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The AWD system in the NX200t is a FWD based system and wouldn't work in the IS. The 2.0t in the NX is transversely mounted, whereas in the IS it is mounted longitudinally. I'm of the opinion the Lexus deemed it too expensive/not worth it to design a new interface between the IS AWD system and the 2.0t mounted in this configuration. Given that decision, the only way they could still offer AWD in two different engine configurations would be to either keep the 2.5 V6, or detune the 3.5 V6. I think they made the better choice.
I don't really understand why it's a problem. Both the IS200t and the IS300 will be huge performance improvements over the IS250.
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.
I'm guessing cheaper rather than techinal reasons because the NX does have an AWD version of the 200t. The IS200t will probably get an AWD version when it is revised.
The AWD system in the NX200t is a FWD based system and wouldn't work in the IS. The 2.0t in the NX is transversely mounted, whereas in the IS it is mounted longitudinally. I'm of the opinion the Lexus deemed it too expensive/not worth it to design a new interface between the IS AWD system and the 2.0t mounted in this configuration. Given that decision, the only way they could still offer AWD in two different engine configurations would be to either keep the 2.5 V6, or detune the 3.5 V6. I think they made the better choice.
I don't really understand why it's a problem. Both the IS200t and the IS300 will be huge performance improvements over the IS250.
Yes, I suspect a lighter nose 200t AWD would require the suspension to be "re-tuned", so Lexus took a short cut, and just reprogrammed the electronic chip to "detune" the 350 for power, and when the real midlife refresh comes along, they will actually drop the lighter 200t into the AWD with re-tuned suspension.
Last edited by peteharvey; Jul 28, 2015 at 02:29 PM.
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.
Too true. Even the 3GS is still a really classic shape, love the tails and overall profile on those. Alot of nicely kept examples running around here.
And about detuning the V8's, I never understood that. When a DI v6 can shame your V8, you really screwed up your v8.
So far, all four generations of GS's have been fairly simple and clean.
This top selling badge won't age too gracefully.
Pity all those sharp and deep lines/creases...
Likewise, look at how the previous C Class aged.
I'm not sure how well the new C Class will age either, with those multiple deep horizontal grooves, but at least it will age better than the previous C and the current E Class.
Last edited by peteharvey; Jul 28, 2015 at 02:36 PM.
I don't feel the 2GS aged quite as well as the 3 or even 1GS.
1GS: Square, but very rounded edges; aging very well.
2GS: Both square and with sharper edges; hasn't aged quite as well as the others.
3GS: Rounded shape, but with sharp edges.
4GS: Although square, albeit mixed with stylish angles, the moderately rounded edges will age well.
While 1GS more square , 2GS mixed, and 3GS more rounded, the 4GS seems to be most angular to give style and aggression.
All GS' seem to have fewer, shallower & rounderlines for a cleaner look with timeless aging.
It seems that aging has more to do with sharp edges, than with an overall square shape?
All GS' seem to have long wheelbases with short overhangs to also help reduce aging.
Small rolling diameter tires, baggy sidewalls, and even smaller diameter rims - gives rise to age, esp to 1GS & 2GS.
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Last edited by peteharvey; Jul 28, 2015 at 04:41 PM.
Can you reprogram all these detuned IS300s and in effect get a cheaper IS 350? That's crazy, meaning they are making bank on the IS350 if they can sell the IS300 for the price of the 250AWD, with the exact same parts..
