	Agent009 "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
	View My AgentSpace

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

Agent009 submitted on 08/12/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:53 PM
from: www.clublexus.com

[70] user comments | category: Misc News

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

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

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

STJ88 - 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.

reply to this comment

M35MT - 8/12/2008 4:27:39 PMView My AgentSpace

-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.

hao420 - 8/12/2008 4:39:10 PM

+1 Boost

And offer the coupe version too......

EnnNorak - 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.

ktu01 - 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.

AMiodynski - 8/14/2008 11:17:34 AM

+1 Boost

There will be a coupe and Hardtop covertable for the IS, but not till 2010....

HSCenterconsole - 8/12/2008 4:06:11 PM

+1 Boost

I would be curious to know IS-F sales figures.

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 8/12/2008 4:45:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It is a limited run of 2500. So don't expect big numbers.

M35MT - 8/12/2008 4:58:17 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Probably...2500?

EnnNorak - 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.

BMWsuk - 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.

reply to this comment

AgentOrange - 8/12/2008 4:16:53 PMView My AgentSpace

-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.

reply to this comment

bmwdrvr - 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

rumnyc - 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.

EnnNorak - 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.

EnnNorak - 8/12/2008 9:23:26 PM

-7 Boost

rumnyc, the 335 has useless rear legroom also. Buy a new Passat.

bmwdrvr - 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

NItePhire - 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.

reply to this comment

Janizary - 8/12/2008 4:51:21 PMView My AgentSpace

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.

GreenPlease - 8/12/2008 5:42:03 PM

-1 Boost

I'm not aware of who Toyota sources their transmissions from but the new ZF 8 speed actually uses fewer parts and is cheaper than the outgoing 6 speed. I agree, use the 8 speed: it will help performance and fuel economy.

Simple changes Lexus could make:

-Make the front seats thinner and lighter. This would help drop curb weight and increase rear passenger room. No reason for them to be as bulky as they are. Drop ~30lbs of weight.
-Use CRP for the hood. It would drop ~20lbs of weight.
-Drop the spare and opt for a tire repair kit. Drop ~40lbs of weight
-Use a Li-ion battery instead of the current lead acid. Drop ~40lbs of weight.
-Use the new ZF 8 speed. Save ~10lbs and pick up a performance and fuel economy increase.

That's a quick/cheap 140lbs, probably an 8% improvement in acceleration, 10% improvement in fuel economy, and an improvement in interior room. Not bad for a quick refresh.

P.S. Lexus, do something with the tail lights. They've always seemed awkward to me.

gooch - 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.

M35MT - 8/12/2008 4:26:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+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

reply to this comment

M35MT - 8/12/2008 4:44:31 PMView My AgentSpace

-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.

Agent009 - 8/12/2008 4:50:35 PMView My AgentSpace

-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.

M35MT - 8/12/2008 5:00:24 PMView My AgentSpace

-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.

lewishamiltonpimp - 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.

bobs4state - 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.

M35MT - 8/13/2008 10:24:01 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

More evidence that autospies readers arent interested in facts! I post a REAL LINK to information concerning the thread - and get deboosted!

EL34 - 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 :-?

reply to this comment

_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.

Star - 8/12/2008 4:49:08 PM

0 Boost

The IS looks so dated. It really needs that refresh.

reply to this comment

M35MT - 8/12/2008 5:01:55 PMView My AgentSpace

+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.

audirevolution - 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.

reply to this comment

adamsaf723 - 8/12/2008 5:57:01 PM

+3 Boost

This is old news.
Nothing new was revealed in this article.

reply to this comment

bobs4state - 8/12/2008 9:12:52 PM

+2 Boost

Exactly right!

enthusiastx11 - 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!

reply to this comment

_43LE - 8/12/2008 6:13:32 PM

+3 Boost

If I'm not mistaken, they were both released for the 2006 model year?

enthusiastx11 - 8/12/2008 7:53:08 PM

-2 Boost

2006 model year, yes. but the IS was in market months before the 3-series.

EL34 - 8/12/2008 9:25:07 PM

0 Boost

It just goes to show Lexus is copying BMW yet again!

_43LE - 8/12/2008 10:50:11 PM

+2 Boost

EL34, explain your comment with logic please?

0to60 - 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.

reply to this comment

audirevolution - 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.

TehShibbs - 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.

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 8/12/2008 7:14:30 PM

0 Boost

The SC is gone...

EL34 - 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.

:-/

reply to this comment

_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!

EL34 - 8/12/2008 11:51:10 PM

+2 Boost

That's terrific!

Agent009 - 8/13/2008 8:28:53 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Ahhh! But will they have spinners on those 26 inch rims? Now that is the real question.

JudasLease - 8/12/2008 9:59:37 PM

+1 Boost

Its not early, its the usual 3 year Lexus refresh.....sigh......

reply to this comment

huu76 - 8/13/2008 12:13:20 AM

-1 Boost

All they need is a better IS250, give it more power. Offer a manual but I doubt anyone would buy it.

The only body change will probably be the shape of the headlights, the LF-A's dragon design maybe?

3rd year is normal.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 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.

Mercedes - 8/13/2008 4:37:25 AM

+1 Boost

This site continues to stay true to form. The IS has been on market since the 2006 model year, of course for 2009 it is going to get some changes. That isn't early, its right on time, and it isn't going to stop Lexus' sales slide either. They need the coupe/convertible IS, new RX and the Prius-based hybrid. Then once all of those are launched they can get around to doctoring on the irrelevant ES, old GS and the-didn't-live-up-to-the-hype LS.

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 8/13/2008 8:29:44 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The IS350 looks pretty great, but MT they lag in every area of performance in general in stock form.

reply to this comment

222max - 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.

reply to this comment

blackbr - 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!

reply to this comment

Star - 8/13/2008 11:35:38 AM

+4 Boost

Lexus and Acura cater mostly to women indeed.

reply to this comment

Whelan - 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.

reply to this comment

Star - 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.

Whelan - 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.

reply to this comment

Star - 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.

david999 - 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!

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories

GM Says It Will Sacrific SAAB, Saturn, Hummer, And Hobble Pontiac For Federal Funds Nissan Sales Sour By 44.4% In November: Infiniti Drops 28.0% UPDATED: Audi Sales Ends The Free Ride By Skidding 25.4% In November DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Audi Flexes It's Muscle And Is Set To Debut V10 R8 Sports-Car Honda Civic sales down nearly 30%, Toyota Highlander sales up nearly 50%Chrysler Outpaces GM To The Bottom Of The Heap: November Sales Fall 47%Ford Asks Congress For $9 Billion In Stand By Credit But Has No Plans To Use It GM Sales Out Does Them All In A Bad Way: Sales Implode 41.3% In November 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V Reportedly Will Cost $160,000 but Not Get More hp Jaguar and Land Rover in Big Trouble as Tata on the Bubble Mercedes Benz Sales Crumble 38.2% In November Mazda Sales Tank 31.3% For November Hyundai Makes Everyone Else Look Good In November By Falling 40%Porsche and BMW to Halt Production Honda Sales Falter 30.6% In November: Acura Freefalls 38.9%The World Bids Farewell to the Yugo BMW Sales Plummet 36.1% Mini Sales Explode 43.1% In November GM Ceases All Corporate Jet Flights: To Sell Remaining Jets Toyota Sales Spiral In November Down 33.9%: Lexus Basement Bound Down 34.7%FOMOCO Sales Continue To Flatline: Down 30.6% In November Volkswagen Finally Fumbles In 2008: November Sales Drop 19.2%Japanese and South Korean Car Sales Plummet in November Comparison Test: 2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 The Big Three Bailout According to SNL Nissan 370Z goes from 0 to 60 in the same time as the BMW M3 Mulally chooses Escape Hybrid for D.C. road trip Fisker to unveil production Karma Hybrid in Detroit Toyota Halts Production And Cuts Management Bonuses To Maintain Positive Cashflow Chrysler says 2011 Charger and 300 will pass fuel-economy standards 2009 GMC Yukon XL Denali FORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?Industry Sales Likely To Be Down 28% In November GM May Fare Worse Lotus Evora order list includes 007 and Top Gear hosts Everyone Is On A Budget, But Are These 5 Your Choice To Keep Living Large?Could The Detroit Recovery Plan Really As Simple As Merging In To One?Fiat Abarth 500 receives Top Gear’s “Best Hot Hatch” award Detroit Tells UAW They Can No Longer Pay For Idled Workers To Play Checkers 2010 Porsche Panamera auto show debut delayed Swedish Government Confirms Discussions With Volvo and SAAB BMW not putting MINI E into mass-production Top Gear Car of the Year 2008 award goes to VW Scirocco New Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X FQ-400: Limited Edition with 405HP 2009 Nissan 370Z Driven in Japan 2010 Jaguar XF-R spotted nearly finished UAW wants limits on carmakers' executive pay Does It Hurt The BMW Brand Image When They Are Being Sold At Costco?2008 Essen Motor Show: Vw unveils Touareg North Sails Edition Carlsson releases limited edition automatic watch Video: 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio in action Porsche Museum to open its gates on 31 January 2009

More Recently Added News

Join AutoSpies

Photo Galleries

AutoSpies presents the best Auto Show Photos, Automotive Videos, Car Reviews and Hot Rides.

Latest Galleries

Cars

Auto Shows

More Galleries