New Generation IS
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: TX
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: GA
Thanks for posting that link, PatrixUSA - beat me to it. 
I think he's saying that hopefully we don't see the death of naturally-aspirated engines in the IS lineup. I am cautiously optimistic that a NA V-6 will stick around in some form. If the new Camry is any indication, it seems that as a whole Toyota isn't opposed to continuing usage of that engine family. However, with increasingly demanding fuel-economy regulations, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if the only way to get an NA engine would be the mid- or upper-trim option, such as an IS 350 successor - though, some have speculated that such a vehicle could receive a turbo V-6.
I think he's saying that hopefully we don't see the death of naturally-aspirated engines in the IS lineup. I am cautiously optimistic that a NA V-6 will stick around in some form. If the new Camry is any indication, it seems that as a whole Toyota isn't opposed to continuing usage of that engine family. However, with increasingly demanding fuel-economy regulations, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if the only way to get an NA engine would be the mid- or upper-trim option, such as an IS 350 successor - though, some have speculated that such a vehicle could receive a turbo V-6.
something tells me the next generation of the IS is going to be good, the LS is a benchmark for the engine and the 10 speed and i haven’t read or heard any complaints with power so far. this might make the next gen IS350/IS400 a much more compelling competitor in the luxury sports sedan class. the real issue is weight and they need to drop it back to the 2IS’s weight, which was a very fast car for its time
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: GA
I completely agree about keeping the weight in check, but wasn't most of the acceleration difference between 2IS and 3IS due to an aggressive first gear ratio? I've heard the 3IS actually pulls pretty well on the highway. Maybe they can just modify the gearing for that 8-speed transmission to make it more enthusiastic off the line.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: NC
LOL. Where are you guys driving that you demand more power and performance from the next gen IS? Bench racing with your buds over beers at your local craft beer brewer? Your Beemer friends rib you too much over only having 315HP? Yeah. Just buy the Beemer.
it’s more about lexus being more competitive and going outside of their comfort zone to make the ultimate sports sedan, so people who do drive the german cars could be shocked a lexus can be so good, not saying the 3IS isn’t because it was back in 2014, but the rest of the cars were redesigned or had significant power upgrades
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: NC
There's that word. Competitive. It means nothing when we're talking about sedans. The current IS makes great, usable power. The chassis is a thrill. I guess I should remove myself from this conversation since I'm happy.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
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From: CA
it’s more about lexus being more competitive and going outside of their comfort zone to make the ultimate sports sedan, so people who do drive the german cars could be shocked a lexus can be so good, not saying the 3IS isn’t because it was back in 2014, but the rest of the cars were redesigned or had significant power upgrades
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: GA
Geez... Relax. There's probably a less abrasive way to get your point across.
Anyways, my biggest gripe is how they copy-pasted the engine between generations. I find that to be pretty lazy, and it's one of the reasons I can't really see myself owning a 3IS. A lot of improvements, yes, but otherwise just too familiar.
Anyways, my biggest gripe is how they copy-pasted the engine between generations. I find that to be pretty lazy, and it's one of the reasons I can't really see myself owning a 3IS. A lot of improvements, yes, but otherwise just too familiar.
https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...ry-car-feature
I do think it's apparent at some of the other cars that beat the IS 350, such as newer models and, hilariously, a V-6 Mustang, that there could be some improvement.