Posted on Wednesday 7 May 2008
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.
Pretty cool… nice work on this info.
Garbage bag and duct tape camo - I don’t think I’ve seen that approach before.
Anybody notice the paint job underneath that camo? whats up with that?
Plus the rollcage, but apparently normal brakes…etc.
Hmmm? what up lexus?
Bonnet pins, and pins on the trunk too………CF hood/trunk?
the hell are they hiding? that looks precisely like the current IS, no change at all
the nose is swoopier.
think the ISF and thats pretty much what we are gonna get !