JDR76

To replace the IS250 AWD, since the 2.5 liter is being discontinued from the IS line. For whatever reason, the 200t model isn't being made available with AWD, so the IS300 AWD allows Lexus to still offer two engines in the AWD configuration.

ItzFilyO

So let me get this straight...

IS 200t - RWD Only
IS 300 - AWD Only
IS 350 - RWD Only

Right?

JDR76

Almost...

IS 200t - RWD Only
IS 300 - AWD Only
IS 350 - RWD and AWD

ItzFilyO

I had to go back and read it again and yes I missed that part.


With the popularity of the all-weather drive (AWD) system in inclement weather, Lexus offers the IS 300 AWD with 255 hp and 236 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-4,800 rpm. The IS 300 AWD features a modified 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Lexus continues to offer the IS 350, in both RWD and AWD models.


I don't really see the point of making IS 300 though, it should be IS 200t and IS 350 only. Since the 300 is AWD only, that means folks in Cali won't see it.

Afrosheen

I'm glad they're ditching the anemic 2.5l engine. The 2.0t has tuner potential and more torque, provides weight savings, and is just all around better.

Now if we can just talk them into a 4.6l v8 for the GS (non F), we'll be set.

jarabanos

I was thinking the exact same thing. I really like the L taillights especially. Is $5k realistic though? A front end conversion will require upgrading the headlights to the 2016 version which appear to be LED. If I remember correctly, each LED headlight on the 2015 GS runs like 2 grand.

ItzFilyO

They had a V8 GS back then right? But it was making a joke horsepower. What was it? 4.3L and only 340 HP?

JDR76

That's because you live somewhere warm. Here in the PNW, we won't really see the 200t. Almost every IS250 I see here is AWD. That spot in the lineup will be filled with the IS300 AWD. A nice upgrade from the 250, I think (as long as they price it appropriately).

It does make me wonder if they'll follow with similar offerings on an updated GS. GS300 AWD?

jtrue28

Worse than that. The 4.6L had 340HP. The 4.3 had maybe 300. When the 3.5L direct injection V6 engine came out, the comparison was made that it had more HP than the V8 4.3.

This was also why I couldn't justify the extry $10K for the V8 460 with 340hp over the V6 350 with 303hp.

SW17LS

There must be some reason why the 2.0T isn't compatible with the AWD system they use on the IS.

peteharvey

Yes, I hate the way Lexus detunes their V8's when it is fitted to the GS line up.

Sevn86

I don't want a refresh on the GS out this soon. I hope they do it for the 2017 MY. I just picked up a new to me 2013 GS350. I would like to have a current looking car for as long as I can, before it's considered old. That's just me. In 2012 I picked up a loaded 2010 RX350 and in 7 months the refreshed RX hit the lots making my RX350 last years model. I was kicking myself for being so impatient and not waiting for the 2013, but then I convinced myself that I saved a good amount buying used so it was worth having a loaded 2010 instead of a base 2013.

ItzFilyO

Don't worry, the current GS will still look good 10+ years from now, the styling is very sporty and classy. This is one of those cars that still looks good as it ages, kinda like the R34 GTR, Supra, and LFA.

rijc99

But why not just put awd as an option on the 200t? Why create a model based on a detuned 3.5? Less power but similar fuel economy.

JDR76

Well, we can only guess until we hear otherwise, but I am of the belief that either there is a technical reason preventing Lexus from doing it, or the business case for developing it couldn't close, so it was just cheaper to detune the 3.5 liter, use the existing AWD setup, and call it a day.