Originally Posted by tqlla3k

I would assume that the 450H is more powerful. Thats the way it worked with the 330 vs the 400H.

The M series and the AMG series are about showcase. Toyotas newest Tech trend is Hybrids, I would thing putting a 350-400HP Hybrid in the IS, would be big news. Esp if they aim it at the M series(with extra tuning on the suspension/brakes and chasis).

Putting a V8 in the IS wont be huge news.

Originally Posted by tqlla3k

I highly doubt they would try to cram a 4.6L V8 in the new IS. Why would they? The New IS is already too heavy. It would just add weight and upset the weight distribution, for more power.

Also Lexus is more about showcasing new tech...

They have a more suitable motor on the way, the GS's 450h. (3.5L hybrid)

If you add to it, a true Dual exhaust, the car would be overall awesome.

If they wanted this car to compete with the M3, I would think it would have a starting price of upper 40s. You have to consider that Lexus charges a lot for their hybrid system. The RX330 and the 400h have an 8K price difference.

I would guess the same for the an IS350 and an IS450H, if they were to give the IS450H the M/AMG treatment, you would have to add another 5K(over the cost of the sports package) for chasis stiffening and steering/suspension/brake tuning.

SO where are we...
36K for a base IS, 8K for the hybrid, 5K worth of tuning +4K sports package 53K/56K with Nav

More people may pay this price for a powerful hybrid vs a powerful V8.

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

The weight difference wouldn't be as great as you think. I am Lexus made the engine bay large enough to fit a V-8, like the Rod Millen IS 430 or the TTE IS 430 in the 1IS.

Originally Posted by 4TehNguyen

putting the 450h hybrid system will be slower and more expensive than the 460 V8

Originally Posted by tqlla3k

I dont disagree with this. The Hybrid does cost more and will not have the power of a well tuned V8.

But V8 is old news, heavier and wastes gas more gas. The IS is already very fast, people need more reason than just power to buy an even more powerful IS.

Hence, a Hybrid. You would be talking about the FIRST sub 5 sec 0-60 production hybrid.That would be news worthy. esp when the market wants "Gas saving" technology.

This would be a true showcase of Lexus/toyota Engineering. A powerful V8... has been done before