IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

2018 IS: Renamed 200t, more horsepower

Old 09-05-17, 01:48 PM
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nhawk
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Default 2018 IS: Renamed 200t, more horsepower

First few details of the 2018 IS line are out!

In revealing the 2018 Lexus IS and GS lineups, the Japanese automaker quietly renamed the IS 200t and GS 200t to the IS 300 RWD and GS 300. The new “300” badge no longer represents what’s under the hood, as the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine still remains. In other words, Lexus didn’t replace the 2.0-liter mill with a 3.0-liter engine. It’s a move that is similar to what other automakers are doing – instead of showing actual displacement, they’re using a virtual engine designation.

Along with the name change, the IS 300 AWD and IS 350 are getting a five-horsepower boost, with the 300 AWD now having 260 hp and the 350 getting 311 hp. Other minor changes to the IS lineup include an available adaptive front lighting system, while the IS 350 RWD F Sport has an optional limited-slip differential.

The GS sedan doesn’t see very many changes, with Lexus Enform now complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership. There are also new optional 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. The GS 300 features 241 hp from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Source: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...is-better.html
Old 09-05-17, 02:17 PM
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E46CT
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I might be interested in an IS300 rebadge if that's what it is. And the badge is already available! But the 'T" is pretty cool. IS300T?
Old 09-05-17, 03:44 PM
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nhawk
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Originally Posted by E46CT
I might be interested in an IS300 rebadge if that's what it is. And the badge is already available! But the 'T" is pretty cool. IS300T?
Probably not as that would be extra misleading as other automakers have both a 2.0 turbo and 3.0 turbo (eg. Audi 3.0t)...

Hopefully the Lexus 2.0t engine is improved as well...
Old 09-06-17, 01:08 AM
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Wow. Us, 200T owners are part of a very small community... only 2016/17 with that badge. Even more rare for 2016 with the pre-refresh. A good thing if you ask me.
Old 09-06-17, 01:30 AM
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I wonder with the horsepower increase on the IS300 means that they doubled down on locking up the ECU to prevent tampering.
Old 09-06-17, 07:02 AM
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Sheddy
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Looks like the power output of the 2.0T motor is the same.
Old 09-06-17, 07:55 AM
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JDR76
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Yes, we've had a few threads on the 2018 changes already. The 2.0T engine is not changing, only the name is.
Old 09-06-17, 11:47 AM
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Honestly I think this whole renaming/badge thing is dumb. It will make it so confusing down the road to know what engine is in the car.

It was was so easy before.
Old 09-06-17, 01:36 PM
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The optional LSD for the 350 F is nice, but the 5hp increase is very underwhelming. If GM can get 335hp out of their 3.6 Lexus could surely do something similar.

I was hoping Smokey Granite Mica reappeared for the IS. I see its available for the GS. SGM always looked great on the 2IS 350.
Old 09-06-17, 02:02 PM
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E46CT
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Renaming isn't dumb. That's how you compete in your respective market. A shopper may pass up in an IS200t for a BMW 330i because the "2" is smaller than the "3" despite the two models directly competing in the same space.

Since all the major players are in the 3s for their entry models, it makes no sense for Lexus's entry model to be stuck in the 2s.

Audi A3/A4
Mercedes C300
BMW 330i
etc
Old 09-06-17, 05:02 PM
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nathantse
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The IS 2.0L Turbo puts out 260 hp now? But the GS 2.0L Turbo remained the same at 241? Waaat..

IS350 has 311hp... which is barely anything. Guess I'll be driving my '16 IS350 for a long whiles.
Old 09-06-17, 05:20 PM
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brendanf
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Originally Posted by E46CT
Renaming isn't dumb. That's how you compete in your respective market. A shopper may pass up in an IS200t for a BMW 330i because the "2" is smaller than the "3" despite the two models directly competing in the same space.

Since all the major players are in the 3s for their entry models, it makes no sense for Lexus's entry model to be stuck in the 2s.

Audi A3/A4
Mercedes C300
BMW 330i
etc
Well I guess we are just going to have to disagree on whether it was/is a good idea or not.. But the argument "because that is what everyone else is doing!" gets really old. Isn't the IS considered their entry level car anyway? If they are so concerned with how the numbering sounds, then they should just give all their cars some impressive sounding number.

To come out with a 200t, 300, and a 350, and then after a few years make the 200t the 300, dropping the 300 engine, and sticking with the 350 to me is confusing and shows bad planning by Lexus.
Old 09-06-17, 10:11 PM
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otakusan
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adaptive front lighting = triple beam LED (the rest of the world has)? that would be cool
Old 09-07-17, 05:46 AM
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Sheddy
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Originally Posted by nathantse
The IS 2.0L Turbo puts out 260 hp now? But the GS 2.0L Turbo remained the same at 241? Waaat..

IS350 has 311hp... which is barely anything. Guess I'll be driving my '16 IS350 for a long whiles.
The output on the RWD IS/GS/RC 300 ( 2.0 turbo) remains at 241hp and the AWD IS/GS/RC 300 comes with the detuned 3.5 V6 which will have 260hp instead of the current 255hp.
Old 09-07-17, 05:59 AM
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Originally Posted by otakusan
adaptive front lighting = triple beam LED (the rest of the world has)? that would be cool
Not necessarily...my 2007 IS 350 had adaptive front lighting. They could just add it to the existing projector type headlights.
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