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

Joaquin Ruhi

Based on that Australian Performance Drive article and information previously posted here by Carmaker1, the 4th-gen Lexus IS (program code 400A) goes into production on July 2020 for a 2021 model year launch in the 4th quarter of the 2020 calendar year in major markets such as Japan, North America and Europe.

Thanks for the info. That is very late IMHO, good luck selling the current car until then. The current IS is uncompetitive with the market, and is far behind the A4 and C Class, and wait until the class leader 3 Series is released in a couple months... they will really not sell. Every car publication puts the IS behind their competition now, even Consumer Reports which usually loves the brand based on reliability. They had the IS300 AWD as the worst car in its segment. It is more than just the engines it is the whole car. Sorry to sound harsh but it is true. Research it and tell me you would buy the current IS over the competition.

Joaquin Ruhi

Based on that Australian Performance Drive article and information previously posted here by Carmaker1, the 4th-gen Lexus IS (program code 400A) goes into production on July 2020 for a 2021 model year launch in the 4th quarter of the 2020 calendar year in major markets such as Japan, North America and Europe.

Thanks for the info. That is very late IMHO, good luck selling the current car until then. The current IS is uncompetitive with the market, and is far behind the A4 and C Class, and wait until the class leader 3 Series is released in a couple months... they will really not sell. Every car publication puts the IS behind their competition now, even Consumer Reports which usually loves the brand based on reliability. They had the IS300 AWD as the worst car in its segment. It is more than just the engines it is the whole car. Sorry to sound harsh but it is true. Research it and tell me you would buy the current IS over the competition.

Carmaker1

When your competitors are offering TT 6-cylinders, don't bring a bat to a gunfight and show up with a NA V6 in use essentially for 2 previous generations into a 3rd one! I really cannot stomach nor entertain justifications, as to why they should keep the current 3.5L unchanged upon redesign.

I like and respect the Lexus brand, but I will never be an apologist for bad product planning.

Thank you, dear sir, for this. You know, there is this almost religious defense for the 2GR on this forum that every time I suggest the next IS will not carry the 2GR I get defense like 'Americans like big naturally aspirated V6s' or 'Americans don't like turbos' when the best seller in the segment has a turbocharged inline-6.

I asked the same question again and again: how many new buyers or returning buyers would consider 'yet another IS350 carrying a 16-year-old engine'? What new capabilities would yet another naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 (which is not even guaranteed to surpass the 2GR's power in the first place) bring to the company?

People will NOT buy a 'big naturally aspirated V6' when it's no longer competitive. And it's even more ridiculous to suggest TMC should work on another 'big naturally aspirated V6' when there is already a capable engine aka the V35A-FTS at their disposal.

Carmaker1

When your competitors are offering TT 6-cylinders, don't bring a bat to a gunfight and show up with a NA V6 in use essentially for 2 previous generations into a 3rd one! I really cannot stomach nor entertain justifications, as to why they should keep the current 3.5L unchanged upon redesign.

I like and respect the Lexus brand, but I will never be an apologist for bad product planning.

Thank you, dear sir, for this. You know, there is this almost religious defense for the 2GR on this forum that every time I suggest the next IS will not carry the 2GR I get defense like 'Americans like big naturally aspirated V6s' or 'Americans don't like turbos' when the best seller in the segment has a turbocharged inline-6.

I asked the same question again and again: how many new buyers or returning buyers would consider 'yet another IS350 carrying a 16-year-old engine'? What new capabilities would yet another naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 (which is not even guaranteed to surpass the 2GR's power in the first place) bring to the company?

People will NOT buy a 'big naturally aspirated V6' when it's no longer competitive. And it's even more ridiculous to suggest TMC should work on another 'big naturally aspirated V6' when there is already a capable engine aka the V35A-FTS at their disposal.

ssun30

Thank you, dear sir, for this. You know, there is this almost religious defense for the 2GR on this forum that every time I suggest the next IS will not carry the 2GR I get defense like 'Americans like big naturally aspirated V6s' or 'Americans don't like turbos' when the best seller in the segment has a turbocharged inline-6.

I asked the same question again and again: how many new buyers or returning buyers would consider 'yet another IS350 carrying a 16-year-old engine'? What new capabilities would yet another naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 (which is not even guaranteed to surpass the 2GR's power in the first place) bring to the company?

People will NOT buy a 'big naturally aspirated V6' when it's no longer competitive. And it's even more ridiculous to suggest TMC should work on another 'big naturally aspirated V6' when there is already a capable engine aka the V35A-FTS at their disposal.

i think you guys are confusing some things :)

There will be no 3.5TT engine as base for IS/ES/RX or if GS continues to exists.

Question is for base, if 2GR better than 2.0t? Yes, it is. Especially for US market... As we can see in Camry application, it is top of the class engine with latest upgrades.

Now for upgrade engine, now that they have it, you bet they will put it everywhere, and without decreasing the output either... this is why new LC300 is rumored to be with same 3.5tt doing same 4xxhp.

As to the competition, their best selling engine in the segment is 2.0t, even in the US.

ssun30

Thank you, dear sir, for this. You know, there is this almost religious defense for the 2GR on this forum that every time I suggest the next IS will not carry the 2GR I get defense like 'Americans like big naturally aspirated V6s' or 'Americans don't like turbos' when the best seller in the segment has a turbocharged inline-6.

I asked the same question again and again: how many new buyers or returning buyers would consider 'yet another IS350 carrying a 16-year-old engine'? What new capabilities would yet another naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 (which is not even guaranteed to surpass the 2GR's power in the first place) bring to the company?

People will NOT buy a 'big naturally aspirated V6' when it's no longer competitive. And it's even more ridiculous to suggest TMC should work on another 'big naturally aspirated V6' when there is already a capable engine aka the V35A-FTS at their disposal.

i think you guys are confusing some things :)

There will be no 3.5TT engine as base for IS/ES/RX or if GS continues to exists.

Question is for base, if 2GR better than 2.0t? Yes, it is. Especially for US market... As we can see in Camry application, it is top of the class engine with latest upgrades.

Now for upgrade engine, now that they have it, you bet they will put it everywhere, and without decreasing the output either... this is why new LC300 is rumored to be with same 3.5tt doing same 4xxhp.

As to the competition, their best selling engine in the segment is 2.0t, even in the US.

Hello all I’ve just joined and is my first post in which I hope will be good news!

After breaking balls at lexus dealerships I’ve come into contact with an insider who has enlightened me to some very interesting news which we will see in the near future! For the next generation IS we will be seeing the LC’s hybrid system to take on the diesel competition as well as the established IS300h plus for those seeking a petrol variant there will be either a 200t or 300t (2.5TT V6) and a new IS400. A 400bhp+ 3.5TT V6 and is not an ISF as this is still in planing which “apparently” will return but am waiting for confirmation as to what engine will used. I have more information but will find the threads designated to what I know so far.

P.S the new IS generation will be coming the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020.

Hello all I’ve just joined and is my first post in which I hope will be good news!

After breaking balls at lexus dealerships I’ve come into contact with an insider who has enlightened me to some very interesting news which we will see in the near future! For the next generation IS we will be seeing the LC’s hybrid system to take on the diesel competition as well as the established IS300h plus for those seeking a petrol variant there will be either a 200t or 300t (2.5TT V6) and a new IS400. A 400bhp+ 3.5TT V6 and is not an ISF as this is still in planing which “apparently” will return but am waiting for confirmation as to what engine will used. I have more information but will find the threads designated to what I know so far.

P.S the new IS generation will be coming the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020.

ssun30

Thank you, dear sir, for this. You know, there is this almost religious defense for the 2GR on this forum that every time I suggest the next IS will not carry the 2GR I get defense like 'Americans like big naturally aspirated V6s' or 'Americans don't like turbos' when the best seller in the segment has a turbocharged inline-6.

As one of the Americans here, I have to clarify something. We don't necessarily prefer V6 or I6, so long as they're smooth and sound good. Yes, large NA motors are generally preferred over smaller turbo ones, but there's room in the market for both. Generally, it's the 4 cylinders that get the most flak over here.

I once read someone post something like "We Americans love V8s, hate 4 cylinders, and tolerate V6s as a compromise." This is mostly true, especially in the higher-end of the market. In the lower caste of automobiles, there's not much choice besides I4s.

Anyways, I'm a proponent of a naturally aspirated V35A, if only because it's the most practical option between both longitudinal and transverse mounting. In fantasy land, I'd love to see them build an inline 6 series for longitudinal platforms.

ssun30

Thank you, dear sir, for this. You know, there is this almost religious defense for the 2GR on this forum that every time I suggest the next IS will not carry the 2GR I get defense like 'Americans like big naturally aspirated V6s' or 'Americans don't like turbos' when the best seller in the segment has a turbocharged inline-6.

As one of the Americans here, I have to clarify something. We don't necessarily prefer V6 or I6, so long as they're smooth and sound good. Yes, large NA motors are generally preferred over smaller turbo ones, but there's room in the market for both. Generally, it's the 4 cylinders that get the most flak over here.

I once read someone post something like "We Americans love V8s, hate 4 cylinders, and tolerate V6s as a compromise." This is mostly true, especially in the higher-end of the market. In the lower caste of automobiles, there's not much choice besides I4s.

Anyways, I'm a proponent of a naturally aspirated V35A, if only because it's the most practical option between both longitudinal and transverse mounting. In fantasy land, I'd love to see them build an inline 6 series for longitudinal platforms.

LexiF

Hello all I’ve just joined and is my first post in which I hope will be good news!

After breaking balls at lexus dealerships I’ve come into contact with an insider who has enlightened me to some very interesting news which we will see in the near future! For the next generation IS we will be seeing the LC’s hybrid system to take on the diesel competition as well as the established IS300h plus for those seeking a petrol variant there will be either a 200t or 300t (2.5TT V6) and a new IS400. A 400bhp+ 3.5TT V6 and is not an ISF as this is still in planing which “apparently” will return but am waiting for confirmation as to what engine will used. I have more information but will find the threads designated to what I know so far.

P.S the new IS generation will be coming the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020.

Will this rumored IS400 take the place of the current IS350 in terms of hierarchy and pricing?

Here in Canada, we have the IS300 RWD with the base 2.0T, then the IS300 AWD with a 3.5L V6, and topped by the IS350 AWD with the same 3.5L V6 but tuned to full power.

So basically you're saying that there will be a base 2.0T, a mid-range 2.5T for the IS300, and a 3.5TT V6 for what was formerly the IS350?

LexiF

Hello all I’ve just joined and is my first post in which I hope will be good news!

After breaking balls at lexus dealerships I’ve come into contact with an insider who has enlightened me to some very interesting news which we will see in the near future! For the next generation IS we will be seeing the LC’s hybrid system to take on the diesel competition as well as the established IS300h plus for those seeking a petrol variant there will be either a 200t or 300t (2.5TT V6) and a new IS400. A 400bhp+ 3.5TT V6 and is not an ISF as this is still in planing which “apparently” will return but am waiting for confirmation as to what engine will used. I have more information but will find the threads designated to what I know so far.

P.S the new IS generation will be coming the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020.

Will this rumored IS400 take the place of the current IS350 in terms of hierarchy and pricing?

Here in Canada, we have the IS300 RWD with the base 2.0T, then the IS300 AWD with a 3.5L V6, and topped by the IS350 AWD with the same 3.5L V6 but tuned to full power.

So basically you're saying that there will be a base 2.0T, a mid-range 2.5T for the IS300, and a 3.5TT V6 for what was formerly the IS350?

GNS

So basically you're saying that there will be a base 2.0T, a mid-range 2.5T for the IS300, and a 3.5TT V6 for what was formerly the IS350?

Most likely that a 2.5T would take the spot of the 2GR and take the IS350 designation because they should have similar power output. What I don't get is that LexiF seems to be saying that an IS "400" would get the same powertrain as a LS "500."

Seriously, Lexus' model numbering is getting stupid.

GNS

So basically you're saying that there will be a base 2.0T, a mid-range 2.5T for the IS300, and a 3.5TT V6 for what was formerly the IS350?

Most likely that a 2.5T would take the spot of the 2GR and take the IS350 designation because they should have similar power output. What I don't get is that LexiF seems to be saying that an IS "400" would get the same powertrain as a LS "500."

Seriously, Lexus' model numbering is getting stupid.

TheNerdyPotato

Most likely that a 2.5T would take the spot of the 2GR and take the IS350 designation because they should have similar power output. What I don't get is that LexiF seems to be saying that an IS "400" would get the same powertrain as a LS "500."

Seriously, Lexus' model numbering is getting stupid.

In this scenario, what price point would the range topping (non-F model) IS be? Would it be competing with the BMW 340i, Audi S4 at that point?

TheNerdyPotato

Most likely that a 2.5T would take the spot of the 2GR and take the IS350 designation because they should have similar power output. What I don't get is that LexiF seems to be saying that an IS "400" would get the same powertrain as a LS "500."

Seriously, Lexus' model numbering is getting stupid.

In this scenario, what price point would the range topping (non-F model) IS be? Would it be competing with the BMW 340i, Audi S4 at that point?

GNS

In this scenario, what price point would the range topping (non-F model) IS be? Would it be competing with the BMW 340i, Audi S4 at that point?

Yeah, a starting price in the high 40s USD sounds about right, given that the starting price for a 300 is $38k and the 350 is about $42k.

GNS

In this scenario, what price point would the range topping (non-F model) IS be? Would it be competing with the BMW 340i, Audi S4 at that point?

Yeah, a starting price in the high 40s USD sounds about right, given that the starting price for a 300 is $38k and the 350 is about $42k.

LexiF

Hello all I’ve just joined and is my first post in which I hope will be good news!

After breaking balls at lexus dealerships I’ve come into contact with an insider who has enlightened me to some very interesting news which we will see in the near future! For the next generation IS we will be seeing the LC’s hybrid system to take on the diesel competition as well as the established IS300h plus for those seeking a petrol variant there will be either a 200t or 300t (2.5TT V6) and a new IS400. A 400bhp+ 3.5TT V6 and is not an ISF as this is still in planing which “apparently” will return but am waiting for confirmation as to what engine will used. I have more information but will find the threads designated to what I know so far.

P.S the new IS generation will be coming the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020.

Welcome to Lexus Enthusiast @LexiF! First of all, these are very cool rumors in regards to the next generation IS. We hope you like it here and would be cool if you are also another insider like some of our fellow friends who have kindly given us some insights, notably @Carmaker1.

Now, the only part of your insider information that raises red flags for me is the 2.5 L Twin-Turbocharged V6. Why would they go for such a low displacement?? Isn't a four cylinder more suitable for that? More space per cylinder? We did have a 2.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 but this is just weird.

And oh yes, please do find information in regards to the F model. Please be TT V8, please be TT V8......

LexiF

Hello all I’ve just joined and is my first post in which I hope will be good news!

After breaking balls at lexus dealerships I’ve come into contact with an insider who has enlightened me to some very interesting news which we will see in the near future! For the next generation IS we will be seeing the LC’s hybrid system to take on the diesel competition as well as the established IS300h plus for those seeking a petrol variant there will be either a 200t or 300t (2.5TT V6) and a new IS400. A 400bhp+ 3.5TT V6 and is not an ISF as this is still in planing which “apparently” will return but am waiting for confirmation as to what engine will used. I have more information but will find the threads designated to what I know so far.

P.S the new IS generation will be coming the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020.

Welcome to Lexus Enthusiast @LexiF! First of all, these are very cool rumors in regards to the next generation IS. We hope you like it here and would be cool if you are also another insider like some of our fellow friends who have kindly given us some insights, notably @Carmaker1.

Now, the only part of your insider information that raises red flags for me is the 2.5 L Twin-Turbocharged V6. Why would they go for such a low displacement?? Isn't a four cylinder more suitable for that? More space per cylinder? We did have a 2.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 but this is just weird.

And oh yes, please do find information in regards to the F model. Please be TT V8, please be TT V8......

F1 Silver Arrows

Welcome to Lexus Enthusiast @LexiF! First of all, these are very cool rumors in regards to the next generation IS. We hope you like it here and would be cool if you are also another insider like some of our fellow friends who have kindly given us some insights, notably @Carmaker1.

Now, the only part of your insider information that raises red flags for me is the 2.5 L Twin-Turbocharged V6. Why would they go for such a low displacement?? Isn't a four cylinder more suitable for that? More space per cylinder? We did have a 2.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 but this is just weird.

And oh yes, please do find information in regards to the F model. Please be TT V8, please be TT V8......

Actually a 2.5L tt v6(if replacing 2.ot) looks like something lexus will do considering how they dont like to stress their engine. Although, I feel like a 3.0 would be better.

F1 Silver Arrows

Welcome to Lexus Enthusiast @LexiF! First of all, these are very cool rumors in regards to the next generation IS. We hope you like it here and would be cool if you are also another insider like some of our fellow friends who have kindly given us some insights, notably @Carmaker1.

Now, the only part of your insider information that raises red flags for me is the 2.5 L Twin-Turbocharged V6. Why would they go for such a low displacement?? Isn't a four cylinder more suitable for that? More space per cylinder? We did have a 2.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 but this is just weird.

And oh yes, please do find information in regards to the F model. Please be TT V8, please be TT V8......

Actually a 2.5L tt v6(if replacing 2.ot) looks like something lexus will do considering how they dont like to stress their engine. Although, I feel like a 3.0 would be better.

Given their pursuit of high displacement per cylinder I will take that comment with a kilogram of salt.

Given their pursuit of high displacement per cylinder I will take that comment with a kilogram of salt.

ssun30

Given their pursuit of high displacement per cylinder I will take that comment with a kilogram of salt.

2.5L seems rather small for a V6, I heard that the most common size is 3L and upwards.

ssun30

Given their pursuit of high displacement per cylinder I will take that comment with a kilogram of salt.

2.5L seems rather small for a V6, I heard that the most common size is 3L and upwards.

2.5t and lately 2.4t have been rumored for quite a while... i assume it would be single turbo 2.4l from latest info, although it seems weird it would be 2.4l when their NA engines are 2.5l but indeed latest rumors from several spots say 2.4l. Weird.

300hp 2.5t seems quite ok engine to replace 3.5l GR outside of the US. IS500 would be also nice, and I dont see why not.

2.5t and lately 2.4t have been rumored for quite a while... i assume it would be single turbo 2.4l from latest info, although it seems weird it would be 2.4l when their NA engines are 2.5l but indeed latest rumors from several spots say 2.4l. Weird.

300hp 2.5t seems quite ok engine to replace 3.5l GR outside of the US. IS500 would be also nice, and I dont see why not.

Looking at the numbers, the problem at this point is that with C43, Q50 3.0T Red Sport, S4, 340i and others, dropping the V35A-FTS into the IS basically has to happen just to remain competitive.

300hp 2.4/2.5T or TT I4 will likely be less desirable than a two decade old GR V6 for shoppers looking for additional performance, but it is fine for a base engine. 2.4/2.5L I4 makes little sense if a 2.0T will be more tax-friendly and can produce similar output. V35A-FTS might be a lot of engine for a car like this, but it's actually very competitive with other high performance engines in other compact/midsize cars.

Globally, they need ~270-300hp "IS 350" with 2.0T I4, ~215-220hp I4 hybrid "IS 300h" and ~400hp "IS 450" or "IS 500." IS F needs to be over 500hp, especially if GS F dies. If a 2.4/2.5L TT I4 could get to ~375hp, I think you could make the case that V35A-FTS isn't necessary, but that just seems really out of Lexus' character.

Looking at the numbers, the problem at this point is that with C43, Q50 3.0T Red Sport, S4, 340i and others, dropping the V35A-FTS into the IS basically has to happen just to remain competitive.

300hp 2.4/2.5T or TT I4 will likely be less desirable than a two decade old GR V6 for shoppers looking for additional performance, but it is fine for a base engine. 2.4/2.5L I4 makes little sense if a 2.0T will be more tax-friendly and can produce similar output. V35A-FTS might be a lot of engine for a car like this, but it's actually very competitive with other high performance engines in other compact/midsize cars.

Globally, they need ~270-300hp "IS 350" with 2.0T I4, ~215-220hp I4 hybrid "IS 300h" and ~400hp "IS 450" or "IS 500." IS F needs to be over 500hp, especially if GS F dies. If a 2.4/2.5L TT I4 could get to ~375hp, I think you could make the case that V35A-FTS isn't necessary, but that just seems really out of Lexus' character.