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
Gecko
Ian Schmidt
Before we bury it, do we have any real-world dyno results proving that the torque numbers on the V35A are off by nearly 50 foot-pounds as Gecko alleges?
What?
Gecko
Ian Schmidt
Before we bury it, do we have any real-world dyno results proving that the torque numbers on the V35A are off by nearly 50 foot-pounds as Gecko alleges?
What?
Ian Schmidt
Gecko
what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Ian Schmidt
Gecko
what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Ian Schmidt
Gecko
what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Ian Schmidt
Gecko
what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Ian Schmidt
Gecko
what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Gecko
Ian Schmidt
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Lots of different factors... could be transmission mapping, weight of the LS, etc. As you note, a dyno would be a great indicator of what this engine is really putting down but I haven't found one yet. Have you?
Gecko
Ian Schmidt
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Lots of different factors... could be transmission mapping, weight of the LS, etc. As you note, a dyno would be a great indicator of what this engine is really putting down but I haven't found one yet. Have you?
Gecko
Ian Schmidt
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Lots of different factors... could be transmission mapping, weight of the LS, etc. As you note, a dyno would be a great indicator of what this engine is really putting down but I haven't found one yet. Have you?
Gecko
Ian Schmidt
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Lots of different factors... could be transmission mapping, weight of the LS, etc. As you note, a dyno would be a great indicator of what this engine is really putting down but I haven't found one yet. Have you?
Gecko
Ian Schmidt
If we assume 370, that's nearly 50 HP off spec :) (I misread HP as torque initially).
Lots of different factors... could be transmission mapping, weight of the LS, etc. As you note, a dyno would be a great indicator of what this engine is really putting down but I haven't found one yet. Have you?
F1 Silver Arrows
I also haven't seen an acceleration video of the LS500. I've seen the LS500H but I want to see how fast the TTV6 goes.
F1 Silver Arrows
I also haven't seen an acceleration video of the LS500. I've seen the LS500H but I want to see how fast the TTV6 goes.
F1 Silver Arrows
I also haven't seen an acceleration video of the LS500. I've seen the LS500H but I want to see how fast the TTV6 goes.
F1 Silver Arrows
I also haven't seen an acceleration video of the LS500. I've seen the LS500H but I want to see how fast the TTV6 goes.
F1 Silver Arrows
I also haven't seen an acceleration video of the LS500. I've seen the LS500H but I want to see how fast the TTV6 goes.
S
Gecko
C43 is now up to 385hp and BMW has 355hp+ versions of their I6, and the list goes on. By the time Lexus introduces the IS, 400hp will be the norm for top end performance models. Furthermore, Lexus engines haven't exactly been meeting their manufacturer quoted performance numbers, so what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
S
Gecko
C43 is now up to 385hp and BMW has 355hp+ versions of their I6, and the list goes on. By the time Lexus introduces the IS, 400hp will be the norm for top end performance models. Furthermore, Lexus engines haven't exactly been meeting their manufacturer quoted performance numbers, so what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
S
Gecko
C43 is now up to 385hp and BMW has 355hp+ versions of their I6, and the list goes on. By the time Lexus introduces the IS, 400hp will be the norm for top end performance models. Furthermore, Lexus engines haven't exactly been meeting their manufacturer quoted performance numbers, so what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
S
Gecko
C43 is now up to 385hp and BMW has 355hp+ versions of their I6, and the list goes on. By the time Lexus introduces the IS, 400hp will be the norm for top end performance models. Furthermore, Lexus engines haven't exactly been meeting their manufacturer quoted performance numbers, so what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
S
Gecko
C43 is now up to 385hp and BMW has 355hp+ versions of their I6, and the list goes on. By the time Lexus introduces the IS, 400hp will be the norm for top end performance models. Furthermore, Lexus engines haven't exactly been meeting their manufacturer quoted performance numbers, so what Lexus deems as 416hp will probably be competitive with everyone else who is around 370-385hp.
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
S
ssun30
It's a standard longitudinal AWD system with a transaxle that creates a 50-50 split, all open diffs. At least that's true for the Crown Hybrid AWD. Not sure if the LS Hybrid AWD gets torsen or other devices allowing non-even/dynamic torque split.
new crown hybrid (300h) has torsen lsd:

It is full time 4WD which can demonstrate the high performance of 2.5L hybrid system in various running scenes and road conditions. With the use of the center-diff installed full-time 4WD, the power of the 2.5L dynamic force engine is completely transmitted to the road surface, further improving the unique response and smooth acceleration of the hybrid car. On the other hand, coupled with the synergistic effect with low center of gravity FR platform based on TNGA, excellent running stability has been realized. In addition, Tolsen ® LSD * 2, which has been made smaller and lighter, is adopted for transfer that distributes rich power to front and rear wheels . Normally, torque of front and rear wheels is distributed at 40:60, and torque is distributed instantaneously from 30:70 to 50:50 to front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. In any situation, it brings a natural and dynamic maneuvering sensation.
S
ssun30
It's a standard longitudinal AWD system with a transaxle that creates a 50-50 split, all open diffs. At least that's true for the Crown Hybrid AWD. Not sure if the LS Hybrid AWD gets torsen or other devices allowing non-even/dynamic torque split.
new crown hybrid (300h) has torsen lsd:

It is full time 4WD which can demonstrate the high performance of 2.5L hybrid system in various running scenes and road conditions. With the use of the center-diff installed full-time 4WD, the power of the 2.5L dynamic force engine is completely transmitted to the road surface, further improving the unique response and smooth acceleration of the hybrid car. On the other hand, coupled with the synergistic effect with low center of gravity FR platform based on TNGA, excellent running stability has been realized. In addition, Tolsen ® LSD * 2, which has been made smaller and lighter, is adopted for transfer that distributes rich power to front and rear wheels . Normally, torque of front and rear wheels is distributed at 40:60, and torque is distributed instantaneously from 30:70 to 50:50 to front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. In any situation, it brings a natural and dynamic maneuvering sensation.
S
ssun30
It's a standard longitudinal AWD system with a transaxle that creates a 50-50 split, all open diffs. At least that's true for the Crown Hybrid AWD. Not sure if the LS Hybrid AWD gets torsen or other devices allowing non-even/dynamic torque split.
new crown hybrid (300h) has torsen lsd:

It is full time 4WD which can demonstrate the high performance of 2.5L hybrid system in various running scenes and road conditions. With the use of the center-diff installed full-time 4WD, the power of the 2.5L dynamic force engine is completely transmitted to the road surface, further improving the unique response and smooth acceleration of the hybrid car. On the other hand, coupled with the synergistic effect with low center of gravity FR platform based on TNGA, excellent running stability has been realized. In addition, Tolsen ® LSD * 2, which has been made smaller and lighter, is adopted for transfer that distributes rich power to front and rear wheels . Normally, torque of front and rear wheels is distributed at 40:60, and torque is distributed instantaneously from 30:70 to 50:50 to front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. In any situation, it brings a natural and dynamic maneuvering sensation.
S
ssun30
It's a standard longitudinal AWD system with a transaxle that creates a 50-50 split, all open diffs. At least that's true for the Crown Hybrid AWD. Not sure if the LS Hybrid AWD gets torsen or other devices allowing non-even/dynamic torque split.
new crown hybrid (300h) has torsen lsd:

It is full time 4WD which can demonstrate the high performance of 2.5L hybrid system in various running scenes and road conditions. With the use of the center-diff installed full-time 4WD, the power of the 2.5L dynamic force engine is completely transmitted to the road surface, further improving the unique response and smooth acceleration of the hybrid car. On the other hand, coupled with the synergistic effect with low center of gravity FR platform based on TNGA, excellent running stability has been realized. In addition, Tolsen ® LSD * 2, which has been made smaller and lighter, is adopted for transfer that distributes rich power to front and rear wheels . Normally, torque of front and rear wheels is distributed at 40:60, and torque is distributed instantaneously from 30:70 to 50:50 to front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. In any situation, it brings a natural and dynamic maneuvering sensation.
S
ssun30
It's a standard longitudinal AWD system with a transaxle that creates a 50-50 split, all open diffs. At least that's true for the Crown Hybrid AWD. Not sure if the LS Hybrid AWD gets torsen or other devices allowing non-even/dynamic torque split.
new crown hybrid (300h) has torsen lsd:

It is full time 4WD which can demonstrate the high performance of 2.5L hybrid system in various running scenes and road conditions. With the use of the center-diff installed full-time 4WD, the power of the 2.5L dynamic force engine is completely transmitted to the road surface, further improving the unique response and smooth acceleration of the hybrid car. On the other hand, coupled with the synergistic effect with low center of gravity FR platform based on TNGA, excellent running stability has been realized. In addition, Tolsen ® LSD * 2, which has been made smaller and lighter, is adopted for transfer that distributes rich power to front and rear wheels . Normally, torque of front and rear wheels is distributed at 40:60, and torque is distributed instantaneously from 30:70 to 50:50 to front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. In any situation, it brings a natural and dynamic maneuvering sensation.
F1 Silver Arrows
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
My thoughts exactly. I don't know why people are accusing Lexus of overrating their cars. They are usually on point for performance measurements when it comes to ideal/close to ideal conditions. And that was when they were naturally aspirated engines. Now that they have turbochargers, they can make such claims and easily hit their claimed performance numbers, or even go significantly better than their claimed numbers (they've already been doing that for most of their performance oriented models already). I am discounting the turbocharged 4-cylinder in cars like the NX or RC, because that's a first attempt in a long time to make a turbocharged engine to get the best of both worlds for performance and fuel economy. I have full trust in them that they would make their goal.

As for the LS, the 4.6 second claim is probably legitimate. It all matters down to specification, conditions of the weather (though this should affect turbocharged cars less than naturally aspirated variants), equipment to measure, etc.

416 horsepower in an IS should be able to walk away with no effort against competitors like the M340i, C43 AMG, XE35t, ATS V-Sport, S4. Even if they try to add more power and torque, it won't be able to match the engineering design of the 4IS. The engine, transmission, chassis (which includes steering, suspension, stiffness, etc.) of the new Lexus vehicles have gotten stellar reviews worldwide and are proof that it will be untouchable for the foreseeable future. You guys are also forgetting a major point. Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition. With the new TNGA platform under the new IS, they will be able to shred unnecessary weight while also adding crucial updates. Even if they make the 4IS close to the size of the current 4GS, with the materials that they are using for weight reduction (although expensive), they will still be ahead of the competition; just like the 2IS was.

I just hope it goes the way I mentioned......
F1 Silver Arrows
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
My thoughts exactly. I don't know why people are accusing Lexus of overrating their cars. They are usually on point for performance measurements when it comes to ideal/close to ideal conditions. And that was when they were naturally aspirated engines. Now that they have turbochargers, they can make such claims and easily hit their claimed performance numbers, or even go significantly better than their claimed numbers (they've already been doing that for most of their performance oriented models already). I am discounting the turbocharged 4-cylinder in cars like the NX or RC, because that's a first attempt in a long time to make a turbocharged engine to get the best of both worlds for performance and fuel economy. I have full trust in them that they would make their goal.

As for the LS, the 4.6 second claim is probably legitimate. It all matters down to specification, conditions of the weather (though this should affect turbocharged cars less than naturally aspirated variants), equipment to measure, etc.

416 horsepower in an IS should be able to walk away with no effort against competitors like the M340i, C43 AMG, XE35t, ATS V-Sport, S4. Even if they try to add more power and torque, it won't be able to match the engineering design of the 4IS. The engine, transmission, chassis (which includes steering, suspension, stiffness, etc.) of the new Lexus vehicles have gotten stellar reviews worldwide and are proof that it will be untouchable for the foreseeable future. You guys are also forgetting a major point. Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition. With the new TNGA platform under the new IS, they will be able to shred unnecessary weight while also adding crucial updates. Even if they make the 4IS close to the size of the current 4GS, with the materials that they are using for weight reduction (although expensive), they will still be ahead of the competition; just like the 2IS was.

I just hope it goes the way I mentioned......
F1 Silver Arrows
spwolf
i dont think IS500 would be priced the same as german "top end performance" model.

And are we really complaining that future IS500 has only 416hp? Thats silly.
My thoughts exactly. I don't know why people are accusing Lexus of overrating their cars. They are usually on point for performance measurements when it comes to ideal/close to ideal conditions. And that was when they were naturally aspirated engines. Now that they have turbochargers, they can make such claims and easily hit their claimed performance numbers, or even go significantly better than their claimed numbers (they've already been doing that for most of their performance oriented models already). I am discounting the turbocharged 4-cylinder in cars like the NX or RC, because that's a first attempt in a long time to make a turbocharged engine to get the best of both worlds for performance and fuel economy. I have full trust in them that they would make their goal.

As for the LS, the 4.6 second claim is probably legitimate. It all matters down to specification, conditions of the weather (though this should affect turbocharged cars less than naturally aspirated variants), equipment to measure, etc.

416 horsepower in an IS should be able to walk away with no effort against competitors like the M340i, C43 AMG, XE35t, ATS V-Sport, S4. Even if they try to add more power and torque, it won't be able to match the engineering design of the 4IS. The engine, transmission, chassis (which includes steering, suspension, stiffness, etc.) of the new Lexus vehicles have gotten stellar reviews worldwide and are proof that it will be untouchable for the foreseeable future. You guys are also forgetting a major point. Lexus' (except for the RC) are much lighter vehicles than the competition. With the new TNGA platform under the new IS, they will be able to shred unnecessary weight while also adding crucial updates. Even if they make the 4IS close to the size of the current 4GS, with the materials that they are using for weight reduction (although expensive), they will still be ahead of the competition; just like the 2IS was.

I just hope it goes the way I mentioned......

F