There isn't much in the way of new information in Motor Trend's article about the upcoming Lexus hybrid, but it did include this beauty of a mockup sketch:

There were a few new points covered, though they seem entirely speculative:

The difference between the Lexus variant and the Prius itself -- as is generally the case for Lexus models with Toyota underpinnings -- is not expected to be much more than skin deep. The as-yet-unnamed Lexus will have its own body panels and may get a convertible variant, but both vehicles will be fitted with roof-mounted solar panels and nickel-metal hydride batteries upon launch.

I have to say, if the new Lexus hybrid looks anything like this sketch, it's going to be hugely successful. There's certainly a hint of Prius in the shape, but the more aggressive front-end and huge wheels remind me of the new VW Scirocco, only bigger and with two more doors. And that's no bad thing.

Swedish automotive design student Jon Rådbrink has created a wild, Batmanish Lexus concept called the Nuaero. Rakish and impractical as it may be, it wasn't just a case of loading up 3D Studio Max and going for gold. Rådbrink tried to reinvent from every angle:

The spacious interior is centered around a multi-point touch screen dashboard where you can re-arrange the controls and information as you like it. The drive-by-wire steering pad is designed to focus on your hands. Its form controls the way you interact with it; to improve safety when driving. Your fine motor skills are far more advanced in your hands than in your feet, so all controls are located in the steering wheel. Since the car is powered by electrical motors, there is no transmission and you break intuitively by pushing the steering wheel away from your body.

Also, a video:

It would be easy to point out all the impracticalities, but it's undoubtably creative and has great flair. From some angles, it's almost possible to see it driving down the road of the future.

[Source: De Zeen via Gizmodo] (Thanks Mr. Chang!)

These Lexus IS coupe photochops from Top Speed might be almost two years old, but when I spotted the thumbnails on Flickr today, I thought it was the real deal:

I have a feeling the coupe is going to be a looker, but this example lacks the hard edge that I'd like to see. One thing I really liked in the grainy spy shot of the IS convertible was how chunky the rear looked, though that was more than likely just some elaborate camouflage.

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.