Lexus Hints At IS Coupe

With Lexus now offering a Convertible version of its IS, the question remains: is a sporty IS Coupe ever going to be launched? Considering that an IS Coupe would likely share much in common with the IS Convertible, including most of the engineering work, chassis modifications, body work, and interior fittings, it simply makes sense for Lexus to launch such a car.

The guys at Jalopnik have posed the question to Lexus general manager Mark Templin. The response they received from Templin was that while there is no confirmation of an IS Coupe, “it's certainly something we [Lexus] should study carefully."

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theoptimisticpessimist - 6/11/2009 12:45:42 PM

+5 Boost

Whats the point, the cars is half way through its model cycle. I don't understand way it takes Lexus 4-5 years to bring out a convert and coupe when Audi, BMW and M/B can do it in a year or less.

jeeka715 - 6/11/2009 2:05:35 PM

+2 Boost

I agree. I think that Lexus plays it safe and dips their toes in the water to see if the sedan is ok, then the IS-F, then the Convertible, and then a Coupe....I don't know more than any of you guys out there, but I sense that thay they weren't really intending to build the IS-F, Convertible and maybe a coupe staright from the start, hence the peculiar hood bump on the IS-F (I love the IS-F if that matters).

I also thought the same way when all those rumors about the GS-F were around, I thought that it would be for the next iteration of the GS all along, and not the current (almost end of life current) GS that everyone was Photoshopping.

I think that the Merc and BMW design process seems to integrate these variations of the model right from the concept phase, at least that is what I can see.

pennfootball - 6/11/2009 2:09:32 PM

0 Boost

Lexus designed the convertible top in house and had to re-engineer the entire car because they did not develop the car to be a convertible in the first place. This took time because the original IS and GS sedans were built in conjunction on the same platform as a sedan only. Also Toyota is Uber conservative and has issues with change because Obama has not baught that compay yet with US tax payer money! Therefore it takes time to make these Japanese cars that are not all that good at going round corners!

I don't know what the point would be for a coupe? A feasibility study? Another Halo Car? Who knows, who cares. If you want a good car buya Porsche Cayman S with limited slip and save your money on the flappy paddle gearbox. Financing rates are still low and if you can afford a Lexus you can afford a Porsche!

Joe_Limon - 6/11/2009 2:35:57 PM

+1 Boost

What if you don't want to be ripped off into buying a car that looks like Kermit, and is overpriced on average by about $15,000? (assuming $5000 profits per vehicle is acceptable)

_43LE - 6/11/2009 2:58:49 PM

+1 Boost

Joe, I see we have a newbie here.

sector - 6/11/2009 5:51:19 PM

+3 Boost

"we should study carefully"

what's there to study? does he not realize many people prefer coupes over sedans? what an idiot!

EL34 - 6/11/2009 6:50:48 PM

+1 Boost

ToyLex should just forget about it.

dayday - 6/12/2009 4:20:28 AM

+3 Boost

i think its too late for this model cycle. bring the sedan, coupe, convertible all at once for the next generation.