NOW they finally have my attention with the 3IS.

But I am still perplexed and disturbed at the company's marketing. They seem to be going out of their way to introduce all new models with old tech/carryover motors/transmissions (strike 1), screw first year buyers (strike 2), and leave a lower first impression out of the gate with everyone else (strike 3). I see no advantage delaying greatly improved engines only by one model year. And don't anyone tell me it's to gain sales momentum. You need the greatest momentum at the redesign or facelift, not shoe-horned inbetween. No other manufacturer makes it a habit introducing cars or major features this way.

So once again, Lexus has created a lame duck model like it did with the last GS. Pity 2014 resale value too (strike 4).

I'd also like to point out a piece of this story leaked over a year ago, hinting to what Hoovey is stating today. I believe it was Toyota announcing they were working on a new turbo four, to be added to the Camry facelift and many other corporate cars. I think we even had a thread on it. So here's that claim now coming to fruition.

Thanks Hoovey for this most excellent news.

 

it was actually said to "come to one car in 2014" as much as I remember, probably NX200t... maybe that was 2013, not 2014 then?

but as i said before, its not like they have engine ready and they are waiting to introduce it... it is not ready... hence IS250 and GS250.

 

Exactly. The GS 300 and GS 430 were in the majority of reviews and they were absoloute in a year as the GS 300 and GS 450h/460 came which were not in as many reviews. The press already made their minds up on the cars which is a huge marketing tool.

The GS 350 came a year later with much more power and nearly just as good MPG but it didn't enjoy the "new" marketing since the car was now a year old. Why they would do the SAME THING with the IS is beyond me, it didn't work with the GS at all.

When Lexus stated they were going to keep engines updated I think most of us thought maybe a mid-cycle refresh, not one year after the debut of a car.

The IS 250 is being reviewed and tested left and right already since the car is "all-new".

 

I didn't think about that, but yeah, truth

 

Great news! I'm hoping to hear news on an updated IS350 engine too.

 

its the same engine as the 2.5 and 3.5 just 3 liters. 3GR-FSE

 

I got "wind" of this towards the end of January....

I guess we will have to wait & see on how Lexus will package the Turbo motors...

This will also be a massive project for Lexus and all the dealership training that will be required for techs and etc. etc.. etc..


~ Joe Z

 

Is the 3.0L more efficient than the 2.5L though? If not then it doesn't matter, US stopped using it, overseas like Middle East they still have the IS300

 

I think most people did when the NX200t patent came out

there's always training for new products. Lexus is good about making sure service and sales are well versed in the product

 

Is it an I4 or a flat four like in the FRS.

 

Can't wait to hear about the an update for the 3.5 V6 engine.

 

I'm assuming the NX will have a I4 turbo design for FWD, and the IS will have a I4 variant for RWD. That's of course speculation. I don't think anyone but Lexus knows that. Keep in mind you'll probably see a RC200t and GS200t eventually and I just don't see them using a flat four in those (IMO)

 

That's not what I meant..... We all have different types of sources of info..!!

Again what I meant was the huge undertaking of training techs on "how to" work on turbo motors and of course the reliability of the design for the end consumer.

You don't just switch over to using Turbos at the snap of a finger..

- Joe Z

 

that 2.0t will probably go into full lineup sans LS... maybe even in LS in China, as there engines over 2.0l are taxed more.

In any case, for anyone even remotely thinking about speed in IS250, they should upgrade to IS350 :-)

 

I'm praying for a turbo version of the flat 4 found in the BRZ/FRS. Imagine the handling benefits from the low centre of gravity of that engine. The GS200T/IS200T would have the lowest CG in class.