The first official pictures of the all-new Lexus IS have been released. Lexus has tried to remained faithful to the LF-CC concept car that trailed its design thinking at last year’s Paris motor show.

The images precede the new model’s world debut at the Detroit motor show on 15 January and its introduction in the UK later this year.

Exterior design

The new IS is inspired by Lexus’s LF-CC concept and displays its own interpretation of the spindle front grille arrangement that has become a hallmark of all new Lexus models. Overall the impression is of strengthening Lexus’s brand identity.

Viewed in profile, the new IS shows the mass of the cabin concentrated towards the rear, with a rising line flowing from the lower body into the rear lamp clusters.

There is also a new, more articulated headlamp cluster design, with Lexus’s signature L-shaped daytime running lights presented independently below.

Interior design

The cabin design represents an environment created for the driver.

The new IS’s increased width and longer wheelbase has allowed for more space for rear seat passengers and greater luggage capacity. The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design delivers best-in-class knee-room and access in the rear. The new rear seats also have a 60:40 split-folding function.

The new-design driver’s seat is provides increased lateral support. The seat hip point and the angle of the new steering wheel – inspired by the LFA – are both lower, and the steering wheel’s reach adjustment has been increased, giving a more sporting driving position.

The centre console controls feature a Lexus first: electrostatic switches that need just a finger touch to adjust the air conditioning temperature.

F Sport design features

The new IS F Sport models can be instantly recognised owing to their special grille and front bumper design. The “waistline” of the spindle-shaped grille is set higher than on the standard models, creating a larger lower grille that can draw in the greater volume of cooling air needed for sportier driving.

The IS F Sport also has an exclusive seat design that provides additional support. The seats are made using an integrated foaming method that ensures there are no gaps between the upholstery and the filling, giving both improved comfort and great lateral holding.

In another direct reference to the LFA supercar, the IS F Sport features a driver’s meter with a moving centre ring.

Source: Lexus

Tags: car design, concept car, Detroit Motor Show 2013, Lexus IS, Lexus LF-CC, LFA supercar