Some info from Supercars.net: http://www.supercars.net/cars/4736.html

 

when i first saw the color + CF, first thing popped in my head was genesis coupe concept

 

meh

 

I can do w/out the wing and CF trunk. It looks awkward.

 

I hate un-painted CF body pieces. Looks so lame...

 

whats with the two flaps to even the hood out? see them?

right next to the grill.

 

Carbon fiber should have been painted.

 

meh.

 

But then onlookers wouldn't know that it's more expensive.

 

that wing is horrible.

 

Is it a hatchback...?

 

factory rice from a top tier brand. if it was more subtle or painted I wouldn't mind.

 

I've read about the minor changes coming to the 2011 IS but the newsletter from my Lexus dealer summarized it better than other blogs that I've read. Here it is.

Source: Lexus Of Orlando monthly newsletter.

Lexus Opt For Further Updates to 2011 IS Models

Having given their IS model a facelift as recently as 2009, it has come as quite a surprise to find that Lexus is planning a couple of improvements for the 2011 model year. Your used Lexus IS could be rendered outdated sooner than you had expected with this latest news, based on a recent company brochure.
The improvements that Lexus is likely to make are not incredibly substantial, but nonetheless will make a difference to the exterior aesthetics of the vehicles in the IS model range. The major change that will set the 2011 IS range apart from your used Lexus IS is the inclusion of LED daytime running lights incorporated into the headlights. The lights are in fact receiving something of an overhaul, with redesigned fog lights, bumper insets and new tail lights all looking set to feature.
There will be interior changes too, with Lexus adding a new steering wheel with new accents, a chrome strip above the glove box, a USB connector, and an aluminium trim. Perhaps the main reason for the tweaks is the decision to include engines that are 15% more fuel-efficient than current models, which will please all Lexus fans.

 

Honda does this too (like the 11 Accord) - somehow they "find" better fuel mileage without doing much (if anything) to the engine (probably just some ECU firmware upgrade). Why didn't they do that when the engine was launched or anytime before now? I'm thinking this is deliberate - they launch some new engine dumbed down with the knowledge that they'll up the numbers later.

 

Meh. I still prefer the original styling of my 06 IS350 to any of these "refreshes"....

 

Job security. Improves sales and keeps the customers thinking the car is fresh and newly tweaked.

 

They need to refresh the suspension tuning and give it more road feel.

 

C&D says the IS350 get AWD this year, and there's an optional sport package with new wheels and tighter suspension.

I'd like to see the LED headlights. I hope they haven't copied Audi too much.

 

add that IS-F blue into the lineup
the convertible doesn't count

 

but still in slushbox form?

 

hence why i have no desire to move from my 07, making it look to much like an IS-F.

Lexus had a sport package since the release of the car in 06, however since lexus has developed the F-sport parts..the sport edition will incorporated the F-sport parts like the current lineup has. i have the springs and sways and i'm about to change to their bilstien shocks, upgrading the suspension gave the car a much firmer ride and much better handling characteristics. a F-sport car with the chassis brace is pretty stiff.

btw the headlights has an LED strip across the bottom of the headlight....

unfortunately yes....

they are making the IS line look to much like an IS-F especially the front bumper to be honest....i would love the 350 motor but just not worth it for me to upgrade.

as a side note these are just my opinions and knowledge of the IS line.

 

i love the styling of the first generation of the 2IS, to be perfectly honest my next car could be the all new IS but i have to see what they do with it. i am getting the itch for the dark side though.....

my brother has an 03 330xi and i was pleasantly surprised how well it handled on stock tires and suspension. if i do go the BMW route in the next one or two years it might have to be a CPO. even though i have put parts and money into the car to make it firmer and more performance oriented, lets be honest the IS is not marketed for the hardcore sports car fans, they are meant to be plush with some go but still pretty capable.

 

I love my 06 IS350. Lexus nailed the exterior styling on that car regardless of its supposed handling shortcomings. I still say the 06-07 IS is the best LOOKING entry level luxury sedan today (well maybe just a tad less fresh than the new A/S4).....

 

I truly love the IS. I was going to get one instead of the Civic but I wasn't 25 yet and insurance would be killer. 2 years later, I have a home and still have the civic... I want to upgrade. I can't afford to get a new IS but would definitely purchase a used one. I test drove a 07 and fell in love.

Is the main knock on these cars the handling?

 

Also, the steering feel, and rear leg room.

 

^^ Leg room, definitely agree. Back seat is for girls and kids. Steering? To me that's one of the better things it has going for it along with looks. I'm not pushing it's limits on a track, but I think its got tight steering and crisp reaction given its very small size. At least that's been my experience driving my daughters '09 on and off from time to time. In fact, I was driving it today. Which reminded me, I hate the seats comfort. Put that in the negative column. Just something about how the steering wheel, seats, pedals, etc. all come together. Doesn't work for me.

 

Lexus is not known to make "driver's" cars.

 

Go for it. It's a great car. Just make sure you don't make anyone sit in the back.

 

The IS is a chick car to me and it's undersized. It would have been cool in my early 20s. Next.

 

I want to see how they are going to incorporate the LEDs into the headlights.

 

I tend to agree with this...but then again, I think that the same can be said for the Bimmer 3-series.

+1.

 

+1 for the chick car. "My" IS350 is really my wife's. Her number one reason for buying it: "'Cause I look cute in it."

 

Still great looking car.

 

 

I don't think it's a chic car.

 

Isn't a Mini also considered a "chic car"? Doesn't mean its not cool

 

I know a guy who is 6'3 270+ has a mini cooper for his DD poor car.

The IS line is aging well.. when is an all new model due? '12 or '13? Hopefully they don't fudge it up like ahem....

 

I appreciate the feedback fellas. I owned a CL-Type S and that def could be seen as a chick car too.

I feel that you "un-chick" it when you give it a good looking drop and add a nice looking wheel. Stock, it def looks like a chick car, I get that.

 

My wife's car looks pretty good to me: