Lexus IS Gets LEDs, Tweaks for 2011

Less than a year after the presentation of the Lexus IS at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, it would appear the Japanese carmaker decided to give the car more than the Torsen limited slip differential (LSD) added last year.

Whereas the car presented in 2009 came with the new LSD and just that, a set of photos posted on lexusenthusiast.com point to the fact that the car will get a bit more changes for the new model year.

As far as the engine goes, the vehicle will likely boast the same 5.0l V8 engine, developing 417 bhp at 6,600 and 505 Nm at 5,200 rpm. The engine is paired with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic transmission, allowing the IS to accelerate from naught to sixty in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is rated at 168 mph (270 km/h).

The most notable addition to the exterior, as hinted by these photos (which, by all intents and purposes, appear to be real), are the LED daytime running lights, incorporated into the headlights. The front bumper has also been revised, while the fog and tail lights have received their own nip'n'tuck.

At the interior, the subtle changes can be noticed on the steering wheel, which now hints to its LFA-supercar counterpart, as well as above the glovebox, where a chrome strip has found its way.

The IS will continue to be offered with the F-Sport package, available in all body colors. It comes with IS F-style front grille, rear spoiler and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels on the outside, while on the inside IS gets F-style seats, steering wheel and automatic gear lever.