2014 Lexus IS F Sport officially unveiled
Sure to stand out, for better or worse
Following this morning's leak, Lexus has officially unveiled the 2014 IS F Sport.
Set to debut at North American International Auto Show, the model has an evolutionary design which is heavily influenced by the LF-CC concept. While it's not the most attractive offering in the compact luxury segment, the car features a prominent spindle grille and distinctive LED daytime running lights. The model also has swoopy side skirts, a dual exhaust system and wraparound taillights. Furthermore, F Sport variants are distinguished by a revised front bumper and a unique grille which has a higher "waistline" to improve airflow.
The sporty styling carries over to the interior as the model adopts an LFA-inspired cabin with premium materials and high-end amenities. Notable highlights include an analog clock, metallic trim and new electrostatic switches which operate the climate control system. Lexus also says the increased wheelbase gives the model significantly improved rear legroom and best-in-class rear knee room.
Lexus was coy on specifications, but they did say the F Sport variant will feature aluminum pedals, "3D effect" trim and perforated leather accents on the steering wheel and gear knob. The F Sport will also be available with an exclusive Rioja Red interior.
Under the hood, three different engines will be available. The IS 250 could be equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine that develops more than 200 bhp (149 kW), while the IS 350 could use a 3.5-liter V6 with roughly 300 bhp (224 kW). There will also be an IS 300h which is slated to feature a hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with approximately 240 hp (179 kW).
The 2014 Lexus IS will be unveiled on January 15th, so stay tuned for full details.
Lexus Releases First Official Photos of the Next Generation IS
- All-new exterior featuring Lexus spindle grille design and Lexus-first independent L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- New interior design with LFA-inspired, driver-focused cockpit
- F SPORT exclusive interior/exterior features
TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2013) - The all-new Lexus IS compact sport sedan will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 15, 2013. A press conference will be held in the Cobo Center at 9:30 a.m. EST, and live webcast streaming of the event will be available at www.lexus.com and on the Lexus Facebook page.
The all-new IS model range will include IS 250, IS 350, and the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, the IS 300h, which will be available in Europe, Japan and other international markets. F SPORT models will be available across the full range. Today, Lexus released photos of the all-new IS 250/350 F SPORT in advance of next week’s World Premiere.
Exterior Design
The all-new IS features the new Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.
The tight, sporting proportions of the body are formed by powerful character lines generated by the shape of the spindle grille, which passes through the base of the A-pillars then tightens up as it flows toward the rear. They clearly delineate the body from the cabin, emphasizing the wide flare of the wheel arches to give the new IS a broad, powerful stance.
In profile, the strong horizontal beltline shows off the large rear tires and its low center of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself is concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tires to enhance the perception of traction.
A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and into the rear lamp clusters adds the sweeping elegance to the sedan’s sporty profile.
The exterior design incorporates a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus trademark, L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.
F SPORT models are instantly recognized by an exclusive grille and front bumper design. The ‘waistline’ of the grille is higher than on standard models, increasing the area of the lower grille to make it capable of drawing in a larger volume of cooling air appropriate to sporty performance.
Interior Design
The new IS interior design creates a focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within, which the driver can fully exploit the new Lexus compact sedan’s superb driving dynamics.
The new IS’ increased width and longer wheelbase provide significantly improved rear seat comfort. The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates best-in-class knee room and improved accessibility. And new, 60:40 split/folding rear seats, provide expansive luggage capacity.
Cabin material, trim and finish refinement is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analog clock with surface-emitting illumination. The center console incorporates Lexus-first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.
Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position. F SPORT models feature the LFA’s innovative driver’s meter with a moving center ring.
F SPORT trim detailing includes a perforated leather finish to the steering wheel and shift knob, metal film 3-D-effect ornamentation, black seat stitching, and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.
A choice of three F SPORT interior color schemes includes a new Rioja Red finish, which is exclusive to the marque.

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