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I’m confused is this a refresh or a new design model? Is this the 4th gen IS or still the 3rd gen?
It's like gen 3.5. It's the same car with a new skin and revised chassis. Electronics and interior were also refreshed but definitely not a completely new generation.
Same here. My new IS350 is averaging 28 mpg overall in a 50-50 street/highway split. For the power, refinement, and seamless acceleration, I am quite satisfied.
I’m confused is this a refresh or a new design model? Is this the 4th gen IS or still the 3rd gen?
Originally Posted by EZZ
It's like gen 3.5. It's the same car with a new skin and revised chassis. Electronics and interior were also refreshed but definitely not a completely new generation.
I would call it a Gen 4. Usually anything that is a X.5 is a mild face lift for Toyota. Toyota's life cycle for a car is about 7 years. This is different than just a face lift as the stance is different, wider body, etc etc. Completely difference front end. From Toyota's history, they don't really do much innovation.
I would call it a Gen 4. Usually anything that is a X.5 is a mild face lift for Toyota. Toyota's life cycle for a car is about 7 years. This is different than just a face lift as the stance is different, wider body, etc etc. Completely difference front end. From Toyota's history, they don't really do much innovation.
It's the same chassis, with the same drivetrains. The wheelbase is exactly the same. Just widening the track does not make a new car. In my opinion, it's more of an extensive refresh.
I get what you are saying, "By Toyota's standards, this is one heck of a refresh!", but that doesn't make it a full de-do in general terms.
I’m confused is this a refresh or a new design model? Is this the 4th gen IS or still the 3rd gen?
To me the exterior has been changed quite a bit. ....the interior, far less so. It's got new suspension, more spacious interior. If they added extra power I'd say this is a new 4th Gen. But without that, it's hard to call it a new generation.
They have been selling this Lexus Accessory Option on the ES Model and LS Model
My guess is that they will have 2 versions of White..
"Lexus IS300" & "Lexus IS350"
...maybe a "Lexus IS500" one too if they decide to make it
They definitely appear to be a nice functional addition to Trunk Lighting.
Joe Z
Is that really $450? I got a ”Commercial Electric LED Portable Task Light” from Home Depot ($25 CAD) and just stuck it on the metal portion under one of the hinges when I need it.
I’m confused is this a refresh or a new design model? Is this the 4th gen IS or still the 3rd gen?
3.5 gen, in my opinion. Drivetrain is the same, interior is basically the same (or worse, depending on whether you like Circuit Red splashed everywhere and gloss black on the center HVAC stack), sheet metal / lights / wheels are different.
Yeah I wouldn't call it a Gen 4. That does a disservice to any actual all-new Gen Lexus comes out with in the future. Like are we saying a truly new Gen Lexus is on par with this IS refresh in terms of effort? Can't have it both ways.
Yeah I wouldn't call it a Gen 4. That does a disservice to any actual all-new Gen Lexus comes out with in the future. Like are we saying a truly new Gen Lexus is on par with this IS refresh in terms of effort? Can't have it both ways.
Meh, most "new gen" vehicles have carry overs. I guess its up to people to decide......i think most would call this a 4th gen vehicle if they added some power. Stylistically there is enough changes to make this a new gen, especially on the exterior but using the same engines makes it hard to call it an all new car.
If we went based on styling changes, then the most recent updates to the LX and GX would be considered new generations. The styling doesn't change the fact that it's literally the same platform, with an interior that features exactly the same mounting points for all the gadgets inside.
I'm not trying to criticize Lexus for doing what they did, especially if it means keeping the IS alive a bit longer. I am just saying that, based on the usually-standard definition of what an all-new model is, this ain't one. Now, one comparison that did pop into my head, as a Golf owner, is the new Mk8 Golf. It rides on the same MQB platform as the Mk7, but it still earns a Mk8 name, as if it's a new generation. I think the reason for this is similar to that of the "new" IS. There are lots of styling changes, some changes under the hood including increased power, and a hugely-overhauled interior. Unlike the IS, the Mk8 Golf's interior looks nothing like the current Mk7, even if the platform is theoretically the same. Do I consider it to be a true "all-new" Golf? I honestly don't know, and don't really care enough to analyze it. I think the Golf and IS are kind of in the same boat, except the IS's changes are much less extensive.
To me the exterior has been changed quite a bit. ....the interior, far less so. It's got new suspension, more spacious interior. If they added extra power I'd say this is a new 4th Gen. But without that, it's hard to call it a new generation.
According to this press release, suspension is significantly changed:
Engineers revised the suspension layout and front pickup points to help accommodate the larger tire-and-wheel package.
Complementing the enhancements to overall rigidity, multiple refinements were made to the suspension setup. For starters, engineers targeted a reduction in unsprung weight. The new IS features coil springs that are 20 percent lighter than the outgoing model. New A-arms are employed as well that feature a forged aluminum material versus the outgoing steel composition, resulting in an 18 percent weight reduction. Engineers also opted for a new material for the suspension stabilizer bar to optimize the diameter and thickness to provide a 17 percent weight reduction.
With unsprung weight reduced, engineers equipped the IS with new swing-valve shock absorbers equipped with ultralow-velocity valves in their pistons to manage oil flow in response to even minor road irregularities. Even when the stroke speed of the shock absorbers is low, the new velocity valves provide excellent responsiveness to apply appropriate damping force on different road surfaces. The result is consistently even ride quality. New bound stoppers are also employed to help manage the sprung weight more effectively for enhanced ride comfort.
