Saving Money? Redesigned 2021 Lexus IS To Be Based On A 6 Year Old Platform

The current Lexus IS has been on sale since the 2014 model year and is due to be renewed shortly.

Motor Trend reported on Monday that a redesigned IS is coming for the 2021 and that the car will be based on an updated version of the current generation's rear-wheel-drive platform instead of being a true redesign.

The platform, known as New N, made its debut in the current IS and will reportedly be given a thorough update for the new IS. According to Motor Trend, the platform is set to receive various structural and suspension upgrades to enhance its driving characteristics—including a wider rear track.

MDarringer - 5/12/2020 11:40:38 AM

+4 Boost

What's the point? The sales of the IS are terrible. They need to kill it too. The IS and the GS need to be replaced by a slinky EV coupesedan with a base price of $50K.

MBKing - 5/12/2020 12:51:57 PM

+3 Boost

I honestly forgot about the IS! It feels like it hasn't actually changed since 2005.

cidflekken - 5/12/2020 2:02:21 PM

+3 Boost

It was selling pretty well up until a few years ago. It seems like the ES is already covering the ground that the IS occupies and the GS is vacating. At the same time, if Lexus wants to maintain a specific image, they need a RWD sedan in the lineup to lure buyers away from Benz/BMW.

Basing it on an old platform is not a big deal. They could have easily just redesigned it and claimed it was on a brand new platform and who would know better outside of Lexus engineers?

MDarringer - 5/12/2020 3:35:32 PM

0 Boost

RWD/sedan is a passe thing outside of 3/C/Charger.

Lexus needs EVs NOW to remain relevant and they are losing ground FAST.

dlin - 5/13/2020 12:00:18 AM

+2 Boost

Lexus should have an RWD Gran-Coupe blending IS and GS in both size and pricing

valhallakey - 5/13/2020 12:35:30 AM

+2 Boost

Good idea, I think they should do an RWD/AWD EV though along with the idea of a Gran-Coupe IS/GS blend.

bw5011 - 5/13/2020 11:30:45 AM

+1 Boost

I think they should keep it the same. A boring car in a boring car lineup. They should just kill the brand or lower the prices to compete with Acura and Infiniti as that is there competition. Not many people at all will pay the same for a Lexus if its the same price of any German car. Lexus is for old folks that couldn't get the ultimate dochebag old person car, the S-Class