Update [June 8, 2020]: Lexus has moved the launch of the 2021 IS sedan from the original June 9 debut due to the current racial injustice protests happening in the United States. In a statement, Toyota's luxury arm said that it “respectfully postponed the world premiere of the new IS” and that a new launch date will be announced soon." We have updated the title of this article and other related information in the body below.
If you’re a Lexus fan, then you’re definitely familiar with the Lexus IS. It was without a doubt, one of the hottest sedans of its time back when it was initially released in 1998. This is despite Lexus being primarily known for luxury cars. It was also the time when the first-generation Lexus IS practically placed the Lexus brand within the radar of younger car enthusiasts.
The 2021 Lexus IS sedan was set to make its debut on June 9. However, due to the current racial injustice protests happening in the U.S., Lexus has decided to postpone the launch.
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The Japanese luxury automaker has released a teaser of the vehicle which gives us a glimpse of the upcoming IS sedan. Lexus teased us by revealing a shadowy picture of the upcoming car’s rear end, which quite frankly reminds us of what Acura did with the 2020 TLX.
The teaser photo for the IS shows highlights its new tail ight design
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What we can expect from the new Lexus IS sedan
As shown on the picture above, the new IS luxury compact sedan has been given a taillight that stretches across the car’s width. The distinctive tail light design looks sharp and futuristic at the same time. Apart from that however, there isn’t much that we can glean from the picture.
We’re guessing however, that the new IS might still use the Toyota New N Platform that the 2nd-generation XE20 IS used. Other sources however are saying that it will be switching over to the Toyota New Global Architecture-L platform. If the latter is indeed the case, then the said sedan might finally get out of what some are calling its “senioritis stage.”
The current IS is a fast and cool looking car, but it isn't as agile as the old Lexus IS 200
As for engines, we’re guessing that the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 might make a return for the base variant, as well as the non-turbo 2AR-FSE inline-4 for the hybrid version although there aren’t any news of that yet.
It has also been alleged by many car journos, as well as some long time Lexus fans that the IS might be getting the 3.5-liter V6 currently available on the IS 500 grand tourer. If that is the case, then the new IS will indeed become a legitimate threat towards the 2020 Acura TLX, the 2020 BMW 3-Series, and the Hyundai Genesis G70.
For news about this exciting new Lexus, stay tuned here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Lexus IS 2024
The Lexus IS, which stands for Intelligent Support according to the Lexus car brand, is a compact and premium executive sedan. Locally, it has three variants. The 300h Executive priced at Php 3,038,000, the 300h Premier priced at Php 3,398,000, and the top-spec 350 F Sport which can be had for 4,178,000.
Available engines for the Philippine-spec IS includes a 3.5-liter V6 for the F Sport, and a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid for the Premier and Executive trims. For the top-spec F Sport, its engine is capable of making up to 311 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It then uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to its rear. For the hybrid versions, its 2.5-liter and electric motor can produce a combined output of 220 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. It then uses a continously variable gearbox.
When it comes to size, the Lexus IS is 4,710mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,453mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,800mm, and a ground clearance of 140mm.
₱ 2,948,000 - ₱ 4,178,000
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