having said that, who is going to buy a top of the line F Sport in the first year knowing, with some certainty, that something better is coming year two.
Given the life cycle of this refresh will be about 3 years, maybe 4, the high HP variant has to drop by year two.
It depends how expensive that higher HP variant will be. They may price themselves out of the market if they aren't smart about it. My lease is up in a year, I'm very curious to see what they offer me to convince me to get into a 2021.
The current TLX V6 is about as quick, just a little slower then a IS350 and offers more room. The new TLX is going to have a V6t with likely over 350hp, 0-60 well under 5 seconds with a highly advanced awd system, where the IS350 is just soldiering on with the same engine it has, that is one reason people are mentioning the new TLX.
I don't think people quite know yet many of us are talking the next gen TLX which is going to be a beast and is an all new ground up design.
Aside from my personal opinion that the tail lights suck, it seems like a pretty proper update to the 3IS. A more major mid-model update than Toyota/Lexus typically does, though somewhat in line with others they've done over the last few years. The change over to lug bolts vs nuts is an interesting thing as well. Not very common for Toyota to do, in fact the only model I can think of (aside from the BMW-bin Supra) that uses them is the LFA, so the IS is in good company there.
The suspension and hub/wheel updates are quite interesting.
As for the engines, the FKS variant of the 2GR isn't exactly old, I mean sure it's based on the same family but it's only a 5 year old variant. Toyota has used many of their engine families with less changes for a lot longer. Lexus also has a history of updating or changing engines within the same generation even after relatively short periods of time (3GR to 2GR in the GS in 2006-2007, ditto for 3UZ to 1UR, 4GR to 8AR in the 3IS, and so on). We'll see how things go.
“F SPORT models can be further augmented with the addition of a Dynamic Handling Package (DHP) that includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) 19” BBS wheels” larger rear wheels 265/35R19
I’m interested in this pkg above, will that mean the ride will still be harsh over city roads or will the new variable suspension eliminate all that? I’m concerned with 35R and rough roads will cause a harsh ride especially if there run flats. But maybe the adaptive suspension will improve ride? I’m already running on 335i run flats that are 35R in the rear without AVS and they are murder like riding in rocks feel every bump.
The new mirrors are leaps and bounds better than the old ones.
Also appears the updated IS shows absolutely no sheet metal panels with the 2020 model except for possibly the roof panel which I believe is seam or laser welded to the adjacent roof rail panels.
One thing I am trying to figure out is that it seems Lexus says the new roof slopes down more aggressively than the old model which means they would have to manufacturer new rear side windows. If so, that's probably pretty rare for a refresh.
At that point why not spend a bit more money and redesign the interior =/ A new steering wheel (like on the LS) would've been SO SO nice. JUST that alone.
Also btw, the new C pillar kink at the back... that's known as the Hoffmeister kink. invented by maker of the supra several decades ago. works very well here. why not.
I still can't understand the center air vents, there is a gap on top and bottom, will I be able to slide my finger in that space? It looks strange. Compared to 2020 there are 3 horizontal slots for the center air vents, for 2021 there is only 1 horizontal slot. Why the gap?
Edit:
Sorry if this was already posted but Lexus pressroom has a very high quality B Roll Film of the new IS (different than what was shown on the premier)
https://pressroom.lexus.com/vehicle/2021-lexus-is/
Last edited by Xanadu350; Jun 16, 2020 at 04:06 PM.
They're trying to modernize/streamline some of the lines of the interior to bring it from 2013 to 2021, but instead of creating a new injection mold for a whole new dash, they are trying to play visual tricks by making the center vents appear thinner. that's why the tops and bottoms are blacked out and the center is bright to emphasize it. the trick works if you glance or squint.. but if you stare too long and/or a 3IS enthusiast, you know that the actual hole is the same size.
