First real pics of the next Lexus IS300

thats a good version of a re-badged toyota. But as Harley Owners say - this is surely a jap-crap!

i fail to realize why people pay two different prices for the same product with just a different badge. the current es300 and camry are disgustingly similar. ofcourse with bells and whistles of some artificial luxury injected in it the price increases, but it just doesnt justify the existance of a brand.

Very well done. I think this was the look BMW was trying for and couldn't pull off in their big sedans. Just put some traditional BMW grills and lights front and rear!!! Nice job Toyota, I will certainly put this high on my wish list when I go looking for a compact 4 door sedan.
Jerry
E39 M5
Audi Quattro 200 20v

I think that the new IS300 is good looking. It does resemble the Mazda 6 slightly with a little Acura TSX thrown in. The shape doesn’t really seem that original. If they give it a nice interior (unlike the current IS), decent power (unlike the current IS), and get rid of the Ghetto’ed Honda accord taillights (which it appears that they have). I’ll consider replacing my 330i with the New IS300.

Teak, Your analogy is flawed
Although I understand the main gist of your point, your examples are flawed.

Toyota formed and created Lexus. Volkswagen didn’t create Audi, they just purchased an existing brand. The same goes for Ford. Ford didn’t create Aston/Jaguar/Land Rover and Volvo. Dodge didn’t create Mercedes Benz. Both MB and Dodge existed independently before they merged with MB. MB holds the controlling shares. Since Lexus is basically a Toyota you can see Toyota’s influence in their cars as well as using existing parts from Toyota’s parts bin. You cannot see Ford’s influence on Land Rover/Jaguar. You cannot see Chryslers influence on any of Mercedes' vehicles. The reason is because; although Ford and Chrysler purchased the brands mentioned above. They still retained most if not all of the original employees/engineers before they were bought out. Lexus engineers are simply promoted Toyota Engineers. So in summary, Lexus is 100% Toyota created by Toyota. The other brands are independent of their mother brands because they have the same engineers/employees as before and continue to operate in the same country, VW being the lone exception. Audi and VW appear to share the same relationship as Lexus and Toyota.

As usual, Lexus still getting it wrong with the design.

It first site of these pix it caught my eye. Closer inspection makes me see a Toyota Camry grill, Porsche Boxster air ducts, and the rear reminds me of the Acura TL's headlights.

I see some resemblence the SC 430, but that design is now 4 years old.

Shame.

Looks like a sedan version of the FX45, in otherwords more copycat styling from Lexus...

I like it, but think it could be better. I like the Lexus brand and drive an older model SC 400. I've driven a current model IS and like the handling and characteristis of the car. I too see some resemblence to the Mazda line and the Acura TL ( minus the sharp creases ) but think it works. Lexus needs to step it up a notch and try something a little more daring, especially since this is it's entry model and will ( or is supposed to ) attract younger buyers to the brand. In my opinion they are on the right track, but just not quite there. Hopefully they'll get it right before production.

I WORK FOR MB AND CAN SAY FORM EXPERIENCE THAT LEXUS BUILDS THE MOST RELIABLE CAR SOLD IN THIS COUNTRY.. BUT THE LOOKS WILL PUT YOU TO SLEEP!!!

"kedar - 10/1/2004 5:09:14 AM
Title: re-badged toyota
Comment: thats a good version of a re-badged toyota. But as Harley Owners say - this is surely a jap-crap!"

Since when are the Harley owners allowed to speak about quality. Harleys are the worst bikes on the road at this time (ok, maybe the poor indian remakes). Every jap bike is better built than a Harleys. BMW bikes are are also a lot better bikes than Harleys. Harleys are also on the of the most expensive bikes out there.

The reason people buy harleys is because of the lifestyle they are now buying into. The leather chaps that say HD. The helmets, t-shirts, tatoos, and the beards. Thats it nothing more.

Harleys have never been really well known for reliability, and overall build quality. But what the hell, Its made in the USA so it has to be better than the "Jap Crap"

BTW This car looks nice, maybe a little like a mazda 3, but who knows untill we see one in real metal.

oh and get your facts staight. Lexus was the first to have what you call the "ACCORD TAILIGHTS" That is why they are called "altezza" (japenese IS300) tail lights.

the taillights look more like the new Mitsubishi lancer..