I think so too. Since the 3.4TT from the LS500 has been available for quite some time, I think they would have made the swap now if the intended to do so. As I recall, the reason the 2.0t in the IS200t came after the model debut was to finish up the engine and then to adapt it to the longitudinal layout. No such work is required to stuff the LS500s V6 in, though of course some changes would likely need to be made to accommodate it.

 

I'm not sure if the mild engine upgrades Lexus had in the past (like say from the 3.0 to 3.3 V6 in the ES) are quite the same as adding the 3.5TT to the IS. The 3.5TT would be a massive performance upgrade. Acura was pretty smart to announce the TLX Type S first thing in their promo material with its turbo V6. Even though they gave us nothing about its power output or price, we at least know we are getting it sometime next year, which is what builds up the hype. So far, the only indication that such an engine might exist in the IS is a question from Townsend that was dodged by the Lexus rep.

Someone brought this up in another thread, but I wonder if the 3.5TT can accommodate any transmission other than the 10-speed. The New N platform has enough problems not being able to fit in the 8-speed with the AWD system. Is there enough space on that aging platform for a 10-speed?

 

That could very well be a limitation

 

Personally I’m shocked that the 3.5 V6 tt has not been put in any new models.

This falls squarely on upper management and lack of vision.
Obviously it was already paid for and engineers spent years developing it. Unfortunately there are no new RWD models that this powertrain can go into.

At the very least they should place it in the LC as the “base” engine.

It feels like Toyota is intentionally trying to hurt Lexus by the head scratching decisions they continue to make.

 

Me too. If anything just developing it for the slow selling LS makes no sense.

 

Its been stated since the LS reveal that the 3.4 TT would be exclusive to that model. They are clearly sticking with that.

Which further frustrates because of ALL the platform, engine, part sharing that Toyota/Lexus loves to do..... The one thing the brand needs the most they dont want to share with any other model?! Oh yea, and its underpowered by its V8 competitors in that class. Craziness!

 

So the rumors of the LC getting the 3.5 Twin Turbo in the near future are also false then?

 

Well it's going in the next Land Cruiser and lower spec LX, so not completely.

 

Wasnt addressing rumors. I'm speaking to what was stated when the LS was launched which was that the engine was developed specifically for the LS.

It's possible at some point they do, No clue. But until then, its just that. Rumors.

I hope so and I hope soon.

 

Not only is the spindle grill, very well executed the overall stance, proportions etc look fantastic. I have never seen wider rear tires in non F car. If this is example of the design direction i think it bodes well for the future design language of Lexus. This new IS looks completely unique and will stand out in the segment

 

As you can see, there is precedence for Lexus to update engines one to two years after a new model or new refresh introduction.

Lexus/Toyota doesn't seem to play by the rulebooks of car enthusiasts, who they probably rightly view as unimportant to their profit margins. They stagger engine updates with model updates/facelifts as it is in line with their philosophy of small incremental improvements. Lexus does not really do multiple huge changes in one step like chassis, body panels AND engine upgrades all at once.

 

why would the TTV6 be only in 'lower spec' LX since it crushes the current V8?

 

Because the rumour is that the LX will have a V8.

 

Compared to the base 7 series and A8, the LS has more HP. The problem is once you start looking past the base models and the other companies start offering 8+ cylinders and all Lexus gives is an even lesser powered hybrid.

Even if it were in a slightly de-tuned version, it would have been nice to see a TT V6 in the IS; maybe someday...

 

They are not sharing this with the new IS either, even though they make it available in a Toyota Crown; and certainly this video demonstrates that the Multi stage Hybrid is not just reserved for the LC&LS. Watch video to see the performance potential!