Motoring Middle East: Car news, Reviews and Buying guides

IS F Sport model reveals look of the all-new 2013 Lexus IS

By Shahzad Sheikh

Lexus has revealed the first official images of the all new Lexus IS ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week – our own Imthishan will be there to see it in person and give you a first hand impression of the new baby Lexus.

Influenced by the LF-CC concept the new car has striking styling with bold new face drawing on the spindle-grille family design but dramatically jutting forward.

The bonnet line plunges downward at the front and along the sides a rising waistline sits above side sills that seem to curve around and upwards accentuating the rear wheel arches.

There’s some very unusual styling elements here including the massive ticks beneath the headlights which don’t actually follow the lower contours of the lamp units.

The grille resembles the blade of an electric shaver and the lower line of the air intake also features a distinctive kink.

It’s all a rather bold and daring new vision for what is a popular seller for Lexus, so kudos to the company for not playing it safe. Whether it works in the metal or not, we’ll reserve judgement until Imthishan gets to see it in Detroit.

The interior, however, looks fantastic, also featuring some strong shapes, but keeping the signature single instrument dial watch-like appearance (now inspired by the LFA configurable display), a massive monitor, a substantial looking shift lever with a nice steering wheel, and overall very purposeful and sporty aspirations.

There’s also more space in here due to a longer wheelbase and wider body.

What do you think of the new styling for the IS? Let us know below.