The second generation Lexus IS->ke500 was unveiled in 2005 and has been on sale ever since with only a minor refresh in 2009. If Lexus wants to keep up with the Audi A4->ke1087, BMW 3-Series->ke290, and Mercedes C-Class->ke1593, they really needed to offer a change for their luxury sedan. These spy images show that the change is well on its way as the third generation IS has been caught testing again somewhere in Europe. This time, though, the new prototype has been caught with less cammo than before.

The new Lexus IS will be built on a shortened version of the GS platform and, while its overall dimensions don't appear to be changing, Lexus will focus on reducing the car's total weight by as much as possible.

On the exterior, the new IS will follow the same direction as the new GS->ke439 and LS->ke436 models and will adopt the company's new spindle grille.

The sedan version is set to be unveiled sometime in 2013. It will be followed by a convertible version and a high powered IS-F version one year later.

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