Having launched Lexus’ F brand of high-performance vehicles in 2007, the IS F is strangely absent from the current Lexus lineup, replaced by the RC F coupé. However, the big-power sedan could make a possible comeback in the future, according to a report by Japanese website Spyder 7.
The next IS F, due in 2022, will be part of the greater redesign of the IS, a new generation of which is apparently expected to debut in 2020 or 2021. Said to be based on a version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the standard IS will be offered in two variants, claimed the publication.
The first is a hybrid model that will utilise a 185 PS 2.5 litre Dynamic Force engine paired to an electric motor – a powertrain that is similar to the Camry Hybrid‘s. Spyder 7 also reported that a new 322 PS 2.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine will be offered as well, although we’d take that with a pinch of salt.
The IS F will sit at the top of this range, and is expected to ditch the old car’s 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated V8 – still used by the RC F, GS F and LC 500, mind – for the LS 500‘s 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6. So equipped, it is said to churn out a heady 422 PS, and will likely be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, all this hinges on whether Lexus will build a new IS in the first place. In a report by Automotive News, the premium brand is said to be taking a “strategic look” at both the IS and GS, amidst growing customer preference for crossovers and a shift towards electric vehicles. The GS has already been axed in the European market, its place in the executive sedan market being taken up by the new ES.
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even the base IS struggles to go head to head with its german competition….
Even more so in malaysia, where the entry level CBU IS now which is less equipped, almost 200kg heavier, lesser wheelbase , less powerful is almost 100k more than a CKD C300 amg….
if lexus insists that all lexus must be made in japan, then they must really improve in all other areas to justify its pricing…
So tired with questions …
The RWD Altezza was a favourite car of mine in the early naughties. The Altezza of course, became the basis for the first gen Lexus IS. And with Lexus concentrating on SUVs, looks like Lexus’ compact sports sedan will be over. Doubt they will replace the GS (assumption based on the fact they made a GS-F, but not IS-F for the current generation), cos it’s an even older model in the Lexus lineup, and a next gen GS may share platform with the gorgeous LS. What I do hope is for Lexus to combine the IS and GS, sort of like a model to slot in between a 3 and a 5 Series. Sort of like the Kia Stinger. It will be sporty-ish, but large enough inside to comfortably seat 5, though not as opulent as the LS. Anyways, glad to be proven wrong should Lexus decide to maintain both IS and GS. Cos that would be the best choice.
Lexus and Toyota are really leaders! They work hard to give people the best.
No such thing as bantuan kerajaan Jepun.
they need to consider a low displacement engine.
Annual sales volume not more than 1000 units, how to survive? Sales tell the truth, Lexus is not good enough like John Minum Teh 8X told us.