New (2013) Lexus IS: Official Photos revealed

Lexus has revealed the first official photos of the new Lexus IS which will debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

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Earlier today we had a set of low-res photos of the new Lexus IS drop in to our inbox, but as we’d had word that Lexus were planning to release the official photos imminently there seemed little point publishing a fuzzy set of photos. Fortunately  Lexus has done as expected and released the first official photos of the IS, but no real detail.

What we see is a much more dynamic looking IS, borrowing visibly from the LF-CC Concept we saw at Frankfurt last year, and promising to be the best effort yet by Lexus to put a dent in the BMW 3 Series.

Prominent is the new Lexus spindle grill with a set of mean looking headlights with arrow shape LED running lights, with the cabin looking further back than the current IS, a coupe-like profile and a swoopy crease running back from the sills to the tail.

Inside is a notch up on the current IS with a cabin that looks inspired by – but looks better than – the CT200h with a set of four air vents running across a centre bar and a bigger centre console, good-looking seats and trim and an altogether more upmarket feel.

Lexus are still not revealing drivetrain details, but you can expect a V6 petrol and a V6 petrol hybrid too, as well as the option of F Sport trim (as you will see in the photos).

We’ll no doubt get more when Lexus reveals the new IS at the Detroit Auto Show.

New Lexus IS Photos >>