Official Lexus IS Coupe and Vert Thread

[TinmanMS6]

It may be hard to tell from the picture, but what you're looking at, according to our sources, is a test mule for a Lexus IS convertible. Information accompanying the spy shot suggests that the car is destined for production by the end of 2009 and will feature the full range of engines available in the Lexus IS sedan, from the 177-hp European diesel 220d to the 423-hp IS-F (!).

If the information is correct, the IS cabrio would be the first body style derivative of the Lexus sports sedan since the previous generation model spawned the SportCross wagon, and would slot in the Lexus line-up under the SC 430 convertible and, if built, the LF-A Roadster. However, as one forum member pointed out, by 2009 the IS sedan would be entering its fifth year of production and itself be due for replacement soon thereafter.

 

[mikeyb]

We've been hearing about a possible Lexus IS coupe for what seems like eons, and by most accounts, it's likely to hit the streets sometime around the turn of the decade. A convertible is supposedly in the works too, but until now, there's been limited proof that Lexus was planning to offer the two-door version of its entry-level sedan. However, the crew at my.is has been scouring U.S. and Canadian trademark applications and has come up with three new filings from Toyota's luxury division that could mean Lexus is at least considering bringing the IS coupe to market.

The trademarks include alphanumeric names with a "C" affixed to the end, including the IS250C, IS300C and IS350C. "C" could mean a couple of things, but the smart money is on "Coupe." It's also telling that Lexus' lawyers have trademarked the IS300C designation, since there's nothing to slot in between the current entry-level IS250 and the markedly more powerful IS350. There's no filing for an IS-FC, but if Lexus finally decides to provide the coupe people crave and do serious battle with the BMW M3, it's just a matter of time before we see some derivation of that name pop up in the trademark office.

 

[TinmanMS6]

I would assume that these new coupe models would be based on a completely new IS design. That car still looks good (as does the original IS) but it's been out for some time now.

 

[mikeyb]

The current generation came out in MY06. How long has Toyota usually have a model run? The last IS went from MY00 to MY05.

 

[TinmanMS6]

The current generation came out in MY06. How long has Toyota usually have a model run? The last IS went from MY00 to MY05.

s***, ignore me then. For some reason it seems like it's been out waaaaaay longer than that. Guess I didn't really think about that too much, because I knew that the old one went to '05. I'm 'tarded this morning.

 

[mikeyb]

s***, ignore me then. For some reason it seems like it's been out waaaaaay longer than that. Guess I didn't really think about that too much, because I knew that the old one went to '05. I'm 'tarded this morning.

Well get out of your 'tardedness

 

[mikeyb]

Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport Special Edition, priced from $58,375

As much as we'd love to see a convertible version of the pulse-quickening Lexus IS F, it doesn't appear to be in the cards. Instead, Lexus is offering up plenty of F-Sport accessories for the IS C, including the new IS350C F-Sport Special Edition which goes on sale later this month. Only 100 of these F-tuned droptops will be produced, retailing for $58,375 (including the $875 destination charge).

Available in either Obsidian or Tungsten Pearl, the F-Sport isn't any more powerful than a standard IS350, but it includes things like new 19-inch wheels, a front and rear brake upgrade and Blistein shocks. Additionally, new lowering springs set the IS one inch lower to the ground, and a beefier sway bar is in place to aid in better overall handling. Inside, there's a leather-wrapped shift knob, embroidered floor mats and a numbered badge, all with F-Sport logos, of course.

While this is all well and good for the IS C, we can't help but think that, at over $58K, our money would be better spent on a BMW 335i or Audi S5 cabriolet. Still, Lexus buyers looking for a more sporting edge should like the F-Sport touches, and with only 100 units being made, we doubt the automaker will have any trouble moving them off of dealer lots.

 

[mikeyb]

For that kind of money I would go to the closest BMW center and buy either a 335is or a M3.

 

[Newf]

+1

 

[kendon]

i couldn't imagine paying that much for something made to be sporty and NOT having a true manual transmission in it.

why bother?

 

[We Are Ninja]

^ Seconded. And the car's got a fugly profile...

 

[genericuser]

^ Seconded. And the car's got a fugly profile...

the ride in the IS is awful.. My father in law looked at an IS before he got his G37. it felt like a corolla with seized shocks.

 

[mikeyb]

the ride in the IS is awful.. My father in law looked at an IS before he got his G37. it felt like a corolla with seized shocks.

So he bought a rebadged Nissan that will blow up it's transmission and throw a timing chain. I hope he is one of those sport sedan buyers that do not keep their cars long. My cousin owns a 08 G37c which blew it's tranny at 26K. Luckily it was covered under warranty. I am pushing her to trade it in for a BMW 335i.

 

[genericuser]

no anti nissan bias there. none at all.

 

[Kain]

larf.