Spy photographers have caught, what would appear to be, a Lexus IS-F Convertible prototype testing on the Nürburgring.

The prototype seen here features styling cues from the V8-powered IS-F, such as the swollen wheel arches, front fender vents, modified front and rear bumpers, quad tailpipes, a massive rear wing and special alloy wheels. All is not as it seems however, as photographers managed to catch the car while it was on a hoist and apparently the suspension setup revealed this isn’t a version of the current model, but rather our first glimpse of the 2014 IS.

According to the photographers the car features aluminum lower control arms, new springs and dampers, as well as a rear toe adjuster or a rear-steer ball joint. This setup echoes the 2013 Lexus GS and should result in significant weight savings for the next-generation IS. This means that Lexus may very well be using the elaborate IS-F-inspired bodywork on the convertible’s body to cover up the next IS-F’s platform.

Little other detail is known at this stage, but it would be interesting if Lexus was planning a sedan and convertible version of its next IS-F.

Images via WorldCarFans and TheMotorReport

Lexus showed an unique package for the 2011 Lexus IS-F at the recent Tokyo Motor Show. A concept that was quite possibly inspired by what rivals BMW did with their M3 GTS model.

The new 2011 Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory package provides the strongest member of the Lexus IS family quite a distinctive new look. The Japanese car maker added some refinements to the exterior; a carbon fibre bonnet, front and rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser. On the inside the car features a new carbon fibre centre stack, paddle shifters and sports seats covered in orange leather.

Finally, the sports sedan benefits from a sports suspension, mechanical LSD, brakes, titanium exhaust and forged magnesium wheels. There were no changes under the bonnet, so the 2011 Lexus IS-F Club Performance Accessory is still powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine with 311 kW at 6 600 r/min and 505 Nm of torque at 5 200 r/min. No news on availability or pricing.

More and more of manufacturers are offering sneak previews of their cars in the run up to the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The latest is the mid-life update for the 2011 Lexus IS – the most significant changes to the IS range since its launch back in 2005.

The most obvious changes are in the styling department, with new headlight and rear light designs, a revised front grille design, plus new exterior colours and alloy wheel designs. There are also new LED daytime running lights added to the headlights.

Under the bonnet, the entire IS engine range has been made cleaner, achieving better fuel economy and CO2 emissions with no penalty in performance.

The sporty F-Sport model has also been upgraded, which now echoes even more loudly the looks of its ultra-high-performance sister, the IS F. For 2011, the F-Sport specification includes a new deep front spoiler with integrated fog lights, a new grille design and a rear spoiler with integrated brake light. The new-design 18-inch alloy wheels have a dark silver finish and black center Lexus roundel, directly inspired by the IS F.

Inside, the sports factor continues with an F-Sport steering wheel, gear lever and sports pedals and front seats finished in leather and Alcantara. Extra touches of titanium-effect trim and a dark, anthracite roof liner are also introduced.

Expect further details to be released closer to the launch of the 2011 Lexus IS range towards the end of the year.

Adapted from MotorAuthority

The buzz is still wearing off the Detroit Auto Show but Japanese automakers are already at it again, this time at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon taking place in Japan this week. Similar to Las Vegas’ annual SEMA event, the Tokyo Auto Salon is a hotbed for aftermarket and performance tuners showing off their wares, and more often than not the major automakers like to get in on the action as well.

Lexus are in attendance and have revealed the IS F Circuit Club Sports (CSS) concept vehicle.

The Circuit Club Sports is essentially a stripped out version of the regular V8 powered IS F sports sedan, with lighter carbon-fibre replacing many of the steel panels from the production model. Things like the hood, trunk, front winglets, side skirts and rear diffuser are all made from carbon-fibre and more of the lightweight material is splashed around the interior as well.

Lexus hasn’t messed around too much with the powertrain, choosing only to add a new exhaust system to raise the IS F’s 5,0-litre V8 engine output to 314 kW.

Adapted from LeAutoBlog

The biggest change to the 2010 Lexus IS F, is the addition of a new, compact mechanical Torsen LSD (Limited Slip Differential) that supersedes the previous Brake LSD function unit.

The change has seen the IS F gain a two second improvement in lap times around Japan’s Fuji Speedway and joins other convenience and design feature upgrades in face-lifting the model. The Torsen LSD redistributes the torque that is lost when a wheel loses traction during cornering, without limiting engine output. New differential oil has also seen the unit perform more smoothly as well as making it quieter.

IS F upgrades also include a revised satellite navigation unit with improved route guidance, functionality and map view. The 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system has been upgraded too and now features a new USB input for iPods along with new software to allow selection of tracks via the vehicle’s touch screen navigation unit.

Interior revisions see the inclusion of folding rear head restraints, F logo on the ultra-thin card key, and a new steering wheel and centre cluster design. The new steering wheel has added colour trim in the lower section of the rim and new “overcast” stitching pattern to provide a neater finish to the leather wrapped steering wheel. The centre cluster has improved audio switches, as well as a new facia around the navigation system and air conditioning unit.

In addition, Lexus has redesigned the moonroof controls with seesaw-type switches in lieu of a dial-type switch, for greater ease of use.

Adapted from CarAdvice

Lexus will unveil the Lexus LF-Ch at the Frankfurt motor show on the 17th of September. The Lexus LF-Ch was originally penned as an idea, however it has now been built for the 63rd International motorshow and is tipped to be produced as a rival to the BMW 1 Series.

Due for release next year, this little 5 door will be driven by the front wheels, unlike the BMW 1-Series, which drives the power from the rear. The Lexus LF-Ch will be available with a hybrid engine, in which the driver can drive purely on electricity while moving silently through the urban sprawl.

The hybrid technology taken from its big sister the Toyota Prius, will no doubt make this the ‘premium’ tree hugger option, and it must be said from the image released by Lexus it certainly looks edgier and less embarrassing to drive.

Lexus has also updated their LS, GS, IS and IS-F models. The changes aren’t striking, but they are useful enough, such as a limited-slip differential for the Lexus IS-F and enhanced driving dynamics for LS version.

Lexus says their LS 600h will be instantly identified as the high performance flagship of the LS model range through bespoke exterior and interior styling cues, improved packaging, and numerous enhancements to the vehicle’s Hybrid Drive system.

The 2010 Lexus GS model range features enhanced safety features, new exterior and interior colours while the GS 450h’s status as the model range flagship has now been further reinforced through several bespoke styling cues. GS450h remains the world’s only full hybrid model in the premium mid-size segment. The 2010 GS range also benefits from upgraded audio and navigation systems.

A refreshed Lexus IS model range incorporates navigation and audio system upgrades, a new F Sport trim package and a revised IS-F ultra-high performance sports sedan, now available with a Limited-Slip Differential.

Adapted from AutoMobilesReview