Rendered: The Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan

Posted by Kevin on October 5th, 2018

Renderings of the next-generation Lexus IS are a favorite of the Japanese automotive press — this attempt by (a currently unknown) magazine was posted yesterday by a Lexus fan on Instagram:

Lexus IS Rear Next-Generation

The differences between this photochop and the existing model are minimal — the only changes are with the front and rear bumpers, making this rendering seem more like a mid-cycle refresh. That said, the design of the current IS sedan has never been a weakness, and maintaining some consistency across generations would not be a bad move.

The magazine mentions a 2021 release along with some preliminary dimensions:

Lexus IS Dimensions Next-Generation

Compared to the current model, the next-generation IS length and wheelbase would grow by 4cm, with all other measurements staying the same. Also mentioned is a 2.5L engine with 181 horsepower, which makes absolutely no sense and I’m choosing to ignore.

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Comments
S
corradoMR2
Wishful thinking the 4IS will be out as a 2020 MY and fitted with a flagship powertrain unless this is an "F" model. If anything, for a non-F version, the 3.5TT will have to be detuned to ~350hp which will be in line to compete with the 440i and S5. Needless to say, I do hope for a 4IS release in 2020 with a better quality interior, more competitive tech and powertrains, which will get me back into one.
I bet it will be out in 2021 MY with 416hp engine in one of the variations (not base). Dont we already have dates when job 1 starts for next IS from Carmaker1?
mikeavelli
spwolf
Reason is simple - Tesla loses money on them... and big boys dont need to lose money on vehicles they sell... hence they are jumping into higher end models first, which is also bad for Tesla as thats where profits are.
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
mikeavelli
spwolf
Reason is simple - Tesla loses money on them... and big boys dont need to lose money on vehicles they sell... hence they are jumping into higher end models first, which is also bad for Tesla as thats where profits are.
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
mikeavelli
spwolf
Reason is simple - Tesla loses money on them... and big boys dont need to lose money on vehicles they sell... hence they are jumping into higher end models first, which is also bad for Tesla as thats where profits are.
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
mikeavelli
spwolf
Reason is simple - Tesla loses money on them... and big boys dont need to lose money on vehicles they sell... hence they are jumping into higher end models first, which is also bad for Tesla as thats where profits are.
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
S
arrow1982
The next IS will debute with the 2,5 inline 4 with the multistage gearbox. The 2,0 turbo and the 3,5v6 from the camry. End of story... There will be no twin turbo stuff in a volume model.
I'll agree with the last bit. TTV6 is unlikely only on the IS line. I do believe the 2GR will remain, either that or: an IS350h to replace the IS350.

spwolf
I bet it will be out in 2021 MY with 416hp engine in one of the variations (not base). Dont we already have dates when job 1 starts for next IS from Carmaker1?
Yeah. Job #1 starts in July 2020 - I believe.

Secondly - I would bet against that. We are talking about Toyota here. A known conservative company. Everyone was excited about the 3G Lexus IS back in 2012/2013 too. Everyone was assuming Turbo charge and more power. What did we get in 2014/2015? Nothing. No changes. Then in 2016 and 2018 - engine changes. But slightly.

From someone that plays Toyota stock and invest highly in their company. Its highly likely, based off Toyota's build patterns, the AR Turbo and 2GR V6 will stay on the 4G Lexus until at least refresh - earliest they change engines there. Toyota loves to milk the engine/platform until they get the most profit from it. This is why they are one of the richest car companies.

My prediction is the TTV6 will not be dropped into the Lexus IS line. Maybe in the distance future - but not now. Few reasons why I think this:
1) Lexus IS is the brand's entry level product. Majority of their sales come from the base engine trim. A TTV6 would just not pull enough sales to justify it.
2) A TTV6 trickle drop from the LS to IS within a few years is too fast of a "trickle down". Toyota would likely want to shove the TTV6 into another model first.
3) A Lexus IS Non F model with TTV6 will only please enthusiasts - and generate questionable sales as enthusiasts make a small population of the consumer base with not all of them willing to buy a TTV6 Lexus.
4) With stronger emission laws coming from China and Europe, its possible Toyota brings the Lexus IS300h into US market and make it a IS350h to replace the IS350. A Hybrid Lexus IS will sell really well.
5) And this is my biggest reason - SUV crazed market. With an intensive SUV crazed market, it makes no sense to put a TTV6 into a Lexus IS. Sedan sales already low - especially luxury sedans. I believe the next vehicle to get the TTV6 will be the Lexus RX. It'll help the Lexus RX be a better and bigger power-house in the SUV market.

Last note: The 3G Lexus IS in 2014/2015 sold nearly as much units as the 2G Lexus IS in 2006/2007. Toyota knows the Lexus IS will sell regardless of engine changes.
S
arrow1982
The next IS will debute with the 2,5 inline 4 with the multistage gearbox. The 2,0 turbo and the 3,5v6 from the camry. End of story... There will be no twin turbo stuff in a volume model.
I'll agree with the last bit. TTV6 is unlikely only on the IS line. I do believe the 2GR will remain, either that or: an IS350h to replace the IS350.

spwolf
I bet it will be out in 2021 MY with 416hp engine in one of the variations (not base). Dont we already have dates when job 1 starts for next IS from Carmaker1?
Yeah. Job #1 starts in July 2020 - I believe.

Secondly - I would bet against that. We are talking about Toyota here. A known conservative company. Everyone was excited about the 3G Lexus IS back in 2012/2013 too. Everyone was assuming Turbo charge and more power. What did we get in 2014/2015? Nothing. No changes. Then in 2016 and 2018 - engine changes. But slightly.

From someone that plays Toyota stock and invest highly in their company. Its highly likely, based off Toyota's build patterns, the AR Turbo and 2GR V6 will stay on the 4G Lexus until at least refresh - earliest they change engines there. Toyota loves to milk the engine/platform until they get the most profit from it. This is why they are one of the richest car companies.

My prediction is the TTV6 will not be dropped into the Lexus IS line. Maybe in the distance future - but not now. Few reasons why I think this:
1) Lexus IS is the brand's entry level product. Majority of their sales come from the base engine trim. A TTV6 would just not pull enough sales to justify it.
2) A TTV6 trickle drop from the LS to IS within a few years is too fast of a "trickle down". Toyota would likely want to shove the TTV6 into another model first.
3) A Lexus IS Non F model with TTV6 will only please enthusiasts - and generate questionable sales as enthusiasts make a small population of the consumer base with not all of them willing to buy a TTV6 Lexus.
4) With stronger emission laws coming from China and Europe, its possible Toyota brings the Lexus IS300h into US market and make it a IS350h to replace the IS350. A Hybrid Lexus IS will sell really well.
5) And this is my biggest reason - SUV crazed market. With an intensive SUV crazed market, it makes no sense to put a TTV6 into a Lexus IS. Sedan sales already low - especially luxury sedans. I believe the next vehicle to get the TTV6 will be the Lexus RX. It'll help the Lexus RX be a better and bigger power-house in the SUV market.

Last note: The 3G Lexus IS in 2014/2015 sold nearly as much units as the 2G Lexus IS in 2006/2007. Toyota knows the Lexus IS will sell regardless of engine changes.
S
arrow1982
The next IS will debute with the 2,5 inline 4 with the multistage gearbox. The 2,0 turbo and the 3,5v6 from the camry. End of story... There will be no twin turbo stuff in a volume model.
I'll agree with the last bit. TTV6 is unlikely only on the IS line. I do believe the 2GR will remain, either that or: an IS350h to replace the IS350.

spwolf
I bet it will be out in 2021 MY with 416hp engine in one of the variations (not base). Dont we already have dates when job 1 starts for next IS from Carmaker1?
Yeah. Job #1 starts in July 2020 - I believe.

Secondly - I would bet against that. We are talking about Toyota here. A known conservative company. Everyone was excited about the 3G Lexus IS back in 2012/2013 too. Everyone was assuming Turbo charge and more power. What did we get in 2014/2015? Nothing. No changes. Then in 2016 and 2018 - engine changes. But slightly.

From someone that plays Toyota stock and invest highly in their company. Its highly likely, based off Toyota's build patterns, the AR Turbo and 2GR V6 will stay on the 4G Lexus until at least refresh - earliest they change engines there. Toyota loves to milk the engine/platform until they get the most profit from it. This is why they are one of the richest car companies.

My prediction is the TTV6 will not be dropped into the Lexus IS line. Maybe in the distance future - but not now. Few reasons why I think this:
1) Lexus IS is the brand's entry level product. Majority of their sales come from the base engine trim. A TTV6 would just not pull enough sales to justify it.
2) A TTV6 trickle drop from the LS to IS within a few years is too fast of a "trickle down". Toyota would likely want to shove the TTV6 into another model first.
3) A Lexus IS Non F model with TTV6 will only please enthusiasts - and generate questionable sales as enthusiasts make a small population of the consumer base with not all of them willing to buy a TTV6 Lexus.
4) With stronger emission laws coming from China and Europe, its possible Toyota brings the Lexus IS300h into US market and make it a IS350h to replace the IS350. A Hybrid Lexus IS will sell really well.
5) And this is my biggest reason - SUV crazed market. With an intensive SUV crazed market, it makes no sense to put a TTV6 into a Lexus IS. Sedan sales already low - especially luxury sedans. I believe the next vehicle to get the TTV6 will be the Lexus RX. It'll help the Lexus RX be a better and bigger power-house in the SUV market.

Last note: The 3G Lexus IS in 2014/2015 sold nearly as much units as the 2G Lexus IS in 2006/2007. Toyota knows the Lexus IS will sell regardless of engine changes.
S
arrow1982
The next IS will debute with the 2,5 inline 4 with the multistage gearbox. The 2,0 turbo and the 3,5v6 from the camry. End of story... There will be no twin turbo stuff in a volume model.
I'll agree with the last bit. TTV6 is unlikely only on the IS line. I do believe the 2GR will remain, either that or: an IS350h to replace the IS350.

spwolf
I bet it will be out in 2021 MY with 416hp engine in one of the variations (not base). Dont we already have dates when job 1 starts for next IS from Carmaker1?
Yeah. Job #1 starts in July 2020 - I believe.

Secondly - I would bet against that. We are talking about Toyota here. A known conservative company. Everyone was excited about the 3G Lexus IS back in 2012/2013 too. Everyone was assuming Turbo charge and more power. What did we get in 2014/2015? Nothing. No changes. Then in 2016 and 2018 - engine changes. But slightly.

From someone that plays Toyota stock and invest highly in their company. Its highly likely, based off Toyota's build patterns, the AR Turbo and 2GR V6 will stay on the 4G Lexus until at least refresh - earliest they change engines there. Toyota loves to milk the engine/platform until they get the most profit from it. This is why they are one of the richest car companies.

My prediction is the TTV6 will not be dropped into the Lexus IS line. Maybe in the distance future - but not now. Few reasons why I think this:
1) Lexus IS is the brand's entry level product. Majority of their sales come from the base engine trim. A TTV6 would just not pull enough sales to justify it.
2) A TTV6 trickle drop from the LS to IS within a few years is too fast of a "trickle down". Toyota would likely want to shove the TTV6 into another model first.
3) A Lexus IS Non F model with TTV6 will only please enthusiasts - and generate questionable sales as enthusiasts make a small population of the consumer base with not all of them willing to buy a TTV6 Lexus.
4) With stronger emission laws coming from China and Europe, its possible Toyota brings the Lexus IS300h into US market and make it a IS350h to replace the IS350. A Hybrid Lexus IS will sell really well.
5) And this is my biggest reason - SUV crazed market. With an intensive SUV crazed market, it makes no sense to put a TTV6 into a Lexus IS. Sedan sales already low - especially luxury sedans. I believe the next vehicle to get the TTV6 will be the Lexus RX. It'll help the Lexus RX be a better and bigger power-house in the SUV market.

Last note: The 3G Lexus IS in 2014/2015 sold nearly as much units as the 2G Lexus IS in 2006/2007. Toyota knows the Lexus IS will sell regardless of engine changes.
L
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
L
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
L
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
L
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
S
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
S
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
S
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
S
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
S
mikeavelli
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
they will invest now and build it in 2021... who wont buy Tesla 3 sized EV from BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus in 2021/2022, because Tesla was there sooner?

They dont have problem with Tesla losing billions before them, batteries are usually supplied by 3rd party anyway.
S
mikeavelli
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
they will invest now and build it in 2021... who wont buy Tesla 3 sized EV from BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus in 2021/2022, because Tesla was there sooner?

They dont have problem with Tesla losing billions before them, batteries are usually supplied by 3rd party anyway.
S
mikeavelli
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
they will invest now and build it in 2021... who wont buy Tesla 3 sized EV from BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus in 2021/2022, because Tesla was there sooner?

They dont have problem with Tesla losing billions before them, batteries are usually supplied by 3rd party anyway.
S
mikeavelli
They would invest now with projections of profits in the future.
they will invest now and build it in 2021... who wont buy Tesla 3 sized EV from BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus in 2021/2022, because Tesla was there sooner?

They dont have problem with Tesla losing billions before them, batteries are usually supplied by 3rd party anyway.
S
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine. Especially since its also already proven in reliability as well on top of saving money.
S
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine. Especially since its also already proven in reliability as well on top of saving money.
S
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine. Especially since its also already proven in reliability as well on top of saving money.
S
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

The 200-250kW class engine is a workhorse, so it will not only be used by sports models like the IS, but one of the main purposes will be for light trucks and SUVs. The V35A-FKS is almost guaranteed to be less powerful and torquey as a utility vehicle engine than either the 1GR or 2GR. The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable. If the next Tacoma/4Runner/Prado does need a naturally aspirated V6 option they will stick to the 2GR-FKS, not developing an entirely new motor that does not offer more capabilities.
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine. Especially since its also already proven in reliability as well on top of saving money.
Joaquin Ruhi
Levi
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

...The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable...
Sakura
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine.
The IS, perhaps more than any other Lexus line, has seen a wide array of regional, market-dependent powerplant offerings, and I suspect this will continue for the 4th generation. IS 350 has been pretty much a North America thing, with some also sold in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and possibly a handful of other markets. The IS 200d/220d diesels were a European thing. The 1st-gen IS 200s (be they 4 or 6 cylinders) never made it to North America, and neither has the IS 300h.

I think it's only a matter of time before a V35A-FKS naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine replaces the current 2GR-FKS. With many of the so-called Dynamic Force tricks (dual Otto/Atkinson cycle, VVT-iW and so forth) already applied to the aging 2GR, it's hard to imagine how much better a V35A replacement could be. But you never know. No specs have been revealed. Don't underestimate Toyota engineers.

Yet, the Chinese market LS 350 would've been a natural to unveil the V35A-FKS. Instead, it soldiers on with the older 2GR-FKS. Given that the 2nd-gen IS pioneered the dual direct + port injection 2GR-FSE in the IS 350, might its 4th-gen successor be the first to use a naturally aspirated V35A-FKS in North America, Japan and Oceania?

I agree with ssun30 that a turbocharged A24/25A-FTS would be better suited for China's engine displacement-based laws than the V35A. and I imagine that Europe's primary powertrain lineup will continue to be hybrid, most likely the latest Toyota Crown's choice of A25A-FXS and 8GR-FXS.
Joaquin Ruhi
Levi
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

...The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable...
Sakura
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine.
The IS, perhaps more than any other Lexus line, has seen a wide array of regional, market-dependent powerplant offerings, and I suspect this will continue for the 4th generation. IS 350 has been pretty much a North America thing, with some also sold in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and possibly a handful of other markets. The IS 200d/220d diesels were a European thing. The 1st-gen IS 200s (be they 4 or 6 cylinders) never made it to North America, and neither has the IS 300h.

I think it's only a matter of time before a V35A-FKS naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine replaces the current 2GR-FKS. With many of the so-called Dynamic Force tricks (dual Otto/Atkinson cycle, VVT-iW and so forth) already applied to the aging 2GR, it's hard to imagine how much better a V35A replacement could be. But you never know. No specs have been revealed. Don't underestimate Toyota engineers.

Yet, the Chinese market LS 350 would've been a natural to unveil the V35A-FKS. Instead, it soldiers on with the older 2GR-FKS. Given that the 2nd-gen IS pioneered the dual direct + port injection 2GR-FSE in the IS 350, might its 4th-gen successor be the first to use a naturally aspirated V35A-FKS in North America, Japan and Oceania?

I agree with ssun30 that a turbocharged A24/25A-FTS would be better suited for China's engine displacement-based laws than the V35A. and I imagine that Europe's primary powertrain lineup will continue to be hybrid, most likely the latest Toyota Crown's choice of A25A-FXS and 8GR-FXS.
Joaquin Ruhi
Levi
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

...The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable...
Sakura
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine.
The IS, perhaps more than any other Lexus line, has seen a wide array of regional, market-dependent powerplant offerings, and I suspect this will continue for the 4th generation. IS 350 has been pretty much a North America thing, with some also sold in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and possibly a handful of other markets. The IS 200d/220d diesels were a European thing. The 1st-gen IS 200s (be they 4 or 6 cylinders) never made it to North America, and neither has the IS 300h.

I think it's only a matter of time before a V35A-FKS naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine replaces the current 2GR-FKS. With many of the so-called Dynamic Force tricks (dual Otto/Atkinson cycle, VVT-iW and so forth) already applied to the aging 2GR, it's hard to imagine how much better a V35A replacement could be. But you never know. No specs have been revealed. Don't underestimate Toyota engineers.

Yet, the Chinese market LS 350 would've been a natural to unveil the V35A-FKS. Instead, it soldiers on with the older 2GR-FKS. Given that the 2nd-gen IS pioneered the dual direct + port injection 2GR-FSE in the IS 350, might its 4th-gen successor be the first to use a naturally aspirated V35A-FKS in North America, Japan and Oceania?

I agree with ssun30 that a turbocharged A24/25A-FTS would be better suited for China's engine displacement-based laws than the V35A. and I imagine that Europe's primary powertrain lineup will continue to be hybrid, most likely the latest Toyota Crown's choice of A25A-FXS and 8GR-FXS.
Joaquin Ruhi
Levi
Next IS 350 could get a V35A-FKS, a naturally aspirated version, not the V35A-FTS?
ssun30
Why would they bother with a V35A-FKS when they will have a turbo motor capable of taking its role?

...The hypothetical A24/25A-FTS will be more capable in every way imaginable...
Sakura
This is very true. The 2GR-FKS will likely stay instead of developing a N/A version of the TTV6 engine.
The IS, perhaps more than any other Lexus line, has seen a wide array of regional, market-dependent powerplant offerings, and I suspect this will continue for the 4th generation. IS 350 has been pretty much a North America thing, with some also sold in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and possibly a handful of other markets. The IS 200d/220d diesels were a European thing. The 1st-gen IS 200s (be they 4 or 6 cylinders) never made it to North America, and neither has the IS 300h.

I think it's only a matter of time before a V35A-FKS naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine replaces the current 2GR-FKS. With many of the so-called Dynamic Force tricks (dual Otto/Atkinson cycle, VVT-iW and so forth) already applied to the aging 2GR, it's hard to imagine how much better a V35A replacement could be. But you never know. No specs have been revealed. Don't underestimate Toyota engineers.

Yet, the Chinese market LS 350 would've been a natural to unveil the V35A-FKS. Instead, it soldiers on with the older 2GR-FKS. Given that the 2nd-gen IS pioneered the dual direct + port injection 2GR-FSE in the IS 350, might its 4th-gen successor be the first to use a naturally aspirated V35A-FKS in North America, Japan and Oceania?

I agree with ssun30 that a turbocharged A24/25A-FTS would be better suited for China's engine displacement-based laws than the V35A. and I imagine that Europe's primary powertrain lineup will continue to be hybrid, most likely the latest Toyota Crown's choice of A25A-FXS and 8GR-FXS.
R
Please watch on You Tube Top Gear testing the Tesla 3, it is an impressive car and is scarily fast, simple and clean.
I think we are at the start of a revolution here, and these suggestions of various power plants in different models will be history because the Tesla shows just how much torque and speed it is capable of and no one will need more, and their autonomous driving system looks impressive as well. In this same You Tube Tesla clip the Tesla tested for speed round a track against an established high end sports car and yes the Tesla is faster and wins.
I want one!
However would like Lexus to manufacture it, as I believe Tesla has had assembly problems and various teething issues after all they are now building at the rate of 7000 (up from 5000) cars a week from start up. I know Ford make that number in a matter of hours but their products along with many other manufacturers are looking boring and definitely old world by comparison to the new wave. The new Nissan Leaf recently launched now has a range on one charge of over 400 kms which for many folk would mean that the car needs to be re charged on a once a week basis. This range is likely to continue to improve as battery tech Improves.
The established manufacturers are not far away I am sure.

R