DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Look Out BMW And Audi - 2014 Lexus IS Leak Becomes A Flood And YOU Are The Target!

DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Look Out BMW And Audi - 2014 Lexus IS Leak Becomes A Flood And YOU Are The Target!
The all-new Lexus IS compact sport sedan will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 15, 2013. A press conference will be held in the Cobo Center at 9:30 a.m. EST, and live webcast streaming of the event will be available at http://www.lexus.com and on the Lexus Facebook page.

The all-new IS model range will include IS 250, IS 350, and the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, the IS 300h, which will be available in Europe, Japan and other international markets. F SPORT models will be available across the full range. Today Lexus released photos of the all new IS 350 F SPORT in advance of next week's World Premiere.

Exterior Design
The all-new IS features the new Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.
The tight, sporting proportions of the body are formed by powerful character lines generated by the shape of the spindle grille which passes through the base of the A-pillars then tightens up as it flows toward the rear. They clearly delineate the body from the cabin, emphasizing the wide flare of the wheel arches to give the new IS a broad, powerful stance.

Detroit Auto Show Preview Photo Gallery



In profile, the strong horizontal beltline shows off the large rear tires and its low center of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself is concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tires to enhance the perception of traction.



A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and into the rear lamp clusters adds the sweeping elegance to the sedan's sporty profile.
The exterior design incorporates a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus trademark, L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.



2014 LEXUS IS SEDAN DESIGN
F SPORT models are instantly recognized by an exclusive grille and front bumper design. The 'waistline' of the grille is higher than on standard models, increasing the area of the lower grille to make it capable of drawing in a larger volume of cooling air appropriate to sporty performance.

Interior Design
The new IS interior design creates a focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within which the driver can fully exploit the new Lexus compact sedan's superb driving dynamics.



The new IS' increased width and longer wheelbase provide significantly improved rear seat comfort. The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates best-in-class knee room and improved accessibility. And new, 60:40 split/folding rear seats, provide expansive luggage capacity.



Cabin material, trim and finish refinement is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analog clock with surface-emitting illumination. The center console incorporates Lexus-first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.



Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position. F SPORT models feature the LFA's innovative driver's meter with a moving center ring.



F SPORT trim detailing includes a perforated leather finish to the steering wheel and shift knob, metal film 3-D-effect ornamentation, black seat stitching, and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

A choice of three F SPORT interior color schemes includes a new Rioja Red finish which is exclusive to the marque.

Detroit Auto Show Preview Photo Gallery










































Detroit Auto Show Preview Photo Gallery



HughJassHughJass - 1/9/2013 4:23:41 PM
0 Boost
Not bad, makes me think its a coupe at first glance. Not as boring as the first IS.

Although they're not as nice as BMW's halos, atlast Lexus tried to differentiate its LEDs instead of the normal cheap looking LED stripe or some messed up Audi design.


reaganeatbrainsreaganeatbrains - 1/9/2013 9:03:58 PM
+1 Boost
the first IS is the only one i've liked.

it was as small, and almost as simply-styled as a fwd car, but with a rwd platform.

this is one of the silliest designs i've seen in a while. the grille is a disaster.

i'm sure its a quality vehicle, but the styling has steadily declined with each generation.

the rear is decent. the side profile is decent. but the front is just bad.

mercedes can mail-it-in with the next generation c-class, and EASILY have best-in-class styling. EASILY.


dlindlin - 1/10/2013 2:05:44 AM
+1 Boost
Not really, I much prefer current IS. LFA very original, resolved and LF-C concept is astonishing, but this one is kind of awful.... Front looks like nothing to do with the back. Grille is aggressive and powerful, but headlight is on the small side with girly shape. Too much going on in the front, but the side looks like forgotten. And MG that Acura rear is simply the worst, with a bottom piece that looks like running out of paint..... C'mon, at least give it some texture!

This leaves me no choice but to choose from the conservative BMW or INFINITI. As a designer I'd rather go with something boring than wrong.


JUGNUJUGNU - 1/9/2013 5:15:22 PM
+2 Boost
Very youthful and athletic design. May not appeal to a huge audience like 3 series or C class but Lexus deserves credit for making the most sporty and aggressive looking car in it's class. Love the unique rear end styling and interior.


NostradamusNostradamus - 1/9/2013 7:15:23 PM
+2 Boost
Agreed... At least it's 'interesting' which is far more than can be said for the 3-Series (which looks like nothing more than the old one with eye buggers and a 5-Series rear), the A4 (which pretty much looks like every Audi sedan for the past 12 years save the reshaped X-Mas lights on the front), or the C-Class (which just looks too cheap and too insignificant for a 'luxury' vehicle).

Not really into Lexus vehicles, but if this drives as well as the (absolutely hideous but well-performing) GS, it'll likely prove pretty competitive.


reaganeatbrainsreaganeatbrains - 1/9/2013 9:07:34 PM
0 Boost
i think the c-class has the best styling in this segment, even being behind a generation (with the new generation due soon).

and thats from someone who loves fresh new designs (hence frequenting autospies).


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/9/2013 5:26:05 PM
0 Boost
BMW has nothing to worry about. The Lexus will have carryover engines from the last generation. So not only will the new IS be ugly. It's predestined to have the worst performance among its competitors. Lexus under delivering as usual. Nothing new here. Lexus needs to step up their engine tech. Equipping brand new cars with 6 year old engines isn't the ticket.


BabyBaby - 1/10/2013 1:15:43 AM
+2 Boost
You are right Japan... Whether you like it or not this will be an ‘eye catching’ car. I bet we see the same turnout performance comparison with the 3 series and the IS and Lexus wining based on the same criteria dynamics the GS provided that beat the 5 series. Yes the looks are controversial for sure but it’s loud and unique with aggressiveness and their own style. I think this is sharp~


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/9/2013 5:42:38 PM
+9 Boost
Ok, now that I've seen more pics, this thing is just nasty. And not in a good way. I mean, come on, now. How desperate can Lexus be to try to add flair and interest to their designs? How many more swoops and angles and curves can someone add to a design before it's just a clusterf***. This is about as close as it gets. And there's such contradiction. The way overstyled front end, in conjunction with the overstyled side taillights, coupled with the completely plain and flat side panels and boring rear taillights.

And don't get me started on that blast-from-the-80's interior.

Give me a C350 anyday of the week over this.



chewychewy - 1/9/2013 5:54:52 PM
+1 Boost
I can only hope it looks more reasonable in real life. The GS gives me hope that in real life it might make more sense.


scenicbyway12scenicbyway12 - 1/9/2013 6:42:35 PM
+1 Boost
I keep looking at the dash and it kept reminding of another car, It's the FJ Cruiser.


gkearns56gkearns56 - 1/9/2013 7:24:28 PM
0 Boost
Outside ok. But I noticed the interior seemed to look like it had MORE plastic and no ergonomic flow to the interior; just buttons and stuff stuck everywhere. No wonder the BMW, Audi's, Benz just CRUSH these wanabees with their interior designs.


SteveSteve - 1/9/2013 5:58:04 PM
+4 Boost
Yuck, in a huge way. That front end is hideous, and the rear, not much better. And that dash? If someone told me GM had purchased Lexus and this is their first new design, I'd believe it. Meh! Perhaps Lexus is targeting a younger crowd, like Trust-Fund Muppets :-/

I don't believe BMW or Audi will be threatened by this, although they may get sore stomachs from laughing so hard.


BabyBaby - 1/10/2013 1:35:36 AM
-4 Boost
So your a dick??? Is that what you are trying to say? Yeah pretty much so...
Limited thinking and narrow minded.


atc98092atc98092 - 1/9/2013 6:26:11 PM
-1 Boost
Everyone hated the analog clock in the dash of the Passat, and now Lexus has done the same thing. Will the same people slam Lexus now?


lexworldlexworld - 1/9/2013 6:35:12 PM
+2 Boost
...Wow! Striking! That front spindle grille is WICKED!! The rear is also too Hot to trot! With that Lexus refined look and best of the best quality, this car will be a sure winner when you see it in real life!




scenicbyway12scenicbyway12 - 1/9/2013 6:48:08 PM
+1 Boost
Take away the Cylon inspired grill and you got pretty much the same car on the outside. The dash just looks cheap. When is God awful LED light trim fad going to be over?


reaganeatbrainsreaganeatbrains - 1/9/2013 9:13:38 PM
+2 Boost
LEDs are here for a while. For starters, they operate on the lowest wattage of any lighting technology commercially available, as well as having a lifespan MANY times longer than traditional filament or fluorescent technologies.

i highly recommend getting used to them. they will be EVERYWHERE!


iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 1/9/2013 6:57:01 PM
+6 Boost
its kinda nice, but kinda has a lot going on.
VERY BUSY for my taste ... but in this class, young fresh ideas might sell well.


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 1/9/2013 7:25:48 PM
-1 Boost
Time for Lexus to hire an Italian designer...someone from Alfa Romeo and give them complete control over designs. This design will not age well, just too quirky. A real opportunity missed. BMW has gone too conservative with 3 series (so 4 series looks better ), I cannot tell the new one from the old one except for the front lights. Next M-B C series could actually steal the style award in class. Koreans are making inroads due to designs (European designers) and improved quality. Will not be long before they aim at this segment with a performance model.


StewieStewie - 1/9/2013 8:48:59 PM
+2 Boost
This is going to have to grow on me but the design is striking, bold and different. Looks like Lexus is beginning to ditch their vanilla/ warm bucket of wallpaper paste persona. I can't wait to see the IS-F! My bets are that they are going to keep that V8


Designer1Designer1 - 1/9/2013 9:48:33 PM
+2 Boost
I don't like it. I think the new Infiniti G37 (Q50) will look better.


LexusLexus - 1/10/2013 1:00:25 AM
+2 Boost
Same here I like the new Infiniti G37 (Q50) better as well. And I'm getting the Infiniti either the sedan or coupe this time : ) I can't wait. The new G37 (Q50) Headlights look ultra sick and love the exhaust note as well.


EnvyofyouRS5EnvyofyouRS5 - 1/10/2013 2:39:06 AM
+1 Boost
how do you say, piece of junk


M35MTM35MT - 1/10/2013 1:20:18 PM
+2 Boost
The current gen IS is one of those cars that can't really be improved on. Yes, it will age over time and need replacement but it was so well executed the first time around it's tough to improve it without just "changing" it.

I think Audi suffers from this syndrome to some degree, while they DO manged to improve their designs, it comes from subtle tweaks to the existing design, nothing ground breaking.

Mercedes had this problem big time about 10 years ago, when the twin elipsis headlights graced most of their cars and they were drop-dead gorgeous. They had to start from scratch with their new designs and I still think that the past 2 SL's don't come anywhere close to the beauty of the one before it (sorry I dont know the model codenames but I think everyone knows what I'm referring to).


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 1/11/2013 10:50:08 AM
0 Boost
Sure winner... Let the public decide.....


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