Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan to be Offered with BMW Inline-Six Turbo Engine?

Posted by Kevin on February 18th, 2019

Best Car Magazine in Japan is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS sedan will be offered with the same BMW Inline-6 turbo engine that powers the all-new Toyota Supra.

The I6 engine, which is rated at 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque in the Supra, would be one of four engines for the Lexus sedan — a 2.0L turbo, 2.4L turbo, and 2.5L hybrid engine would also be available based on region.

Lexus IS Next-Generation Rear

Best Car also reports that the IS is unlikely to change in size, and will weigh approximately 3,395 lbs. For referenece, the current IS tips the scales at 3,737 lbs.

(Finally, the magazine reiterates the rumor that a next-generation IS F sedan will be resurrected with the twin-turbo V6 engine from the LS flagship.)

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Comments
S
spwolf
there are rumors about IS500h being available, and also rumors that smaller powertrains will get multi-stage.
A 2.5L hybrid with a single ravigenaux gearset and three stages sounds like a great fit for the Highlander. Now the hybrids can get a low range without a transfer box. Opens up possibilities for hybrid trucks and offroad SUVs.

Great for the IS as well. The low gear can vastly increase launch performance which is demonstrated on the 500h already.
S
spwolf
there are rumors about IS500h being available, and also rumors that smaller powertrains will get multi-stage.
A 2.5L hybrid with a single ravigenaux gearset and three stages sounds like a great fit for the Highlander. Now the hybrids can get a low range without a transfer box. Opens up possibilities for hybrid trucks and offroad SUVs.

Great for the IS as well. The low gear can vastly increase launch performance which is demonstrated on the 500h already.
S
ssun30
A 2.5L hybrid with a single ravigenaux gearset and three stages sounds like a great fit for the Highlander. Now the hybrids can get a low range without a transfer box. Opens up possibilities for hybrid trucks and offroad SUVs.

Great for the IS as well. The low gear can vastly increase launch performance which is demonstrated on the 500h already.
and keep in mind that Highlander 4cly hybrid is coming for sure (announced with plant expansion that will build it), and thus RX will too. We wondered before how it will be done due to the weight (and even if it loses some weight), but now it makes more and more sense.
S
ssun30
A 2.5L hybrid with a single ravigenaux gearset and three stages sounds like a great fit for the Highlander. Now the hybrids can get a low range without a transfer box. Opens up possibilities for hybrid trucks and offroad SUVs.

Great for the IS as well. The low gear can vastly increase launch performance which is demonstrated on the 500h already.
and keep in mind that Highlander 4cly hybrid is coming for sure (announced with plant expansion that will build it), and thus RX will too. We wondered before how it will be done due to the weight (and even if it loses some weight), but now it makes more and more sense.
T
spwolf
and keep in mind that Highlander 4cly hybrid is coming for sure (announced with plant expansion that will build it), and thus RX will too. We wondered before how it will be done due to the weight (and even if it loses some weight), but now it makes more and more sense.
Eek, that sounds rather underpowered, though it should still be slightly better than the old 2.7l 4cyl.
T
spwolf
and keep in mind that Highlander 4cly hybrid is coming for sure (announced with plant expansion that will build it), and thus RX will too. We wondered before how it will be done due to the weight (and even if it loses some weight), but now it makes more and more sense.
Eek, that sounds rather underpowered, though it should still be slightly better than the old 2.7l 4cyl.
S
GNS
Speed definitely matters...otherwise none of us here would care if the 2GR-FKS makes a return in the 4IS.
and here's another real world acc test of the LS


It's not slow (5.86 sec) by any means, but far from manufacturer claimed number
speed definitely matters, otherwise there is no need for improvement
Back to 4IS...if 3.5TT does indeed make into the next IS, power should not be an issue. Weight will be more of a concern. Lexus needs to figure that part out.
The press have mentioned it too many times, from the IS, to the RC. The new LS does not seem to benefit from the new platform. Lets hope things will eventually get better.
S
GNS
Speed definitely matters...otherwise none of us here would care if the 2GR-FKS makes a return in the 4IS.
and here's another real world acc test of the LS


It's not slow (5.86 sec) by any means, but far from manufacturer claimed number
speed definitely matters, otherwise there is no need for improvement
Back to 4IS...if 3.5TT does indeed make into the next IS, power should not be an issue. Weight will be more of a concern. Lexus needs to figure that part out.
The press have mentioned it too many times, from the IS, to the RC. The new LS does not seem to benefit from the new platform. Lets hope things will eventually get better.
F1 Silver Arrows
sl0519
and here's another real world acc test of the LS


It's not slow (5.86 sec) by any means, but far from manufacturer claimed number
speed definitely matters, otherwise there is no need for improvement
Back to 4IS...if 3.5TT does indeed make into the next IS, power should not be an issue. Weight will be more of a concern. Lexus needs to figure that part out.
The press have mentioned it too many times, from the IS, to the RC. The new LS does not seem to benefit from the new platform. Lets hope things will eventually get better.
Yay an acceleration video!! Take note that this is in Australia, and the place where this guy tests is generally way above sea level, explaining the times. If you look at his other videos, cars are generally 0.5-1.0 second slower than their claimed manufacturers estimated time. I timed this myself and I got 5.6 seconds (not accurate I know), which is still decent nonetheless. Just subtract the delta time and you are good.
F1 Silver Arrows
sl0519
and here's another real world acc test of the LS


It's not slow (5.86 sec) by any means, but far from manufacturer claimed number
speed definitely matters, otherwise there is no need for improvement
Back to 4IS...if 3.5TT does indeed make into the next IS, power should not be an issue. Weight will be more of a concern. Lexus needs to figure that part out.
The press have mentioned it too many times, from the IS, to the RC. The new LS does not seem to benefit from the new platform. Lets hope things will eventually get better.
Yay an acceleration video!! Take note that this is in Australia, and the place where this guy tests is generally way above sea level, explaining the times. If you look at his other videos, cars are generally 0.5-1.0 second slower than their claimed manufacturers estimated time. I timed this myself and I got 5.6 seconds (not accurate I know), which is still decent nonetheless. Just subtract the delta time and you are good.
S
sl0519
and here's another real world acc test of the LS

The new LS does not seem to benefit from the new platform.
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
S
sl0519
and here's another real world acc test of the LS

The new LS does not seem to benefit from the new platform.
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
Ian Schmidt
spwolf
Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mpg. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
Ian Schmidt
spwolf
Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mpg. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • August 24, 2018
I'd take the RX vs X3 interior dbA measurements in that review with a grain of salt. Car and Driver tested both vehicles using a controlled method and got 67db @ 70mph for both vehicles. A tie. There's no way an X3 is twice as loud as an RX particularly since I can guarantee you the torsional rigidity of the X3 is a fair bit higher than the RX. The Audi SQ5 bested both the BMW and Lexus by 1db.

I can't link since my account is new. But look up Car and Driver's test. They do a very thorough job at testing various metrics such as interior db, sight line angles, etc.
C
  • C
    CT2IS
  • August 24, 2018
I'd take the RX vs X3 interior dbA measurements in that review with a grain of salt. Car and Driver tested both vehicles using a controlled method and got 67db @ 70mph for both vehicles. A tie. There's no way an X3 is twice as loud as an RX particularly since I can guarantee you the torsional rigidity of the X3 is a fair bit higher than the RX. The Audi SQ5 bested both the BMW and Lexus by 1db.

I can't link since my account is new. But look up Car and Driver's test. They do a very thorough job at testing various metrics such as interior db, sight line angles, etc.
S
CT2IS
I'd take the RX vs X3 interior dbA measurements in that review with a grain of salt. Car and Driver tested both vehicles using a controlled method and got 67db @ 70mph for both vehicles. A tie. There's no way an X3 is twice as loud as an RX particularly since I can guarantee you the torsional rigidity of the X3 is a fair bit higher than the RX. The Audi SQ5 bested both the BMW and Lexus by 1db.

I can't link since my account is new. But look up Car and Driver's test. They do a very thorough job at testing various metrics such as interior db, sight line angles, etc.
What does torsional rigidity have to do with sound proofing, weight of the vehicle and saving a bit of money? X3 is also noticeably louder in that video, including very loud engine, and certainly reviewers liked it so I have no doubts about its authenticity - you can very well hear it.

And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.

p.s. i also found it interesting that RX got same mpg with 15 year old V6 than brand new 2.0t from BMW, despite lighter weight of the X3.
S
CT2IS
I'd take the RX vs X3 interior dbA measurements in that review with a grain of salt. Car and Driver tested both vehicles using a controlled method and got 67db @ 70mph for both vehicles. A tie. There's no way an X3 is twice as loud as an RX particularly since I can guarantee you the torsional rigidity of the X3 is a fair bit higher than the RX. The Audi SQ5 bested both the BMW and Lexus by 1db.

I can't link since my account is new. But look up Car and Driver's test. They do a very thorough job at testing various metrics such as interior db, sight line angles, etc.
What does torsional rigidity have to do with sound proofing, weight of the vehicle and saving a bit of money? X3 is also noticeably louder in that video, including very loud engine, and certainly reviewers liked it so I have no doubts about its authenticity - you can very well hear it.

And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.

p.s. i also found it interesting that RX got same mpg with 15 year old V6 than brand new 2.0t from BMW, despite lighter weight of the X3.
T
Ian Schmidt
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
spwolf
And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.
As I understand it, each decibel is exponentially more powerful than the last so that every 10db is twice as loud. Going by that, each 1db works out to about 7.177% louder, compounding. So, 6db louder is about 51.5% louder. That's still a big difference.
T
Ian Schmidt
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
spwolf
And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.
As I understand it, each decibel is exponentially more powerful than the last so that every 10db is twice as loud. Going by that, each 1db works out to about 7.177% louder, compounding. So, 6db louder is about 51.5% louder. That's still a big difference.
Ian Schmidt
Perhaps the C&D difference is between German and US-built X3s?
Ian Schmidt
Perhaps the C&D difference is between German and US-built X3s?
S
Yes dB is a logarithmic metric. But keep in mind human ears are logarithmic as well. We don't really perceive a 6dB difference as strong as the mathematical value would suggest. But still, 6dB is notable in real life.

Anyway, why did we start a noise comparison under the IS thread?
S
Yes dB is a logarithmic metric. But keep in mind human ears are logarithmic as well. We don't really perceive a 6dB difference as strong as the mathematical value would suggest. But still, 6dB is notable in real life.

Anyway, why did we start a noise comparison under the IS thread?
mikeavelli
spwolf
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
X3 vs NX it is not a head on RX competitor. With the RX offering 3 rows it is clearly the X5 it competes with.

So tired of reviews and people missing this.
mikeavelli
spwolf
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
X3 vs NX it is not a head on RX competitor. With the RX offering 3 rows it is clearly the X5 it competes with.

So tired of reviews and people missing this.
Gecko
Hey guys, lets get this back to 4IS discussion.

Thanks.
Gecko
Hey guys, lets get this back to 4IS discussion.

Thanks.
I
I think I've (we've) got our eyes set out for the 4IS hybrid model (likely with the smallest displacement because we are always budget conscious) especially if the F Sport model for that can come with AVS and variable steering.

I know the 3IS is a very competent vehicle but I prefer at least a hybrid (really want a sedan BEV) to justify the capital outlay, lol. We'll see once we find out more about the 4IS and whether it will have a lot more to offer compared to a used 3IS 350 F Sport with AVS/ variable steering since buying used will mean almost like 10 years of fuel savings (10-15k miles/year) as oppose to buying new.
I
I think I've (we've) got our eyes set out for the 4IS hybrid model (likely with the smallest displacement because we are always budget conscious) especially if the F Sport model for that can come with AVS and variable steering.

I know the 3IS is a very competent vehicle but I prefer at least a hybrid (really want a sedan BEV) to justify the capital outlay, lol. We'll see once we find out more about the 4IS and whether it will have a lot more to offer compared to a used 3IS 350 F Sport with AVS/ variable steering since buying used will mean almost like 10 years of fuel savings (10-15k miles/year) as oppose to buying new.

I