Lexus IS facelift/hybrid spy photos
11 May, 2008
11 Comments 
Our European photographers took these photos of what appears to be a heavily disguised Lexus IS undergoing speed tests at the German Nürburgring.
Although similar in shape to the current model, there are hints of differentiation, the current IS series, which in Australia only includes the IS250, has been on the market since late 2005 and should be getting ready for a facelift.
Given the heavy disguise it’s hard to tell whether the headlight and taillamps have changed, but the bulge on the bonnet leads us to believe the actual prototype is a test mule for an IS variant featuring Lexus’ Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The BMW M3 and Audi RS4 competitor, the Lexus IS-F should be arriving soon. The IS-F will pack a 5.0-litre V8, good for around 300kW. It will put its power down through the rear wheels using an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Lexus will also bring the IS coupe/convertible to Australia later in the year.
Toyota’s luxury arm is also working on a smaller and cheaper Lexus model to compete in the bottom end of the luxury market (against the 1-series). However that won’t be here for a few more years.
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May 11th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Not much differences!
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May 11th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Most luxury cars don’t dynamically change in design for the life cycle of the vehicle (eg. Merc C-Class), as it ensures the resale value remains high.
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May 11th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
why are they testing it on the ring? is it a hybrid/performance car or somethin?
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May 11th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Well regardless of what it is, The Ring is always a good place to get an idea of where a car stands and what can be done to improve it’s capabilities.
In terms of the above IS however, if it is a hybrid, Lexus aim for “performance hybrid’s” and they hit the mark pretty well (GS450h put’s down the power of a V8 [think faster than GS430]).
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May 11th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I heard and then saw an Audi RS4 on the road the other day. Just beautiful. Aesthetically and audibly. If I was (or rather when I will be) in the market for a vehicle of this nature, I would be hard pressed to pass up the Audi and take the Toyota offering shown here…
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May 11th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
sorry, meant to say the ‘Lexus’ offering shown here… of course.
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May 12th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
And youve seen an IS? Sounds like something a child would say…’oh oh i saw this particular thing, i want it i want it1′. If you were in the market for these cars, youd know doubt have more intelligence, in which case youd test drive them all and realise the IS wins!
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May 12th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
They should get the IS350 here to compete with the turbo BMW.
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May 12th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
In your Toyotaphile opinion TP.
The only problem with Japanese cars is they do seems to upgrade all to frequently. Not much loyalty.
Those bumps, nothing to do with pedestrian safety stuff, bad example if it is.
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May 12th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Someone comparing the RS4 to the IS250?
Whats next?
FlyingHigh,
RS4’s are completely different level.
The IS250 is best value in comparison to its competiton which would be the A4 and sub 80K Mercs, BMs, and Audis… with much less power and performance.
Heck S series is in the 90K+ range… about 30K more than the IS250… I dont see the comparison at all…
If your buying a sub 65~70K luxury, IS250 is up there for value.
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May 13th, 2008 at 1:45 am
It’s an IS250 endurance racer, not a face lift or hybrid as this and many other web sites speculated.
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