Motor wise.. The IS250 V6 has been problematic for Lexus....

I hope they ditch it and bring back the Inline 6

~ Joe Z

 

it is coming to GS too....

 

hehe yeah I know. I am reminded every time I fill up the old girl. However, I love the sound of that engine, its very willing.

 

And the same transmission? 3IS (gas versions) need the same transmission options as the GT86 (6-speed manual or 6-auto with true manual control).

 

I would guess transmission will be the same as in GS250 that is in Europe? It got around 5%-10% lesser consumption than IS250 in the same markets due to the modifications to the engine/transmission. So I think we can expect 1-3 mpg more but thats about it.

There is no actual info that i got on transmission, just that there would be a hybrid 240hp and petrol 2.5lV6, great looks and that they are going to make it performance king in the class, more than GS in its own.

But since GS250 has been introduced in Europe this year, i think it is pretty certain it will use that version of the engine.

Basically GS250 will be there as cheaper option, since hybrid is more expensive.

 

The new GS250 actually has more consumtion than IS250...

IS250 8.4L/100KM, CO2 194g/KM


GS250 8.9L/100KM, CO2 207g/KM

 

I don't disagree that the IS 250 is a tick or two behind the C300 and 328i in terms of performance, but I when I drive one, I am never left wanting for performance. The engine is decently responsive and sounds downright mean. I think it's a nice combination of power, efficiency and smoothness.

The GS 250 makes 215hp so if Lexus uses that engine, shaves ~150lbs off the IS like they did with the GS, and uses an updated engine/tranny combo, I think that would be a decent performer with good fuel efficiency.

I know most probably won't agree with me on the engine being decent, but I don't think most people test driving these cars are saying, "Oh! Well the 328i is a second and a half faster to 60 so I'm not buying the Lexus!" If Lexus sticks with an entry level V6 instead of a 4 cylinder, they have NVH on their side and that counts for a lot, IMO.

 

well I have driven GS250 today, and damn... you gotta run it really hard to get it to move :-).

MY GS350 was completely different beast, it was eating the road.

that 300h engine can come quick enough to Europe, as GS450h is so darn expensive, while IS300h/GS300h wont be.

GS250/450h is €10k difference while IS250/300h is supposed to be €5k... makes a lot of sense.

 

They really should have given it port injection like the 3.5L DI

 

My dad test drove an IS250 and downright didn't like it. Way too underpowered.

 

I have driven the 250, yes it is underpowered for a V6.

 

This new 2.5L hybrid and new manufacturing process that's supposed to make the chassis much more rigid are both very interesting.

 

A lot of people like to bash the IS250 for its performance, and praise the Acura TSX for its spunky I4 despite their equal power. The thing with the IS250 that most don’t realize, is that the 250 is more like a "4-cylinder" variant of the IS but with 2 extra cylinders to keep things smooth. It's neither the fastest nor the slowest, but one can't argue that the IS250 lacks a smooth, polished and refined powertrain befitting the Lexus badge. Compare that cross town rival Acura TSX with its buzzy little 4-banger. Both are entry level luxury/sport models, but the IS clearly comes out ahead with the smoother, more refined, and more polished feel. With more torque and the same mpg's as the TSX to boot! (21/30). That said, once you get up to speed, say cruising along at 70 MPH - the experience in the IS250 is exactly the same as it is with the IS350. There is no denying that the IS250 offers arguably one of the smoothest rides of all entry level luxury sedans available. The step up from a Corolla and Jetta and Elantra (etc) is an entry level IS and 3 Series (etc). Retaining the overall same dimensions with more power, luxury, sport and features in higher end base model cars than economical commuter cars. The 250 engine is intended to do what its meant to, and that is to be a stand in for a I4 cylinder. Offering similar displacement and fuel economy as it's rivals while retaining a smooth and refined character that can only come from 6 > 4

 

I agree with you that the 250 is smoother, but that does not mean the 2.5 is any good in the IS as the IS weighs too much for the engine. Add in premium fuel, 3400 lbs curb weight, then look at the IS250awd as it weighs 3651 lbs and it really becomes and appears that the 2.5 is a hog. An I4 2.5 from the Camry would not help it in any way. So maybe the real issue is weight of the IS as the car is way too heavy for just 204 hp. Can you imagine a Toyota Avalon with just 204 hp? I say that because the IS250 and Avalon are about the same weight and the IS250awd is actually heavier than the Avalon.

I imagine the 3.5 from the Camry or Avalon would do it wonders, but that likely would kill sales of the IS350 as the engines are too similar.

Simply, the 2.5 is too under powered for the IS.

 

it probably wouldnt be as much cheaper as it is now... i think lighter weight and faster transmission will help it out a bit for 2013, but i do hope they have IS300h for US as well. I fully expect it to behave a LOT better than IS250 due to electric motors giving it extra 50-60hp at low rpm.