2021 Lexus IS debut postponed to June 15.
Lexus had planned to unveil its new-generation IS sedan on June 9, but has pushed it back to June 15.
The new sedan will arrive in dealerships later this year as a 2021 model, but that's all Lexus wants to confirm now. However, a new teaser video suggests more expressive styling, including a new take on the taillight graphics.
Motor Trend reported in May that the redesigned IS is based on an updated version of the rear-wheel drive platform found in the current IS, which was introduced for the 2014 model year.
Known as the New N, this platform debuted on the current IS and has reportedly been thoroughly updated for the new IS. according to Motor Trend, the platform has received various structural and suspension upgrades to improve driving characteristics. upgrades to improve driving characteristics.
Most of the development reportedly took place at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, which has a series of tracks, including one designed to simulate driving on the Nürburgring.
The exterior and cabin will likely feature a new design. The exterior will be influenced by the LS, while the interior should have a more luxurious look and feel to fill the GS hole that the IS will soon be phasing out.
According to Motor Trend, the current engines will be retained, with the base IS 200t getting a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, the mid-range IS 300 getting a 260-hp 3.5-liter V-6, and the range-topping IS 350 getting a 311-hp 3.5 liter V-6 with 311 horsepower.
Unfortunately, there are still no plans to bring back the high-performance IS F model. All is not lost, however, and Motor Trend reports that Lexus is considering filling the void with the IS 500, a twin-turbocharged 416-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 found in the LS 500. A hybrid option is also likely at some point.