Lexus Releases Gallery of New IS but Little About Car

In a very odd move, LexusLexusJapan, 1989 > present26 models
1484 photos
6 videos
has released a gallery of images of the new, generation ISLexus ISJapan, 1998 > present3 series
59 versions
138 photos
1 video
that will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show on January 15. However, it has revealed nothing about the specs of the car other than the vehicle's infotainment system. Lexus says that the car will go on sale in the summer. 

The new IS appears to be very inspired by the LF-CC concept that Lexus debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2012. While that car was a coupe, and this is a sedan, the rear of the cars is almost identical. In profile they both have doorsills that kick up at the rear of the car and point directly the rear taillights. The fronts of both cars are similar, but the LF-CC's front end is a bit more extreme. 

The car in the images is the top spec F Sport version, and the more basic trims will likely have more simple trims. 

It announced the details of the infotainment system today at the Consumer Electronic Show in Nevada. The car will feature a new, subscription-free traffic and weather monitoring system that has been developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation.

“At Lexus, we strive for partnerships that bring the most advanced connected vehicle technologies to our customers at a great value. As a result of our partnership with iBiquity, our owners will be the first in the industry to have access to subscription-free real-time traffic and weather data on multimedia systems across our vehicle lineup," said Sandy Lobenstein, head of vehicle technology at Lexus. 

The signals for the traffic and weather information are sent to the car's system through HD Radio signals and the cell phone network. The system will provide the data whether or not the buyer gets the optional satellite navigation system.