[REVIEW] Lexus IS250 F sport: EXTERIOR

2014 Lexus IS250 F sport

Just get a chance to drive a new 2014 Lexus IS250 F Sport in June. This IS model is the third generation of Lexus IS.

Exterior

Some of you have noticed that “Spindle grille” is the next generation of Lexus design.

This design can be easily found on all new Lexus IS F sport model. You won’t see a front the pump on the grille. 

The overall shape of the grille is too round for me. I personally still prefer the LF-CC’s grille shape. It looks more aggressive and sporty. Hope the coming coupe model, Lexus RC, can keep the design of LF-CC, especially front grille.  

If you compare the 3^rd and 2^nd generation of Lexus IS, particular on engine hood, you still can see the 3^rd generation model has the shadow of previous generation of Lexus IS. What I learned from a car magazine was that it is a huge cost for an auto company to do a car redesign since the whole production line needs to be adjusted. Thus, to lower the cost, the auto company will keep some parts the same. That might be the reason you still can see the shadow of 2^nd generation of IS. (Maybe Lexus have better reason?)

(By the way, do you know every 2 or 3 years, an auto company will slightly modify car body? And usually the modification only focuses on pumper, headlight or taillight. Again, the answer is “cost”! )

My favorite design of the new Lexus IS is taillight. I will say this design is definitely from Lexus LF-CC. I like it. This totally looks different than previous model, but not the rear pumper. It's still similar to previous model.

From the side view, you can see the aerodynamic line on the car body. It is more obvious than before. The door-mounted mirrors look like the ones on LF-A. I like it. Overall, I will say Lexus makes a good approach. The front design should bring controversy effect. From a customer’s point of view, people might really like it or really dislike it.