Originally Posted by iNteGraz92
256ps from a 3.0 from toyota? with the help of yamaha right? :chuckles:
will there be a v8 option for the next IS? is that why the base engine will be a 3.0 instead of the 3.5 v6?
The upcoming IS and GS are supposed to be a lot more sporty than previous models, because Lexus is going to be a worldwide separate brand instead of just in certain markets like the US. So the 3GR-FSR is a nice revvy motor which is sufficiently within the character of a sporty luxury car. Think 330i or 530i.
In Japan, Toyota has the Crown lineup which is sorta old-school conservative luxury styling, and Lexus is going to be the more adventurous brand styling-wise. Also figure that since all the luxury brands competing in the US market have gone with very stylized looks, it pays for Lexus to make its lineup a bit more distinct.
I have no idea if there will be a V8 option for the new IS. Maybe in something like an M3 or S4 competitor, but as for anything official sounding coming through the grapevine I haven't heard anything.
Originally Posted by Ochdx
I'd so much rather see toyota keep the current inline 6, and make twin turbo an option. I think to this day there's no better setup than Toyota's twin turbo I6.
Lexus is moving away from rebadged Toyotas and towards unique models based on Toyota platforms, and most Toyotas at this point have V6 engines. Inline sixes present packaging concerns and given that the JZ series inline sixes date back to the mid-late 80s I'd say it may be harder to get them to pass newer emissions standards. I'm sure the 3GR-FSE will be a very nice motor.