2012 Ford Focus Electric: Overly Timid Or...

Spy Shots: 2009 Lexus IS facelift - Update

 
7 3,606 views May 7, 2008
Follow Viknesh

lexus is spy motorauthority 001

Spy Shots: 2009 Lexus IS facelift - Update

Spy Shots: 2009 Lexus IS facelift - Update

Enlarge Photo
Updated: The new prototype is actually an IS-based race car and not the suspected facelifted model.

Original: A mysterious Lexus IS with heavy camouflage has been spotted running laps at the Nurburgring and is believed to be a facelifted version of the car due towards the end of the year. The new prototype is based on the performance IS-F performance with telltale signs such as the bonnet bulge and aggressive front bumper giving away its identity. However, the test-mule also sports a few unique features of its own, leading us to believe it also previews a facelift for the mid-sized sedan.

At the rear, the new prototype is fitted with an exhaust system that looks like the unit from the more regular V6 models and not the stacked quad pipes of the IS-F. Renderings of a facelifted IS, which appeared recently in Japanese magazines, show a car with clear lens taillights and slightly revised headlights.

One of the key features hinting that this could be a new performance car is the addition of a full roll cage inside the cabin. Lexus is expected to introduce coupe and convertible versions of the IS along with the facelift, a similar strategy to BMW with its 3-series range.
Lexus IS facelift

HI-RES GALLERY: lexus is spy motorauthority 001




Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (7)

  1. By bc Posted: 5/7/2008 1:24pm PDT

    Pretty cool... nice work on this info.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By Scott Posted: 5/7/2008 1:54pm PDT

    Garbage bag and duct tape camo - I don't think I've seen that approach before.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. By Dre Posted: 5/7/2008 2:17pm PDT

    Anybody notice the paint job underneath that camo? whats up with that?

    Plus the rollcage, but apparently normal brakes...etc.

    Hmmm? what up lexus?
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. By Dre Posted: 5/7/2008 2:19pm PDT

    Bonnet pins, and pins on the trunk too.........CF hood/trunk?
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  5. By james Posted: 5/7/2008 4:44pm PDT

    the hell are they hiding? that looks precisely like the current IS, no change at all
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  6. By Wizards Lore Posted: 5/7/2008 10:38pm PDT

    the nose is swoopier.
    think the ISF and thats pretty much what we are gonna get !
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  7. By john Posted: 7/15/2008 6:46pm PDT

    yeah cool paint.. it goes white in the front to a darker blue in the back?? some sort of fade... strange, i hope that bulge means much more power!

    car looks lowered, mostl ikely improved suspension and handling to beat out its body roll
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.