The Lexus IS started its life back in 1998, but after 12 years of existence the only thing this car is seeing is a small facelift for the 2011 model year. This may all change, however, because we are now hearing that this luxury sedan will be coming into its third generation in 2014.
To set up the stage a little, we’re going to talk a little about the Toyota FT-86, which we all know is the sports car developed in cooperation with Subaru that has been delayed quite a few times now. However, the FT-86 is not only about this sports coupe, or about the baby model rumored to be based on it. Rumors suggest that the next generation Lexus IS will also share the same platform with the FT-86 and that it will in fact be a four-door version of the future sports car. The design will also be inspired by the FT-86, but under the hood there will be a totally different engine.
Hit the jump to find out more details on the third generation Lexus IS.
Exterior and Interior
The 2014 Lexus IS will feature a totally new design language, inspired by the FT-86. However, do not expect to see the same sportiness or aggressiveness found in the Toyota sports model because the design will be adapted for a mid-class sedan. The interior will also offer all the technologies a driver could ask for in a $40k sedan.
The Engine
While the Toyota FT-86 will be powered by a 2.0-liter flat-4 Subaru sourced engine, the IS will be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and/or a 3.6-liter flat-6. The 2014 Lexus IS F will continue with a high-powered V-8 with an output of more than 400 HP. The IS-F will sprint from 0 to 60 mph sprint in about 4.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of about 170 mph.
The Competition
The future Lexus IS will take on models like the Acura TL, Infiniti G, and the BMW 3-Series that will all enter into their new generations by then. BMW usually puts petrol inline six-cylinder engines under the 3-Series hood, but with the next generation they have promised a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That will give the next IS a lot to think about.
The next Infiniti G on the other hand is rumored to be offered with a 3.5-liter hybrid combination engine taken from the M35 that produces an output of around 360 HP, and that is also a plus over the Lexus model. However, in the end, it’s what the company is offering for the money that will sell cars.
When Can I Buy One?
The new generation Lexus IS will make its debut in 2013, with sales beginning in 2014. Prices will be in the $40k area and, as usual, the sedan will be followed by a coupe and a convertible model.