For whatever reason, Wald International decided that the IS-F was in need of a body kit, and the above photo is a digital mockup of the potential design. Here it is from the rear:

Hopefully this goes through the same process as the IS body released last year, which started off as an over-the-top photochop. The front end might be almost passable, but I see the rear and think of a 2000 Hyundai Tiburon.

[Via: Club Lexus]

If you couldn't tell from the watermarks, Leftlane News commissioned Brenda Priddy to put together a mockup of the previously spied Lexus IS convertible coupe, and the result, well, it leaves a lot to be desired.

There's far too much SC 430 in the roof slope, which gives it a particularly feminine style. For comparison's sake, let's take another look at the spy shot that surfaced last month:

Graininess aside, this is much more aggressively styled, looking almost like an IS-F, with a much higher beltline. There isn't as much smoothness, though it's difficult to say just how much of that can be chalked up to camouflage.

As a blend of existing Lexus elements, this illustration hits the mark, but I don't believe it reflects what the actual IS convertible will look like.

An Autospies reader recently posted up this scanned-in Japanese auto mag page depicting the facelifted 2009 Lexus IS:

"Top Secret" banner aside, this is likely a photochop, though subtle enough to be believable. The differences are slight, there's some GS design incorporated into the front end, and the side panels look to be tucked in. I do like the lights pulled out of the rear bumper. Overall, it wouldn't be a bad update. It looks more refined, more modern.

One thing's for certain, I do hope 2009 brings a update to the IS.

Car Magazine has put in their two cents regarding the design of the Lexus LF-Xh concept, and they like what they see:

The concept’s exterior dimensions are similar to the RX400h’s, but crucially massaged in all the right ways to alleviate the current model’s slightly ungainly ‘body-disconnected-from-its wheels’ stance.

The LF-Xh is longer and wider (by 50mm), lower (by 70mm) and with a wheelbase stretched by 130mm. The result is an SUV that looks altogether more planted to the road and agile in a sporty coupe-like manner. The slatted razorblade-style front grille adds to the smooth feel.

I'm in total agreement about the current RX model looking a little uncomfortable on its wheels, but I think this concept takes it too far to the other extreme. However, if they simply "stretched" the entire body upwards when converting the LF-Xh concept to a production model, it's going to be a winner, hands down.

With that in mind, I went ahead with my first ever automotive image manipulation, just to see (please ignore the rear wheel):

The front end is way off, but I like what it fortells.

***

I was a little disappointed to read Car Magazine's blurb on the LF-Xh interior:

‘Anticipation’ is apparently a keyword for the inside in a similar way to the light that illuminates the ground by the door when you unlock the production GS model before getting in. Trouble is, Lexus is clearly not fully happy with the interior their designers made as it wouldn’t let any journalists see the finished inside first hand.

That's just too bad.

Fantastic news has emerged regarding the existence of a Lexus GS-F: According to Motortrend, the GS-F will be receiving the LF-A's V10 engine, meaning 500-plus horsepower, making it a worthy entry into the super sedan class.

The next-gen GS, scheduled for a 2011 release, is being designed to allow for the V10 engine, which could mean a 2012 launch for the GS-F. There's no guarantee that the car will be approved for production, but it definitely makes sense on a number of levels.

First off, the super sedan market has undeniable appeal, and bringing out a competitor to the BMW M5, the Mercedes E63 AMG and the Audi RS4 would certainly add credibility to Lexus' F-line. Beyond that, there's a substantial economic motivator, by increasing the volume of V10 engines produced, costs will drop accordingly.

Strictly speaking, I've always thought the F-styling seen on the IS-F would be even better suited to the GS, due to its bigger size. The above rendition, created by Motortrend, confirms my thoughts. This is a vehicle that captures my imagination, and until there's rumors of an LS-F, will be the car I look most forward to seeing.

Today is full of next-gen RX news, this time from Auto Express. There's the rather swell artist rendering (shown above), along with some speculation on the spy shots released last week:

At first glance, it looks like any other RX, but close inspection reveals that the rear lights no longer sit flush with the bodywork. That’s because the panels have been widened to account for the new platform’s bigger dimensions. This added size could pave the way for an optional third row of seats, which would put the Lexus up against BMW’s X5 when it arrives in dealers in 2009.

Judging from the other set of spy shots released today, it's hard to tell if there's enough to accommodate a third row of seating.

Another interesting fact from the Auto Express article is that Toyota will be eliminating the Harrier name in Japan, meaning that the next-gen RX will be released as a Lexus. I wonder how the lion-man will react?