The current-generation Lexus IS sedan first went on sale in 2005 and in keeping with the carmaker’s practice of refreshing its models every three to four years the popular sedan is due for a facelift anytime now. A leaked Japanese brochure that’s purported to be the real deal gives us an early look at the design for the updated model, which is expected to make its world debut towards the end of the year.

According to the brochure, the changes will consist of new side mirrors, a revised front grille, new-style 17 and 18in alloys, an expanded color palette, and a new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system for the IS250 model. The images, which showed up on the my.IS forum, also reveal that the 2009 IS will receive slightly revised head and taillights, as well as some minor revisions to the interior such as a new steering wheel design.

Lexus is also readying new coupe and cabrio variants of the IS for launch next year. The cars have been sighted in prototype form in the U.S., and more recently trademarks for the names IS250C, IS300C and IS350C have been registered with U.S. and Canadian patent and trademark offices.

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While Lexus' execs continue to be tight lipped on the - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, the Japanese automaker has uploaded photos of the car on a number of its sites. The photos that we scanned confirm the minor changes seen in the - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER that was leaked into the web last month. Unless you look really close, chances are that you probably won’t even notice any differences.

The styling revisions are limited to a slightly tweaked front grille, restyled tail lamp crystals featuring L-shaped back-up lights, redesigned exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and new alloy wheel designs. The 2009 IS will also get new exterior and interior color combinations along with a revised electronic stability control system. According to Carscoop sources, the 2009 IS will make its public debut at the Paris Show in October.

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They're right, I can't see much if any change. The IS250 needs more power.

M

I seriously don't like the Toyota influence in the tail light graphics. Disgusting.

This is a complete disaster if you ask me.

Still ugly, still don't like it, still too much plastic in the interior, still would buy a german over it

Yeah, they should've definitely done something with the rear. It's the weakest part of the car.

Note sure what has changed?

And considering that Lexus designs last about 4 years at best, that's not a good thing IMO.

The new grill is tacky!

Best looking Lexus. But then that's not saying much.