New 2021 Lexus IS Sedan & V8 IS500

[vh_supra26]

[gymratter]

Updated with styling and technical revisions for the new model year, the 2021 Lexus IS was officially presented back in June.

It should have started arriving at dealers in Europe, but it hasn’t, and it won’t, as CarScoops has learned that the Japanese brand’s rival to the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Jaguar XE and Mercedes-Benz C-Class won’t be sold in Western Europe.

The information has been confirmed by a Lexus spokesperson, who told us the following: “The new IS will not come to Western Europe (including the UK)”.

The representative did not go into specifics, but the decision is likely related to the poor sales figures of the sports sedan, as only 3,282 cars were sold in the Old Continent last year, a significant drop over the 5,413 in 2018 and 5,649 the year before, according to CarSalesBase. By comparison, Lexus shifted 14,920 examples in 2019, 22,927 in 2018 and 26,482 in 2017 in the United States.

While those living in Western Europe won’t be able to buy the facelifted IS, the model is getting ready to arrive at U.S. showrooms.

Pricing starts at $39,000 for the base IS 300, which features a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four and benefits from standard LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming mirrors, rearview camera, keyless entry&go, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone A/C, 8-inch infotainment system with smartphone integration, Pioneer audio, etc.

The IS 300 AWD starts at $41,000, with the 3.5-liter V6 making 260 HP and a six-speed automatic transmission channeling the power to the two axles.

Completing the range is the IS 350 F Sport, with a 311 HP 3.5-liter V6, sportier styling and extra gear, from $42,900 with RWD and $44,900 with AWD.

https://www.carscoops.com/2020/10/of...estern-europe/

[vh_supra26]

[Atmo]

Contrarian view coming.

Comparably equipped, a 2021 Camry TRD for >$15K less will return 90% of the thrills and oil changes from the Toyota dealership around the corner won't cost $250 compared to the Lexus dealership 50 miles away.

The '21 Camry TRD finally comes standard with BSM/RCTA, mirror heaters, available upgraded JBL multimedia system, bespoke suspension, wheels, exhaust, brakes, and summer tires, the same v. 2.5+ safety suite, is lighter and gets 2 mpg combined better on regular gas (premium on the IS) using mostly the same engine and transmission in F/F packaging. The Canadian version gets heated seats and dual zone auto a/c vs. single zone in US spec.

Plus the front angle is similar with all the vents.

Matt bitched about the forced up shifts but I've read that gear hold is available in Sport+ mode if the button is held down for 3 seconds.

Anyway, I'm not as impressed with the makeover as much as hoped, though the F/R balance with available Torsen is nice. $15K nicer than a limited edition 2021 Camry TRD? Hmm...

[gymratter]

[HachiRokuX]

I test drove the last gen model IS and take back anything good I said about this car.

First off, who cares about handling when it feels like you’re driving a boat? Engine and sound were completely unremarkable—it’s basically equal to a RWD J35 accord or V6 camry motor. Similar 0-60 times as well..

Seat coolers were weak. AC wasn’t that strong. Great stereo but overrated compared to what reviews say. Tight rear seats that I didn’t even try to get into (almost felt like a coupe inside).


Sure it’s quiet and refined if that’s your thing..I just felt..nothing personally while driving it. Luxury features do nothing for me and I don’t care about impressing people with an “L” badge.

Put the TTV6 from the LS in or the (possibly rumored?) V8 from the RC/GS line and this car will be interesting again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vh_supra26]

https://www.modellista.co.jp/en/product/is/

[gymratter]

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2021/02/...el-on-the-way/

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by gymratter

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2021/02/...el-on-the-way/

Noice.
If it this for the rumored IS500 then im all for it sometime down the line.
And im down for anything that uses that glorious 2UR-GSE Lexus V8.

[WolfpackS2k]

You're in luck. The IS is getting the 5.0 V8 afterall.

[HKz]

pretty confusing move to designate this as a "F Sport" model if it is an IS 500 but whatever, I get that they didn't want a full fledged F model and that the current IS 350 comes only with the F Sport trim..just seems a bit weird when F Sport has only meant styling + handling up to now. other rumor is that this is the F Sport trim for the LC 500 since the supposed LC F is cancelled despite having developed its trim pieces which could now be utilized for a F Sport...UX/ES/NX/RX having F Sport trims while the LC doesn't is kinda funny

[PulsarBeeerz]

Well the ol' V8 probably would be way easier to use and package than the twin turbo V6 from the LS500. But the 2022 BRZ was turbo for the longest time too so who know until they put out official news..

[JustJoe]

F-Sport.

"F" is for Faux?

[Sasquachulator]

someone on that lexus forum said that something will be revealed on monday.

fingers crossed.

F vs Fsport....int he smaller cars i think the hp numbers is competitive. But does lexus want to do the full on F treatment for the IS or just give it an engine above the 350? They're in a wierd spot since they needed something in the 350+ hp range (since they top off at 311) to compete with the higher end trims (before the performance trims), and the V8 is rated at 475ish hp. I think thats enough but they're at a torque disadvantage due to the N/A setup.

In the LC and LS, 475hp is not enough to be a "F" car. they need close to 600 now to compete using that moniker. That's where the rumored 4.0L TT V8 comes in (which apparently was in development, then died due to covid and fuel economy regulations, and ressurected somewhat recently)