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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ssun30
This just makes zero sense when they are investing in their own powertrain so heavily. Integrating a non-native Inline-6 motor which is going to a very small portion of vehicles is just not worth the extra effort (95% of sales are going to be turbo-4s and hybrids). The speculators should have more common sense. They think this is as simple as doing aftermarket engine swaps.

The Supra had to use a BMW motor just for the sake of 'legacy', which was a poor move.
indeed, it makes no sense... well lets hope that pics are somewhat accurate, it looks good:

p.s. again 2.4l turbo that is replacing GR, and few days ago again I saw mentions of 1.6l 3cly turbo with 240-250hp in Japanese media, related to Corolla.

S
ssun30
This just makes zero sense when they are investing in their own powertrain so heavily. Integrating a non-native Inline-6 motor which is going to a very small portion of vehicles is just not worth the extra effort (95% of sales are going to be turbo-4s and hybrids). The speculators should have more common sense. They think this is as simple as doing aftermarket engine swaps.

The Supra had to use a BMW motor just for the sake of 'legacy', which was a poor move.
indeed, it makes no sense... well lets hope that pics are somewhat accurate, it looks good:

p.s. again 2.4l turbo that is replacing GR, and few days ago again I saw mentions of 1.6l 3cly turbo with 240-250hp in Japanese media, related to Corolla.

S
I'm getting increasingly concerned with rumors that point to the IS not growing in size. While the lack of interior space is not the sole reason IS sales have been failing, it is definitely a major area remains to be improved. Again I believe last-gen Mark X is the minimum size for the new IS to stay competitive.

But I won't be complaining too much if their mainstream trim is going to weigh only 1,580kg. That would be some really impressive weight savings on their part, although I won't believe it until I see it.
S
I'm getting increasingly concerned with rumors that point to the IS not growing in size. While the lack of interior space is not the sole reason IS sales have been failing, it is definitely a major area remains to be improved. Again I believe last-gen Mark X is the minimum size for the new IS to stay competitive.

But I won't be complaining too much if their mainstream trim is going to weigh only 1,580kg. That would be some really impressive weight savings on their part, although I won't believe it until I see it.
G
flexus
https://bestcarweb.jp/news/59056
For you who don't speak Japanese:
-Bestcar has heard rumors that IS will be equipped with I6 turbo by BMW.
-Toyota BMW co-operation will continue.
-They want to make IS more sportier
-Lexus is rearraging their sedan lineup
-Bodysize won't differ much and it will be build TNGA platform similar to Crown. FR layout.
-Base will be 2.5l hybrid also 2.0 turbo and newly engineered 2.4l turbo (maybe same as in new Legacy?)
-They will add I6 in between ISF and IS2.4T
-I6 same as in Supra different from M3
-Weight around 1540kg
-GR tuning of Lexus models
-5L V8 will be discontinued because of fuel insuffiency compared to german3
-ISF will have TTV6 same as in LS
-Next gen IS will be out in 2021 and IS F sport (I6) in 2022
Specs:
View attachment 3173
Yay to recognizing that the IS needs to be made sportier, boo to the BMW engine rumor. There is zero chance that a BMW unit could be made reliable enough to meet Lexus standards.
G
flexus
https://bestcarweb.jp/news/59056
For you who don't speak Japanese:
-Bestcar has heard rumors that IS will be equipped with I6 turbo by BMW.
-Toyota BMW co-operation will continue.
-They want to make IS more sportier
-Lexus is rearraging their sedan lineup
-Bodysize won't differ much and it will be build TNGA platform similar to Crown. FR layout.
-Base will be 2.5l hybrid also 2.0 turbo and newly engineered 2.4l turbo (maybe same as in new Legacy?)
-They will add I6 in between ISF and IS2.4T
-I6 same as in Supra different from M3
-Weight around 1540kg
-GR tuning of Lexus models
-5L V8 will be discontinued because of fuel insuffiency compared to german3
-ISF will have TTV6 same as in LS
-Next gen IS will be out in 2021 and IS F sport (I6) in 2022
Specs:
View attachment 3173
Yay to recognizing that the IS needs to be made sportier, boo to the BMW engine rumor. There is zero chance that a BMW unit could be made reliable enough to meet Lexus standards.
Gecko
spwolf
This render looks AWESOME!
Gecko
spwolf
This render looks AWESOME!
G
Gecko
This render looks AWESOME!
Agreed. The Nike swoosh is gone, which ruined that part of the 3IS for me.
G
Gecko
This render looks AWESOME!
Agreed. The Nike swoosh is gone, which ruined that part of the 3IS for me.
flexus
Does anyone have info about this 2.4T engine mentioned? I am not familiar with TMC engines my guessing is the new Legacy engine since Toyota owns 17% of Subaru but will they use a boxer engine? Specs for 2.4T are 260HP almost same as IS200.
flexus
Does anyone have info about this 2.4T engine mentioned? I am not familiar with TMC engines my guessing is the new Legacy engine since Toyota owns 17% of Subaru but will they use a boxer engine? Specs for 2.4T are 260HP almost same as IS200.
S
flexus
Does anyone have info about this 2.4T engine mentioned? I am not familiar with TMC engines my guessing is the new Legacy engine since Toyota owns 17% of Subaru but will they use a boxer engine? Specs for 2.4T are 260HP almost same as IS200.
it most certainly wont be subaru engine... it has been rumored for a long time as replacement for 3.5l GR NA engine... so expect something like 300hp.
S
flexus
Does anyone have info about this 2.4T engine mentioned? I am not familiar with TMC engines my guessing is the new Legacy engine since Toyota owns 17% of Subaru but will they use a boxer engine? Specs for 2.4T are 260HP almost same as IS200.
it most certainly wont be subaru engine... it has been rumored for a long time as replacement for 3.5l GR NA engine... so expect something like 300hp.
Joaquin Ruhi
The Best Car Web article also includes this rear 3/4 rendering:



Now for some commentary:

- Color me deeply skeptical about that rumor that the BMW inline 6 is going into the next IS. Besides all the valid reasons posted above that this is NotGonnaHappen, keep in mind that the GA-L architecture is kinda-sorta front-mid-engined, with the engine's center of mass falling behind the front axle line. Throw a long inline 6 into the mix, and you're going to squeeze interior room (particularly rear legroom) to an absurd degree.

- The rumored 2850mm (112.2") wheelbase is 20mm/0.8" shorter than the LC coupe, currently the shortest of the GA-L/TNGA-N trio (LC, Toyota Crown15, 5LS). Again, I don't see that realistically happening. The key question is whether 4IS's wheelbase will match the 2870mm/113" of the LC or the latest Crown's 2920mm/115".

- The 4IS's rumored 4700mm (185") overall length is 35mm/1.3" longer than 3IS. Its 1820mm (71.7") overall width is 10mm (0.4") wider than 3IS. The 1420mm (55.9") overall height is similarly 10mm/0.4" lower than its predecessor.

flexus
Does anyone have info about this 2.4T engine mentioned? I am not familiar with TMC engines my guessing is the new Legacy engine since Toyota owns 17% of Subaru but will they use a boxer engine? Specs for 2.4T are 260HP almost same as IS200.
spwolf
it most certainly wont be subaru engine...
Agreed. The fact that Subaru's latest turbocharged engine (the FA24F 2.4-liter flat four from the Ascent and upcoming 7th-gen Legacy) and Toyota/Lexus' rumored 2.4-liter inline 4 turbo share the same displacement is sheer coincidence. I'd venture a guess that the latter engine, if it comes to fruition, is a derivative of the A25A-FKS 2.5-liter 4 from the latest Toyota Camry and RAV4 with thicker cylinder linings (to better withstand the rigors of boost) accounting for the reduced displacement. Audi, for one, has done this in the past with its supercharged sixes (3.0-liter boosted / 3.2-liter naturally aspirated). In other words, an A24A-FTS.
Joaquin Ruhi
The Best Car Web article also includes this rear 3/4 rendering:



Now for some commentary:

- Color me deeply skeptical about that rumor that the BMW inline 6 is going into the next IS. Besides all the valid reasons posted above that this is NotGonnaHappen, keep in mind that the GA-L architecture is kinda-sorta front-mid-engined, with the engine's center of mass falling behind the front axle line. Throw a long inline 6 into the mix, and you're going to squeeze interior room (particularly rear legroom) to an absurd degree.

- The rumored 2850mm (112.2") wheelbase is 20mm/0.8" shorter than the LC coupe, currently the shortest of the GA-L/TNGA-N trio (LC, Toyota Crown15, 5LS). Again, I don't see that realistically happening. The key question is whether 4IS's wheelbase will match the 2870mm/113" of the LC or the latest Crown's 2920mm/115".

- The 4IS's rumored 4700mm (185") overall length is 35mm/1.3" longer than 3IS. Its 1820mm (71.7") overall width is 10mm (0.4") wider than 3IS. The 1420mm (55.9") overall height is similarly 10mm/0.4" lower than its predecessor.

flexus
Does anyone have info about this 2.4T engine mentioned? I am not familiar with TMC engines my guessing is the new Legacy engine since Toyota owns 17% of Subaru but will they use a boxer engine? Specs for 2.4T are 260HP almost same as IS200.
spwolf
it most certainly wont be subaru engine...
Agreed. The fact that Subaru's latest turbocharged engine (the FA24F 2.4-liter flat four from the Ascent and upcoming 7th-gen Legacy) and Toyota/Lexus' rumored 2.4-liter inline 4 turbo share the same displacement is sheer coincidence. I'd venture a guess that the latter engine, if it comes to fruition, is a derivative of the A25A-FKS 2.5-liter 4 from the latest Toyota Camry and RAV4 with thicker cylinder linings (to better withstand the rigors of boost) accounting for the reduced displacement. Audi, for one, has done this in the past with its supercharged sixes (3.0-liter boosted / 3.2-liter naturally aspirated). In other words, an A24A-FTS.
Gecko
So... debut in 2020 as a 2021, then the F Sport coming a year later in 2022? I know it's all rumors at this point, but if the regular IS lineup is all 4cylinder, be it 2.0T, 2.4T or 2.5L hybrid, then I wonder if there is some validity in the rumor of an F Sport car having a bigger engine option, similar to A4/S4 and C300/C43 AMG?

It's hard to even plot out what the lineup or engines could look like without some idea of what we should expect from the rumored 2.4L I4. Single turbo? twin turbo?

I could see an "IS 300" base car with 2.0T single turbo, and then an "IS 400" with the 2.4L twin turbo as an upmarket option... or I could just see one engine option for USA being 2.4L single turbo with something like 285 hp.

It would be cool to see them do an IS 500 F Sport with V35A-FTS as well as a V8 IS F, but I am not sure Lexus is really investing or trying to do "more" with any of their sedans for the foreseeable future.
Gecko
So... debut in 2020 as a 2021, then the F Sport coming a year later in 2022? I know it's all rumors at this point, but if the regular IS lineup is all 4cylinder, be it 2.0T, 2.4T or 2.5L hybrid, then I wonder if there is some validity in the rumor of an F Sport car having a bigger engine option, similar to A4/S4 and C300/C43 AMG?

It's hard to even plot out what the lineup or engines could look like without some idea of what we should expect from the rumored 2.4L I4. Single turbo? twin turbo?

I could see an "IS 300" base car with 2.0T single turbo, and then an "IS 400" with the 2.4L twin turbo as an upmarket option... or I could just see one engine option for USA being 2.4L single turbo with something like 285 hp.

It would be cool to see them do an IS 500 F Sport with V35A-FTS as well as a V8 IS F, but I am not sure Lexus is really investing or trying to do "more" with any of their sedans for the foreseeable future.
Gecko
Another thing: A25A-FKS has received a fair amount of flak for being rough and unrefined in both Rav4 and Camry. If they are going to move this engine into the Lexus lineup in some way, I hope there are plans to make it more refined.
Gecko
Another thing: A25A-FKS has received a fair amount of flak for being rough and unrefined in both Rav4 and Camry. If they are going to move this engine into the Lexus lineup in some way, I hope there are plans to make it more refined.
S
Gecko
So... debut in 2020 as a 2021, then the F Sport coming a year later in 2022? I know it's all rumors at this point, but if the regular IS lineup is all 4cylinder, be it 2.0T, 2.4T or 2.5L hybrid, then I wonder if there is some validity in the rumor of an F Sport car having a bigger engine option, similar to A4/S4 and C300/C43 AMG?

It's hard to even plot out what the lineup or engines could look like without some idea of what we should expect from the rumored 2.4L I4. Single turbo? twin turbo?

I could see an "IS 300" base car with 2.0T single turbo, and then an "IS 400" with the 2.4L twin turbo as an upmarket option... or I could just see one engine option for USA being 2.4L single turbo with something like 285 hp.

It would be cool to see them do an IS 500 F Sport with V35A-FTS as well as a V8 IS F, but I am not sure Lexus is really investing or trying to do "more" with any of their sedans for the foreseeable future.
in the case of IS, I can see 2.0t, 2.4t and V6tt options, as well as IS300h.
S
Gecko
So... debut in 2020 as a 2021, then the F Sport coming a year later in 2022? I know it's all rumors at this point, but if the regular IS lineup is all 4cylinder, be it 2.0T, 2.4T or 2.5L hybrid, then I wonder if there is some validity in the rumor of an F Sport car having a bigger engine option, similar to A4/S4 and C300/C43 AMG?

It's hard to even plot out what the lineup or engines could look like without some idea of what we should expect from the rumored 2.4L I4. Single turbo? twin turbo?

I could see an "IS 300" base car with 2.0T single turbo, and then an "IS 400" with the 2.4L twin turbo as an upmarket option... or I could just see one engine option for USA being 2.4L single turbo with something like 285 hp.

It would be cool to see them do an IS 500 F Sport with V35A-FTS as well as a V8 IS F, but I am not sure Lexus is really investing or trying to do "more" with any of their sedans for the foreseeable future.
in the case of IS, I can see 2.0t, 2.4t and V6tt options, as well as IS300h.
mikeavelli
That rear 3/4 view reminds me of the 2IS but sharpened up.
mikeavelli
That rear 3/4 view reminds me of the 2IS but sharpened up.
krew
Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan to be Offered with BMW Inline-6 Engine?

[​IMG]

Wild rumors out of Japan.
View the original article post
krew
Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan to be Offered with BMW Inline-6 Engine?

[​IMG]

Wild rumors out of Japan.
View the original article post
James
I would prefer a Lexus engine but hell don’t care that much. Make a quicker top IS that’s below the F that can be AWD for us northern climaters so we can get it and not worry as much. In the high 4s would be a great 0-60
zeusus
I don't know, one would think Lexus would learn from getting shat on all over the internet for the Supra. BMW essentially stole the show and came out looking like the winner on the release of the Supra.

Now Toyota/Lexus wants to do it again? Im sure they see some sort of financial gain that outweighs street cred.
G
James
I would prefer a Lexus engine but hell don’t care that much. Make a quicker top IS that’s below the F that can be AWD for us northern climaters so we can get it and not worry as much. In the high 4s would be a great 0-60
Basically an M340i competitor, except without that horrid grille that looks like someone puked up Cheerios all over it, and without the notorious unreliability.
S
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