A few weeks ago we were hearing rumours that Lexus was considering sending its GS and IS models into oblivion. This theory was credible, considering the upcoming production of the new ES, as well as the fact that the popularity of cars has been in serious decline thanks to SUVs.
Rumours of their demise, it seems, were premature – at least in the case of the IS. In fact, plans for the next IS sedan are said to be advancing, with the model set to debut in July 2020 as a 2021 model. The website at the source of the rumour, Lexus Enthusiast, is a forum dedicated to the brand's fans. Adding weight to the new information is the fact that the publication also announced the manufacturer's ambitions for its 2019 ES, in great detail.
Obviously, some of its members are in the know. Besides the plans for the IS, we also learned that the first overhaul of the NX SUV will take place in 2021.
Mechanically, there are suggestions that the next IS could take advantage of the LS 500's twin-turbo V6, an engine that produces about 400 horsepower. However, because of the amount of time between now and its actual launch, we need to take these exclusives with a grain of salt; a lot can happen between now and then.
Meanwhile, while the published information suggests a future for the IS, we have heard no mention of the GS.
This adds to the rumours swirling that it may be eliminated.