Autoblog

The image above is only a rendering we found on the interweb

We've been hearing about a possible Lexus IS coupe for what seems like eons, and by most accounts, it's likely to hit the streets sometime around the turn of the decade. A convertible is supposedly in the works too, but until now, there's been limited proof that Lexus was planning to offer the two-door version of its entry-level sedan. However, the crew at my.is has been scouring U.S. and Canadian trademark applications and has come up with three new filings from Toyota's luxury division that could mean Lexus is at least considering bringing the IS coupe to market.

The trademarks include alphanumeric names with a "C" affixed to the end, including the IS250C, IS300C and IS350C. "C" could mean a couple of things, but the smart money is on "Coupe." It's also telling that Lexus' lawyers have trademarked the IS300C designation, since there's nothing to slot in between the current entry-level IS250 and the markedly more powerful IS350. There's no filing for an IS-FC, but if Lexus finally decides to provide the coupe people crave and do serious battle with the BMW M3, it's just a matter of time before we see some derivation of that name pop up in the trademark office.

[Source: my.is, Photo: Unknown Source]

Lexus seems to be pretty confident about the capabilities of its new IS-F, otherwise it wouldn't have allowed members of Club Lexus to unrelenting flog its newest entrant into the sport-sedan segment at Laguna Seca this past week.

The lucky participants posted a number of photos taken at the event, as the Lexus-lovers perpetrated all kinds of high-speed hoonage on the new 3-series fighter. You can check out more images over at the Car Lounge, here.

[Source: The Car Lounge via 0-60]

Back in March, Winding Road floated the idea that Toyota may be in the process of developing a rear-wheel drive vehicle in the same vein as the Corolla AE86 of the 80s. At the time, it was easy to pass it off as pure speculation. Now, the GTChannel says that its sources in the Land of the Rising Sun have also confirmed that a 2+2, front-engine, RWD vehicle is in the works and that if and when it comes to market its sticker will be "well under [$] 20k" – maybe even $16,000.

Considering that the Scion brand has quickly emerged as a cost-conscious means of stylish transport, it wouldn't be hard to imagine that such a vehicle would slot in nicely within the youth-oriented marque, even if its price would make it a direct competitor to the tC. The only rub is finding a suitable platform to build the new vehicle atop, and the only RWD vehicle that could fit the bill would be the Lexus IS. Granted, the $30,000+ sports sedan's underpinnings might be a bit of a stretch (or shortening, in this case) to make a budget performance car, but the ability to cut costs via platform sharing isn't out of the question. Maybe some of the old IS's architecture could even be used.

In the meantime, we're hoping to see spy shots of a tC-bodied mule making the rounds around the 'Ring, rear-wheels a blazing and powersliding into the Carousel.

[Source: GTChannel]

In hindsight, it seems like a no-brainer. With eco- and image-conscious consumers willing to plunk down a sizeable chunk of change for something with a "Hybrid" badge, it was only a matter of time before Lexus brought forth a hybrid-only luxury car.

Automotive News Europe wasn't able to pry any details from Steve Settle, head of Lexus in the UK, so whether or not the new hybrid will be based off an existing platform is still open to debate – along with what name will be affixed to the boot.

Expect the new hybrid to be priced below the IS, making it the least expensive vehicle in the Lexus lineup, and look for it in dealers sometime in 2009.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Although we've heard the rumors before, and it still seems like a no-brainer, Lexus has remained mum on the introduction of an IS coupe. With its assault on everything held dear to the Bimmer and Merc people, it's simply a matter of time before Lexus takes aim at the 3-series and C-classes that have remained largely unchallenged in the sports coupe market.

The most recent news rumor comes via Nihon Car, who procured the above scan from the Japanese mag Car-Top. Granted, the photochopped image above is simply wishful thinking (that rear window looks a bit awkward), but a hardtop convertible version of the IS would be right at home in Lexus dealerships and in the garages of BMW and Mercedes refugees. But until we start seeing spy shots, we'll be taking that grain of salt, thank you very much.

[Source: Nihon Car and Bike]

Reports are beginning to circulate the web that Lexus is working on a high-performance version of the mid-level GS sedan to go up against German rivals in competing for the glory and the cash.

The performance GS would be the next candidate to receive the F treatment, after Lexus took the wraps off the V8-powered IS-F sports sedan at the Detroit show in January. Presumably named the GS-F, Lexus would shoehorn in a version of the V10 engine, detuned to around 450 horsepower, from the LF-A supercar the company is currently working on.

With the GS-F, Toyota would be aiming straight for the BMW M5. That's a mighty ambitious task, especially considering the view that Lexus missed the mark with the IS-F. Could they get it right in the big leagues?

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

We have voiced our distaste over the tuner styling treatment of the IS-F, the high-performance version of the Lexus IS-Series that debuted earlier this month at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Despite our preference to look away in its preference, our ears perk up at the sound of its 400-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8. We weren't privy to an aural exhibition of the engine while in Detroit covering the show, but thankfully someone with a video camera was present when it appears they were moving the car out of Cobo Hall after the show. The engine sounds throaty, and it's probably louder than any Lexus engine ever made. The question is whether or not the conservative clientele Lexus is known for will go for an IS with an ostentacious body kit and monster motor.

Thanks for the tip, Vin!

This past Monday's article in Automotive News, let loose that Lexus was in the process of developing a new line of vehicles that seeks to compete in the luxury performance market currently occupied by BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Well, word is that Lexus will be unveiling its IS-F sedan tomorrow, ahead of its official debut in Detroit, and decided to drop this teaser image on us. We're not salivating quite yet, but the thought of a 400+ horsepower IS that's ready to do battle with the RS4 and upcoming M3 certainly has our interest piqued. And that stacked, dual exhaust outlet is kinda cool too.

Click the image for an enlarged version.

According to Reuters, automaker Toyota is calling 57,000 2006 Lexus IS and GS models both in the U.S. and overseas for potentially faulty front seatbelts. The recall affects 29,000 units plying American roads, along with a further 11,000 Japanese examples.

Lexus dealers will replace the buckles in both front seats, which can presently jam due to a faulty part. No accidents attributable to the defect have been reported, and the automaker advises that drivers can avoid the issue by 'releasing the seatbelt slowly.'

Toyota has not released estimated recall costs.

[Source: Reuters via CNN/Money]