Lexus IS: Facelift & Drop Top

By Jay Williams - 5/September/2008

Tokyo, Japan — Check this out for all you Lexus fans, it's our first sneak peek at the latest Lexus IS with it's minor facelift. 

These new photos have emerged after Japanese automaker Lexus decided to avoid the usual method of press releases on officially sanctioned media websites, and posted the official photos on a number of its websites.

Updated: New photos.

The new 2009 Lexus IS has only had a few small changes which may have some current owners wondering "Why should I bother?".

There's a sleeker, more aggressive front bar, and the new lines of the car bring it slightly closer to the evolving Euro style used by Germany's prestige brands, which hints at an all-new model in a few years time.

The new mirrors seem to have been updated with the addition of indicators, however the rear tail lights remain the same, reminiscent of the Aurion which keep its links firmly with Toyota's design DNA.

You can also see the new look alloy wheels in 17- and 18-inch diametres that will be offered. 

New exterior colors will also be delivered by the Asian luxury car maker, and other features will be updated, like new interior fittings and maybe even a reprogrammed version of the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system to give drivers more freedom.

The Motoring Channel expects that there will also be a couple of new technological features, but these are just rumours at the moment and we'll have to wait for the official launch to get the skinny.

Sources are confirming that along with the facelifted IS sedan models, Lexus is about to unveil the highly anticipated IS Coupe-Convertible model at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

While it could be launched in the form of a concept car so as to attract more attention with 20-inch wheels and LED strobe lights, the final production version will be almost identical to the concept, minus the jewelry.

It's not yet clear what engines will accompany the new Lexus IS drop top, but it's a fair bet that the 2.5-litre V6 will be there.

The big bang 5.0-litre V8 from the IS-F (a BMW M3 and Audi RS4 rival) is also a possibility for the drop top, and would give the IS range it's most exclusive model yet.

Lexus will start building the IS Coupe-Convertible model from mid 2009, and it will command a fair bit more than the standard IS price. 

Look out all you BMW's 3 Series convertibles because the new IS drop top will be biting at your heels!

Related Links:
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- Lexus LX 570 (2008)
- Lexus IS-F Sports Car (2008)
- Lexus GS450h (Road Test)
- Lexus IS250 (Road Test)
- Lexus LS460 (2007)
- Lexus LS 600h L (2007)
- Lexus GS430 (Road Test)
- Lexus LF-Sh (concept)