Rumor: Lexus IS to Get 2-Liter Turbocharged Four?
Now here’s an interesting thought: What if Lexus put their new turbo four into the IS? They could call it, “The IS 200t.” I can practically smell the promotional materials being printed already.
I don’t hate Lexus’ 2.5-liter V6, but it’s not a particularly thrilling engine. For it’s displacement and size and weight, it’s seriously under powered. Even with the understanding that it’s a base model option, the IS needs a better powerplant for it’s entry level option. If the rumormill is to be believed, it’ll be getting it soon.
Lexus just announced they’ll be putting a 2-liter turbocharged four cylinder in the engine bay of the NX that’ll make 238 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is just a rumor, but honestly, this seems like a no brainer. The IS would be lighter, more powerful and more efficient, if it had what the NX has.
That’d be a break from the IS’s six-cylinder heritage (in the USA, anyway), but I don’t think the fanboys will mind that too much. Consider for a moment, that the four-cylinder turbo charged IS would be more powerful than every other base model IS, including the original IS 300. Also, consider that Lexus won’t have the boost cranked all the way up out of the gate. I’m willing to bet that a chip will be able to get this motor past it’s current 238 horsepower with ease.
A small, turbo charged, four cylinder sedan from Lexus. I never thought it’d happen. Next thing you know they’ll give it a stick.
A guy can hope right?
via [Left Lane News]
