Latest info on Lexus 4IS powerplant... (hold onto your seats for this one)
 

So I saw a new report from Japan that insider information has it that the 4IS will be powered by BMW Straight Six.

Guess Lexus might be onto something here. The B58 is already matured and performs supremely. Why not? Whether or not this turns out to be true, I can hear a few of you grumbling from here. It's just a car! Toyota/Lexus has obviously partnered up with other great companies in the past.

Not a bad idea! We'll see huh?

https://bestcarweb.jp/news/59056

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...cc7c5266fc.jpg

Doubtful. That conflicts with the other rumors of the 2.0L and 2.4L turbo powerplants, which will presumably pair with a Lexus (or, Aisin?) transmission, not to mention the hybrid. Could they really develop a wholly distinct drivetrain just for the top-spec trim of the IS? Doubtful, if we know anything about Toyota/Lexus...

I've only seen some rumors that the B58 will be in the top trim IS with the TTV6 from the LS to go into the IS-F. By the time this all happens, I imagine I will have moved on to a different platform by then.

I understand why they would consider it (why spend millions in R&D and toyota did with it with new supra) but don't think they will do so since they already have developed a V6TT in the LS500. If anything I think the 4IS would get a detuned version or if not the same.

Agreed but since BMW and now Mercedes (Lexus's two main competitors) are going straight six, they will have an inherent smoothness advantage that Lexus cannot match with a V6. So that's the reasoning behind this latest report.

Also don't forget Infiniti (another Lexus competitor) is using Mercedes's engines as well for some of its lineup. I wouldn't call it that far fetched.

Unless the next gen IS is coming with close to 500hp, I doubt I'll stay with the IS line up. GsF maybe but its looking more along the lines of M3 M5.

Doubtful seeing the next IS or even ISF close to 500hp. Interested to see what the next generation platform is for Lexus

I'd say there's a decent chance. The next M3 is getting BMW's brand new S58. it will push 473hp/500hp depending on trim. If lexus did come out with an F model, they would have to compete with this. Otherwise what's the point.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...81c6012301.jpg

That's an odd prediction, considering the current LC 500 and RC F are already fairly close to 500. From a 3.5-liter turbo, 500 is very much possible... But even then, with a lot more midrange torque, even mid-400s would be more than enough power to be a proper "F" car as we know them now. Sure, it'll still be outrun by the 63 AMGs, the Ms, etc., but it would at least maintain current acceleration figures, particularly combined with some form of weight loss. /theorying

For 50K I don't expect to be the king of the hill in entry level luxury sports sedans but 450hp is a good starting point.

Whatever the case in either category, Lexus knows they can no longer bring a knife to a gun fight. Even if it means borrowing someone else's gun.

what a shame if they don't use their v6 from the LS.

According to the article, that V6 will be making it into the IS F.

That would be quite a range of engine choices:

2.0T
2.4T
2.5 Hybrid
Inline 6
V6TT for IS F

A new hybrid system capable of at least 35mpg real world would be really compelling.