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.
Reader Comments
Wed May 7 2008 1:24 PM
bc says
Pretty cool... nice work on this info.
Wed May 7 2008 1:54 PM
Scott says
Garbage bag and duct tape camo - I don't think I've seen that approach before.
Wed May 7 2008 2:17 PM
Dre says
Anybody notice the paint job underneath that camo? whats up with that?
Plus the rollcage, but apparently normal brakes...etc.
Hmmm? what up lexus?
Wed May 7 2008 2:19 PM
Dre says
Bonnet pins, and pins on the trunk too.........CF hood/trunk?
Wed May 7 2008 4:44 PM
james says
the hell are they hiding? that looks precisely like the current IS, no change at all
Wed May 7 2008 10:38 PM
Wizards Lore says
the nose is swoopier.
think the ISF and thats pretty much what we are gonna get !
Tue Jul 15 2008 6:46 PM
john says
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
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