Lexus IS 2009 details, LF-A and GS-F delayed

More details and images of the Lexus IS facelift have surfaced. A keen eyed Lexus fan at my.IS forum came across this particular website that hosted leaked documents of what seems to be some sales training material from Lexus. It includes a lot of interior and exterior shots of the Lexus IS Minor Change.


As speculated in an earlier entry, changes are focused on a new front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and like the GS facelift the adoption of wing mirror mounted indicators and VDIM.

The rear combination lamps now spot an inverted "L" shaped cluster for the reverse lights - I supposed its to signify the so-called "L-finese" philosophy behind all the current Lexus model designs. Looks really odd and slightly garish to me though.

New design. Note the white cluster.

Current design




I am not too sure what to make out of the last 2 pictures (Active headrest? SatNav standard?). Readers who are more familiar with Lexus IS are welcomed to comment.

Independent Lexus fanboy site ThePassionatePursuit.com also posted a scanned document of standard and optional equipment list, but judging by the presence of AWD and IS350, its obvious that this document refers to the North American market models. Another independent US-based ClubLexus forum also posted a very detailed specs list for the 2009 Lexus IS.

Also, don't forget that prototypes of a convertible IS have been spotted in Germany and Australia. Introduction should be within 2009.

On the highly anticipated Lexus LF-A that was previewed in last years Tokyo Motor Show, Automotive News (subscription required) reported that launch of the LF-A have been postponed to to late 2010 or early 2011 as the vehicle has failed to meet its performance target for the second time (I am guessing Porsche 911? Nissan GT-R is a totally different market).

Rumour has it that TMC bosses are questioning the viability of a Lexus supercar project, and also whether does Lexus need a flagship performance "hero" car.
  

LF-A concept at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance.

The next Lexus project to be killed is the GS-F, supposedly a tricked up version of the GS series, Automotive News reports that the GS-F has been placed on hold and TMC will only make a final decision on the project no earlier than 2011, when the current GS is retired and next GS replacement is introduced.

Image from PassionatePursuit.
News source : AutoSpies

Such news do not come as a surprise when you consider the fact that Toyota's global profit has reduced by 38%, while its all important North American unit registered 98.9% reduction in profit on a year-year period. Toyota is not alone, BMW and Daimler have all registered profit warnings amidst a slowing global economy, interest rate hikes all over the world, high steel and fuel prices. 

Related post : New Lexus models for 2009 : RX 3rd gen, facelift IS sedan and convertible