Next-Gen Lexus IS
01-24-12, 08:22 PM
#1
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Next-Gen Lexus IS
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2012/01/2...xus-is-rumors/
Next-Generation Lexus IS Rumors
We will see. Anyways, on with the speculation...
Next-Generation Lexus IS Rumors
Taiwanese website Autonet is speculating that the next-generation Lexus IS will debut at the Los Angeles auto show this year, ahead of a mid-2013 release — here’s a summary of what else they had to say:
-The existing 2.5L & 3.5L V6 engines will be carried over and mated with an eight-speed transmission.
-A 2.5L, four-cylinder hybrid will also be offered as the IS 300h (which would line up with an Australian trademark discovered late last year).
-The IS will be offered as a sedan, convertible, and a wagon.
It all sounds reasonable enough to be true — considering the new GS, it was unlikely that the next-generation IS would debut with new engines, and I would say an IS hybrid is a virtual certainty. In fact, if it wasn’t for the inclusion of a project code (400A) and exact measurements (4590 × 1795 × 1430mm), I would just chalk this rumor up to common sense speculation.
(One thing that’s missing is any mention of a coupe, which is something the IS range needs more than any other variant — beyond updating the existing models, an IS coupe should be a top priority for the Lexus lineup.)
-The existing 2.5L & 3.5L V6 engines will be carried over and mated with an eight-speed transmission.
-A 2.5L, four-cylinder hybrid will also be offered as the IS 300h (which would line up with an Australian trademark discovered late last year).
-The IS will be offered as a sedan, convertible, and a wagon.
It all sounds reasonable enough to be true — considering the new GS, it was unlikely that the next-generation IS would debut with new engines, and I would say an IS hybrid is a virtual certainty. In fact, if it wasn’t for the inclusion of a project code (400A) and exact measurements (4590 × 1795 × 1430mm), I would just chalk this rumor up to common sense speculation.
(One thing that’s missing is any mention of a coupe, which is something the IS range needs more than any other variant — beyond updating the existing models, an IS coupe should be a top priority for the Lexus lineup.)
01-24-12, 11:22 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Can't be. A mid 2013 release would make it a 2014 model, making the 2IS a eight year old dog. Lexus would be out of their freakin mind to let a car in this segment linger that long.
01-25-12, 12:20 AM
#4
Lexus Champion
I'm not sure about the eight-speed transmission for 2.5 and 3.5 V6 models.
If that were true, then the 4GS should've gotten them first. Anyways, we'll see.
For the audio and sound system: I expect at least:
14 speakers for the base audio unit (Lexus Premium Sound) and at least 15-16 for the Mark Levinson unit.
For comparison, the current 2IS has 13 speakers (base audio) or 14 speakers (Mark Levinson).
Oh and yeah, for the next-gen IS-F, well, with regards to performance, you can bet that Lexus will observe what the next-gen M3 has and then use it as a reference when building the next ISF.
Two cents
If that were true, then the 4GS should've gotten them first. Anyways, we'll see.
For the audio and sound system: I expect at least:
14 speakers for the base audio unit (Lexus Premium Sound) and at least 15-16 for the Mark Levinson unit.
For comparison, the current 2IS has 13 speakers (base audio) or 14 speakers (Mark Levinson).
Oh and yeah, for the next-gen IS-F, well, with regards to performance, you can bet that Lexus will observe what the next-gen M3 has and then use it as a reference when building the next ISF.
Two cents
01-25-12, 12:56 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
Stick shift for 3IS? The way I see it, it's more like either in small numbers (like the current 2IS) or faces risk of disappearing in the upcoming next-gen model.
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01-25-12, 05:21 AM
#10
Lexus Champion
For regular 3IS vehicles, yeah seems unlikely (except for ISF which is highly likely to get 8-speed like the current gen)
01-25-12, 05:59 AM
#11
This 
I think these rumors are just another bit to consider in the grand scheme of things.
Isn't the 2.5L V6 updated to like 250hp in the GS250? If so, I'd be very happy with that engine making its way into the IS.
My concern is carrying over the 3.5L. Lexus needs to update this engine with valvematic and the latest technology to stay competitive, and I think it does need to be mated to a 7 or 8spd automatic.
My theory was that the GS would get the carryover V6 but that the IS would debut with an updated 3.5L V6, that would go into the GS a year after the IS debuts. If this is not the case, and Lexus simply plans to leave carryover engines and transmissions in both cars, that's a very bad mistake IMO.
I think these rumors are just another bit to consider in the grand scheme of things.
Isn't the 2.5L V6 updated to like 250hp in the GS250? If so, I'd be very happy with that engine making its way into the IS.
My concern is carrying over the 3.5L. Lexus needs to update this engine with valvematic and the latest technology to stay competitive, and I think it does need to be mated to a 7 or 8spd automatic.
My theory was that the GS would get the carryover V6 but that the IS would debut with an updated 3.5L V6, that would go into the GS a year after the IS debuts. If this is not the case, and Lexus simply plans to leave carryover engines and transmissions in both cars, that's a very bad mistake IMO.
01-25-12, 06:06 AM
#12
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I wish the 2.5 would go away and get replaced by a more powerful/fuel efficient engine. It needs to topple the 328i with the base engine which makes 240 hp/260 lb-ft as well as 35 mpg hwy as compared to the current IS250's 204 hp/185 lb-ft and 30 mpg hwy. Lexus wouldn't need to follow the crowed with a forced induction 4-cylinder but something needs to happen. 8-speed auto is needed for this segment as the 3-series and A4 have one not to mention new comers like the ATS(not in it's first model year but a confirmed future powertrain addition) and the future 3-series Hyundai competitor.
01-25-12, 06:11 AM
#13
I wish the 2.5 would go away and get replaced by a more powerful/fuel efficient engine. It needs to topple the 328i with the base engine which makes 240 hp/260 lb-ft as well as 35 mpg hwy as compared to the current IS250's 204 hp/185 lb-ft and 30 mpg hwy. Lexus wouldn't need to follow the crowed with a forced induction 4-cylinder but something needs to happen. 8-speed auto is needed for this segment as the 3-series and A4 have one not to mention new comers like the ATS(not in it's first model year but a confirmed future powertrain addition) and the future 3-series Hyundai competitor.
I owned a '06 IS250 AWD and it was just too slooooow.
At least 240 HP and a bit more torque would work well but with the new GS having the IS350 engine,I doubt Toyota will have new more powerful engines in the IS.Saving added costs.
01-25-12, 07:27 AM
#14
I think 306hp is enough for IS350... you have IS-F if you want to go wild.
IS250 on the other hand....
... in any case, those wont change until their new engines are ready...
01-25-12, 07:53 AM
#15
The GS-F will be $70K.
The new GS should have more HP,IMO.
A new generation and a IS350 engine is used to save money.
306 HP is adequate but there to save money.
Even if they bumped it up to 320-325 HP.Something more than the IS350 engine because it's a new generation.