The current generation Lexus IS is only in the middle of its product life cycle, a lightly refreshed version having been introduced only a couple of months back, so it’s safe to say that the next-generation of the popular four-door is still some years away. According to a new report, the next generation Lexus IS will arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model and we can expect it to be sportier than ever.

That’s because the new car is expected to ride on a stretched version of the platform underpinning the upcoming rear-wheel drive ‘joint-sports coupe’ from Toyota and Subaru. The guys at Road & Track are reporting that Toyota engineers are working on a four-door version of the FT-86 and a more luxurious version of this car will be sold around the globe as the 2014 Lexus IS.

The Lexus will miss out on the turbocharged 2.0-liter ‘boxer’ engine destined for the Toyota and Subaru versions of the car. Instead, the new IS will reportedly feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-banger and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder mill, both engines based on Subaru’s horizontally-opposed boxer designs. The high-performance IS-F variant will retain a V-8 engine but could pick up an optional six-speed manual transmission.

With a sports car derived chassis, more powerful engines and potentially hybrid and wagon variants, the new 2014 Lexus IS will certainly give its German rivals a run for their money. We'll keep you posted on the latest as it breaks.

[Road & Track]