2021 Lexus IS launch delayed to due to racial injustice protests

The launch of the 2021 Lexus IS, which was originally scheduled for June 9, US time, has been delayed due to the ongoing protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

In a statement, Lexus said it has “respectfully postponed the world premiere of the new IS” and that a new launch date will be announced soon.

Toyota has also released a communique about “societal issues of violence, killings and racism against African Americans in Minnesota, Kentucky, Georgia and elsewhere” stating “Respect for People is and will remain, our North Star”.

It says it “will encourage a constructive dialog to guide our actions as we continue to improve how we contribute to society, and inspire unity in every aspect of our lives, our business and our communities”.

Protests, a small number of which have turned violent, have sprung up in many major US cities, as well as across the globe.

Last week the company issued a single shadowy teaser for the 2021 IS revealing new look tail-lights stretching across the entire width of the car.

Nothing else has been confirmed about the vehicle, but reports suggest the IS will be heavy facelift and will retain the current car’s platform instead of switching to a more recent TNGA rear-wheel drive architecture.

These rumours indicate the IS will continue with updated versions of today’s drivetrains, which include a 164kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid (IS300h), 180kW 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder (IS300), and 232kW 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 (IS350).