Put it this way, with an average of 15-20% drivertrain loss, and the average stock IS350 dynoing around 260rwhp...

306hp x .85 (15% loss) = 260hp
315hp x .85 = 267hp

306hp x .8 = 244hp
320hp x .8 = 256hp


So it's safe to say, in my opinion, the IS350 is actually closer to a 315-320hp crank, based on about 15-17% drivertrain loss.

Now as far as lexus bumping up the IS350, I believe the IS350 is on the same road as the 350Z, it debuted in 2003 and untill 2008 it wasn't changed. Generally, cars are "updated" every 5 years. I believe the IS350 will around for a couple years without any enhancements unless minor cosmetics, and then around 2010 we might see an IS370/IS380 for a 2GR stroked out higher, like the infiniti did to the VQ motor. Then expect to see something like 330-335hp (underrated by a little of course) with a 7,000rpm redline.

This is all speculation of course, but this is what I expect, as well as hope.

 

Oh, and as we know, the IS platform was used in the orginal Supra, and like the article orginally posted inquired that the 2GR motor would be used for the Supra most likely, look to see aftermarket pistons/rods that are sold, it's possible maybe the new supra will run a high compression (11:5:1) to keep it N/A, but increase HP to mid 300's, if this infact does happen, you'll see a LOT of aftermarket for the IS350 motor as well..

 

If Toytoa plans to offer a new Supra (same engine) with more HP than the current IS350, I'd imagine (for various reasons) the IS and Supra would share the same engine output. Sort of like the G37 and the next "370Z". The G37 has the new 3.7 engine with the next Z to follow mid/late 08 as an 09.

This years Tokyo Auto Show should be great for those of us who favor Japanese makes.

 

There is a big difference between adding a pair of turbos and "tuning" the engine to "add" 6-7 bhp. No one is suggesting any kind of overhaul, or a new engine.

 

They are going to increase power for the 350 and 250. I read somewhere Toyota will be adopting BMW's valvetronic technology (like Infiniti did with the G37) and incorporating either into the 2008 or 2009 MY. They even have their own name for it, which I can't quite remember.

Engine displacement should still be the same though.

 

well said. I agree 100%

 

agreed 95%. You might say there is no point, but from a marketing perspective there is. I'm not supporting the HP arms race, but the idea is to stay one step ahead of the game right?

Anyway, there is no that Lexus will release an IS coupe that has less power than the G37, so you can bank on the fact that the day an IS coupe comes, it will be with a HP bump, and the IS sedan won't be far behind.

 

I remember it now. It's called "Valvematic."

 

hmm, I'm not completely convinced that Lexus wants to out HP Infiniti. HP is easy to get. You can rate your car however much you want within reason... If I was running Lexus Marketing, I'd create the market image where all Infiniti has going for it is raw horsepower, with no refinement or prestige elsewhere.

That's why a Lexus is worth thousands more, even with less HP. It's how BMW 328s keep winning against the G35 in comparisons. I'm sure Infiniti is not too happy that right now they are being perceived in the market as a value brand for people that can't afford a Lexus or BMW. Kind of like Subaru and Mitsu, as their owners try to convince you that their car is just as fast as yours and that's all that matters, even though they really wish they had your car.

no intended offense to the owners of the cars I just insulted above.

 

I thought BMW was unable to combine this technology with GDi because of the lack of room in the cylinder head. (At least I think that was the reason).

Has Lexus managed to fair better?

 

+1

 

I would love to see our engines with an added 50-90hp electric motor. IS350h sounds good.

 

um...actually it will have to be called the IS450h...like the GS450h...heh

 

Umm, not unless displacement is increased to 4.5L...

Javier

 

Agree. I bought my car for the overall package, not the BHP number. The power is great to have, but it's not the Lexus selling point IMO, even on the IS350.