LOS ANGELES — Lexus is considering a range of variants for the redesigned Lexus IS 250 and IS 350, including a coupe, convertible and hybrid, as well as an IS 460 powered by a V8.
Lexus wants to expand the IS lineup in order to compete with the BMW 3 Series. The redesigned 2006 IS sedans go on sale in October.
Lexus is evaluating a rag top similar to the 3 Series convertible, as well as a retractable hardtop. The IS platform is shared with the Lexus GS sedans, making a hybrid variant possible. The GS 450h hybrid will debut next spring, powered by a V6 engine and two electric motors.
Sources tell Inside Line the convertible and coupe will be introduced first. A performance version is being considered but is not firm and wouldn't arrive until late in the decade as the vehicle nears the end of its life cycle as a way to boost sales in an aging model.
The rumored high-performance IS 460 is a possibility because the IS engine bay is big enough to accommodate a V8. But Lexus engineers are grappling with the front-rear weight bias of a V8, which is critical to the handling of a sport sedan.
What this means to you: More choices in the IS lineup, as Lexus prepares to do serious battle with BMW.
Lexus wants to expand the IS lineup in order to compete with the BMW 3 Series. The redesigned 2006 IS sedans go on sale in October.
Lexus is evaluating a rag top similar to the 3 Series convertible, as well as a retractable hardtop. The IS platform is shared with the Lexus GS sedans, making a hybrid variant possible. The GS 450h hybrid will debut next spring, powered by a V6 engine and two electric motors.
Sources tell Inside Line the convertible and coupe will be introduced first. A performance version is being considered but is not firm and wouldn't arrive until late in the decade as the vehicle nears the end of its life cycle as a way to boost sales in an aging model.
The rumored high-performance IS 460 is a possibility because the IS engine bay is big enough to accommodate a V8. But Lexus engineers are grappling with the front-rear weight bias of a V8, which is critical to the handling of a sport sedan.
What this means to you: More choices in the IS lineup, as Lexus prepares to do serious battle with BMW.
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