After much teasing and prodding, Lexus->ke47 finally unveiled the third-generation IS sedan earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show->ke222. But, it looks like the Japanese automaker isn't done with its IS lineup just yet. According to What Car, Lexus is expected to launch a coupe version of the IS in 2015, which will be based on the IS sedan.

As far as styling goes, the IS Coupe will take inspiration from the 2012 LF-CC Concept that we first saw at the 2012 Paris Motor Show->ke227. Should that be the case, you can expect the IS Coupe to carry some of the concept's design elements, including the large trapezoidal front grille, the contoured and aggressive looking profile, and the expansive use of LED lights.

As far as powertrain is concerned, the thinking within Lexus is to outfit the IS Coupe with the same 2.5-liter hybrid engine, which would only be available in Europe, Japan and other markets, if the coupe model stays consistent with the sedan. In this case, U.S.-bound IS Coupe models would likely arrive with the same 2.5 and 3.5-liter engines as the American sedan, which produce 204 horsepower and 306 horsepower, respectively.

Updated 05/30/2013: Today we have prepared a pretty cool rendering for the upcoming Lexus IS Coupe. We have started with a IS sedan and added a revised roofline and proportions inspired by the LF-CC Concept.

Click past the jump read about the Lexus LF-CC Concept and the upcoming IS Coupe

2016 Lexus IS Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Lexus IS Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Lexus LF-CC Concept

Unlike its conceptual predecessor, the bold-looking LF-Lc Concept, the LF-CC looks more in tune with the current times as an aggressive sports car with some impressive credentials.

Design-wise, it's a homerun. Its overall look isn't so flabbergastingly edgy like the LF-Lc. Instead, Lexus paid careful attention to highlighting the car's sharp edges without going too aggressive on its profile.

Plus, the LF-CC comes powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid in-line-four engine. The automaker didn't provide any specification details, but we expect the LF-CC to have close to 300 horsepower with a top speed of about 150 mph.

Competition

2015 BMW 4 Series

The soon-to-be-launched Bimmer 4 Series essentially takes over for the outgoing 3 Series Coupe, but a lot is still unknown on this model. We do know that the base 428i model will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger and the 435i will feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Both models will have an optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

We estimate that the 3.0-liter engine will feature about 306 horsepower and the 2.0-liter engine should be in the 250-horsepower range.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

The entire next-gen C-Class line is still a relative mystery for now, though we have caught a few heavily camouflaged models out and about testing. The C-Class has lagged behind Bimmer in recent years in terms of power, thanks to the new TwinPower Turbo system that BMW developed. We expect Benz to respond well when the C-Class Coupe debuts, which we expect to see in time for the 2015 model year - a year after the sedan.

C-Class Sedan shown here