Just frustrating how inconsistent news for any developments on the IS has been. I know Lexus' focus now is all on its SUVs, crossovers, and possible electric/hybrids, but this car is seriously LONG overdue for a makeover. I do hope they at least tweak some stuff this fall...it'd align with the 2-3 year mid-cycle refreshes, if anything.

 

When you look at some of the sale numbers for the Lexus sedans/coupe, one has to wonder why they even bother - I am on Acurazine and one member always put the monthly sales figure (shout out goes to TSX69) and Lexus leads the pack with the NX and RX, but the IS, RC and such, dismal sales.

It doesn't have to be this way....Make a FANTASTIC vehicle and people will come, recall what Acura did with the 3G TL? It was a home run and made the Germans up their games.

I am just hoping they won't ditch the segment myself, I dislike how all we can buy now are SUV/CUV - It is becoming pathetic actually

 

Agreed. The TSX and Q50 are uninspiring at best. The only good, up to date cars in the segment are the Germans and Tesla.

 

I was saying that the person who post the reports in Acurazine forum (named TSX69) was the one showing the monthly sales for all categories and the IS and RC are often in the bottom of the pile. It doesn't have to be, but it seems Lexus takes in comfort in knowing it leads the SUV/CUV segment but why not try to own both?!?

 

It seems like the Japanese have given up the segment and decided not to compete directly. Most of their powertrains are lacking especially at Lexus.

 

^^ But at the same time, a similar powertrain lag is on their SUV and they lead the pack....

 

It's less important in that segment vs sports sedans. The M340, S4, C43 AMG decimate the Japanese in sportiness. The Q50 Red Sport competes at least in hp but the tranny is garbage and the driving dynamics aren't there with the leaders. Even the Koreans have brought it with the G70. Its sad the biggest car company in the world can't bring it.

 

The joy of a company that is so hellbent on keeping their reliability factor high. They are just too conservative, I feel they should go all out on their sportier vehicles since they are already experiencing terrible sales and focus on reliability with the SUVs etc. I hope to see something amazing in the future from Lexus, but I am somewhat glad nothing new is coming out because then my 2018 IS would feel old super quick lol. This gives me time to enjoy my 3IS and then hopefully by the time the 4IS (if it happens) I am ready for an upgrade.

 

^^ That is actually a valid point! When you put it like that, it makes sense....Put your new high tech in the lowest sellers but enthusiasts and use the knowledge to then apply to your SUVs. That is actually logical....although I am sure some would complain about being the "test bed" but at the same time, like you said, it would help advance the technology.

 

Would seems there is precedent -- the 3IS received LFA-inspired wheels and dash.

 

I think you're totally right and exactly what I think everytime I see talk on what Lexus may or should so with their sport cars.
However, I highly doubt they'll do it. Never have ha. Since Lexus started with the 1st gen SC or IS there was shortly after a Camry which was just as fast or faster lol. It's just not their game. Maybe it should be and they should branch out. But I'll bet in the performance factor they'll remain 1,2, even 3 steps behind. I purchased my 3IS with this same opinion beforehand and I'm happy with it. But I would at least like some reasonably priced options to make my IS compete with a German rival. Aftermarket market even please, but no.

The RX is fascinating as someone mentioned it above. Best selling SUV in the world, at least it was and has a lot of the same "set backs" we wish they'd improve with the IS in regard to performance.

 

Have a feeling soccermoms aren't quite so concerned with 1/4 mile times and shift points, though...

 

You live in So-cal...you should do what all of us so-cal people are doing and just buy a Tesla I would have kept the 3IS but everything was getting faster and better so I decided to go test drive a Performance 3. Its quite the experience which I highly recommend. Unless the next generation IS has something in the 4 second range 0-60, its not competitive in the sports sedan segment anymore.

 

I will most likely buy a Tesla next. But this will be about 4-6 years from now so I guess I will see what electric options are out at that time that have the same performance. I test drove my sister in law’s Model S Performance and man did it change my perspective on fast and torque lol. I loved it, but an electric car didn’t fit my needs and still doesn’t yet.

 

Yeah, all of us in So-Cal indeed. Did you get one?
I haven't looked at them for awhile as I didn't like the model 3 much at all, and then there was some ridicule on them here last year so I guess I adopted some of those opinions.

Of course you have me browsing through tesla site on the performance 3 lol. It actually looks really appealing this time around.

However doesnt fit my needs as of yet, and I think once I go that route I'll never go back and I'm not ready to give up that feel, sound, even smell of a gasoline engine yet.