Rumour Mill: Is Lexus Planning An Early Refresh For The IS Series?

Rumour Mill: Is Lexus Planning An Early Refresh For The IS Series?
I heard a bit about this yesterday when my good friend deepflanger reported deep discounts on certain IS performance parts at dealerships.  The reason given was a refresh was on the way, and they need to clear out inventory.

However with a bit more research it appears the Lexus may be refreshing the IS series ahead of schedule, possibly as early as 2009.  Check  out this post from one of my many Lexus resources about an upcoming Motor Trend article:

"A mid-gen update for the IS 250/ IS 250 AWD/ IS 350 brings a new grille/fascias/taillamps/wheels plus interior cosmetic/functional tweaks. Retuned suspension/steering improves control and response, the paddle - shifting logic has been upgraded, and VDIM stability becomes an IS 250 standard. The hot IS F variant gets minor interior changes."

From the looks of it, Lexus is starting to move very quickly to curb their recent downturn in sales.  

Look for shots soon as they become available.


Read Article

STJ88STJ88 - 8/12/2008 4:04:14 PM
0 Boost
The only thing that can make the IS better is a coupe and a MT IS350.


M35MTM35MT - 8/12/2008 4:27:39 PM
-1 Boost
If the IS350 had an MT I would actually consider buying it, OR, forget the MT, give it AWD and it would be worthwhile...for now I'll look elsewhere.


hao420hao420 - 8/12/2008 4:39:10 PM
+1 Boost
And offer the coupe version too......


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 8/12/2008 9:14:14 PM
0 Boost
Screw the MT STJ88, the reason I did not buy the IS is because I wanted AWD which was available only in the IS250 with MT and I hate MT. I have to assume that the AWD of the IS is not robust enough to handle the power of the IS350. The IS has comfy seats but is a bit narrow with a tiny trunk. I ended up buying a nicely loaded Passat and saved a bundle -- so much for the myth of Lexus.


ktu01ktu01 - 8/13/2008 2:51:55 AM
+3 Boost
Actually, EnnNorak the awd is only available in automatic, not in manual. the manual is only available with the rwd version.


AMiodynskiAMiodynski - 8/14/2008 11:17:34 AM
+1 Boost
There will be a coupe and Hardtop covertable for the IS, but not till 2010....


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 8/12/2008 4:06:11 PM
+1 Boost
I would be curious to know IS-F sales figures.


Agent009Agent009 - 8/12/2008 4:45:02 PM
+2 Boost
It is a limited run of 2500. So don't expect big numbers.


M35MTM35MT - 8/12/2008 4:58:17 PM
0 Boost
Probably...2500?


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 8/12/2008 9:17:55 PM
+5 Boost
Agent009, there is no such thing as a "limited run" unless it is guaranteed to be limited in writing. More often than not, when a manufacturer sends out propaganda to the effect that the run will be limited, it is because the number quoted is all they expect to sell anyway.


BMWsukBMWsuk - 8/12/2008 4:08:22 PM
-3 Boost
The IS must be a little bigger and/or longer. Current models are too small/short.


AgentOrangeAgentOrange - 8/12/2008 4:16:53 PM
-1 Boost
The IS must be made a little smaller and/or shorter, with less weight and more power - ala the BMW 1-series.
Cureent models are too big/long..
We don't need any more bloated pigs clogging up the highways.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 8/12/2008 4:26:04 PM
+1 Boost
well given the fact the IS Sedan has less rear leg room than the 3 series coupe, and about as much as rear leg room as an Audi TT, or G37, it could stand to be a little longer or at least a longer wheelbase.....for a 4 door sedan thats pretty small


rumnycrumnyc - 8/12/2008 7:35:06 PM
+4 Boost
thats cos the front seats on the is are FAT. i sat on the back of my friends IS250 and its way cramped compared to my 335i sedan.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 8/12/2008 9:21:55 PM
-1 Boost
AgentOrange, what do you mean bloated pigs? large cars are bought for comfort and safety -- we deserve comfort for all the hard work we do. Anti-motorists should get off the road and ride to work on bicycles.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 8/12/2008 9:23:26 PM
-7 Boost
rumnyc, the 335 has useless rear legroom also. Buy a new Passat.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 8/12/2008 9:24:59 PM
+2 Boost
deboost if you want but facts dont lie....there is no excuse for it having that small of a backseat....none of you must have never sat in the backseat of a 3 series coupe, or tried to get in the back of an Audi TT or G37, if you dont believe go to edmunds.com, and do a comparison of the cars i just mentioned you will see im right.......want to stay in denial...fine ill give you the numbers.....
1. bmw 335i 33.7
2. Audi TT 29.2
3. G37 29.8
4. IS 30.6
5. Civic Coupe 30.3
6. Mustang coupe 31


NItePhireNItePhire - 8/12/2008 4:22:08 PM
0 Boost
Actually I am some where in the middle as far as the IS size goes. I like the size for what its suppose to do however believe that it needs to get lighter by about three hundred pounds. Use more high strength steel and aluminum but stay the same size. Also use the 8speed in all the cars as well as a six speed MT. This would jack the price up about 7 grand but to better battle the 3 it would be worth it.


JanizaryJanizary - 8/12/2008 4:51:21 PM
0 Boost
I'm happy with the size of my IS350. Part of the reason I purchased it was due to its 'small' size. I do not carry passengers much (very, very rarely) beyond my two small boys, but having the two rear doors was a huge convenience over my last coupe.

Better handling would be MUCH appreciated, however.

Anything to improve the response time on the paddle shifing would also be nice. Its almost worthless now.


goochgooch - 8/13/2008 10:15:37 AM
+1 Boost
GreenPlease, the current battery in the IS does not weigh 40 pounds. And I seriously doubt the spare weighs 40 pounds as well -- especially if it is a donut.


M35MTM35MT - 8/12/2008 4:26:22 PM
+3 Boost
"From the looks of it, Lexus is starting to move very quickly to curb their recent downturn in sales."

Not as quickly as BMW with the 3-series, which, was redesigned in the SAME year as the IS (2006) and has not only had an exterior refresh but an overhaul to the idrive system.

What seems peculiar or premature about an IS refresh? 4th year in the generation is normal for a few tweaks, especially underneath the skin.

The only major changes I can see for the IS:

-remove amber reflector from tailight, making it all red/white (a la IS-F)
-new wheels
-new ground effects for sport models


M35MTM35MT - 8/12/2008 4:44:31 PM
-2 Boost
On page 2 there's a snapshot of a blurb in Lexus magazine with the real details:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=127143&d=1216170463

Turn signals in the side mirrors, new wheels, new grille, VDIM on the IS250 and new color options.




Agent009Agent009 - 8/12/2008 4:50:35 PM
-1 Boost
M35MT - Well that would be true if BMW has a significant downturn in sales this year. However it is unusual to see Lexus move this fast.


M35MTM35MT - 8/12/2008 5:00:24 PM
-1 Boost
I didnt say BMW did it because of a downturn in sales, I was responding to the fact that you said "moving quickly", and simply pointing out the fact that this is normal in year 4 of a generation.


lewishamiltonpimplewishamiltonpimp - 8/12/2008 5:13:43 PM
-1 Boost
The three series was redeisgned for 2006. It is getting a mild refresh for 2009 models. That is hardly 'fast'. Three years is normal for BMW. The refresh is just that. It is not a redesign.


bobs4statebobs4state - 8/12/2008 9:11:48 PM
+1 Boost
Why is it being assumed that Lexus is "moving fast?" They have always tweaked their models mid-life. Haven't they? I know they did with the first IS, but most of those tweaks were cosmetic. Last year, they tweaked the GS. My guess is that this is part of their normal product lifecycle.


M35MTM35MT - 8/13/2008 10:24:01 AM
+1 Boost
More evidence that autospies readers arent interested in facts! I post a REAL LINK to information concerning the thread - and get deboosted!


EL34EL34 - 8/12/2008 4:37:41 PM
0 Boost
"Rumour Mill: Is Lexus Planning An Early Refresh For The IS Series?"


I would say yes, doesn't Toyota normally redesign their cars every 6 months :-?


_43LE_43LE - 8/12/2008 6:12:57 PM
0 Boost
You must be mistaking "redesign" for "launching" next generation vehicles. They do have many next generation launches. No worries, we did not expect you to understand it anyways.


StarStar - 8/12/2008 4:49:08 PM
0 Boost
The IS looks so dated. It really needs that refresh.


M35MTM35MT - 8/12/2008 5:01:55 PM
+2 Boost
Based on the fact that most competitors handle better and have more options (manual trannies + awd) the one thing this car has going for it is its style.


audirevolutionaudirevolution - 8/12/2008 5:02:19 PM
+5 Boost
Well, considering all the new competition (A4, C-Klasse, G37, and the facelifted leader in sales 3), the refresh was inevitable.


bobs4statebobs4state - 8/12/2008 9:12:52 PM
+2 Boost
Exactly right!


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/12/2008 6:05:01 PM
0 Boost
isn't a refresh overdue already? it came out before the current 3-series and the bmw has already been refreshed.

they've got to do something to prop up collapsing sales!


_43LE_43LE - 8/12/2008 6:13:32 PM
+3 Boost
If I'm not mistaken, they were both released for the 2006 model year?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/12/2008 7:53:08 PM
-2 Boost
2006 model year, yes. but the IS was in market months before the 3-series.


EL34EL34 - 8/12/2008 9:25:07 PM
0 Boost
It just goes to show Lexus is copying BMW yet again!


_43LE_43LE - 8/12/2008 10:50:11 PM
+2 Boost
EL34, explain your comment with logic please?


0to600to60 - 8/12/2008 6:37:41 PM
+3 Boost
Now I only wish they would rush a redesign for the ES, GS, and SC. That should be a higher priority.


audirevolutionaudirevolution - 8/12/2008 6:56:15 PM
0 Boost
Same here. However, the new ES will not come out until the new Camry does (around 2012).
The SC will be discontinued.
The GS recently got a mild facelift.


TehShibbsTehShibbs - 8/12/2008 7:09:31 PM
+3 Boost
I hope not.... FIX THE SC FIRST!!!!!!!

That thing is so ugly, I hate looking at them day in and day out. Its dating the entire lineup in my opinion.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 8/12/2008 7:14:30 PM
0 Boost
The SC is gone...


EL34EL34 - 8/12/2008 9:24:04 PM
-4 Boost
"Rumour Mill: Is Lexus Planning An Early Refresh For The IS Series?"

I have heard from my inside tract Lexus is planning a tire package with 26 inch rims.

:-/


_43LE_43LE - 8/12/2008 10:54:59 PM
+2 Boost
That's interesting because my inside tract told me that BMW was planning a tire package with the exact same size!


EL34EL34 - 8/12/2008 11:51:10 PM
+2 Boost
That's terrific!


Agent009Agent009 - 8/13/2008 8:28:53 AM
0 Boost
Ahhh! But will they have spinners on those 26 inch rims? Now that is the real question.


JudasLeaseJudasLease - 8/12/2008 9:59:37 PM
+1 Boost
Its not early, its the usual 3 year Lexus refresh.....sigh......


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/13/2008 10:22:04 AM
-1 Boost
yeah...a new IS250. that'll save the brand's massive sales declines over the past few months. riiigght.


Agent009Agent009 - 8/13/2008 8:29:44 AM
+2 Boost
The IS350 looks pretty great, but MT they lag in every area of performance in general in stock form.


222max222max - 8/13/2008 10:38:19 AM
+3 Boost
Man, show a little objectivity sometimes. We know you love Lexus, but be realistic about it.


blackbrblackbr - 8/13/2008 9:09:20 AM
+3 Boost
I like the Lexus IS series.

However, Lexus seats don't go low enough for me. I am a little over 6' 1" and with the seat all the way to the bottom, my head is just barely beneath the headliner of the car.

This is true of the ES, IS, and GS sedans.

So no Lexus for me. I have plenty of room in the new TSX though!


StarStar - 8/13/2008 11:35:38 AM
+4 Boost
Lexus and Acura cater mostly to women indeed.


WhelanWhelan - 8/13/2008 11:27:19 AM
+1 Boost
If this is true maybe there is some truth also to the Highlander post the other day in regards to it being tweaked.

The IS is Lexus' big seller, just as the Highlander was a HUGE seller for Toyota until the newer BIGGER Highlander debuted last year and has been slumpin since the beginning. Maybe some more efficiency, some tweaking of the FUGLY rearend where it says Highlander on the back like it was a HUMMER. A change to the taillights and a less 4 Runner-ish stance may do it some good.


StarStar - 8/13/2008 11:34:32 AM
+2 Boost
"The IS is Lexus' big seller"

Um...no. Lexus sells mostly SUVs. The IS is a poor seller.


WhelanWhelan - 8/13/2008 12:26:18 PM
+1 Boost
We're not talking SUVs though, they belong in a different category, hence they get their own magazines and such. The new IS sells well compared to the last IS300 and from at least my own perspective around my state I see more new IS cars than the GS and ES.


StarStar - 8/13/2008 12:49:42 PM
+1 Boost
If we are not including the SUVs Lexus is out of the game considering how poor the rest of the sales are. The new IS might sell better than the old one but that's hardly enough to call it a good seller. Without the SUV sales Lexus is in big, big trouble.


david999david999 - 8/13/2008 8:16:01 PM
+1 Boost

Lexus out of the game without SUVs?
You badge whores really need to get your heads out of your --s!
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