2020 Updates?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,590
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
I'm not the biggest fan of the M340i's looks, but I don't judge anyone who wants it over something like the IS 350. I've driven an F30 335i, and I was actually impressed by it in some ways. The engine was really smooth and powerful, and the transmission was wonderful - nice, immediate shifts, and when left in automatic, it did exactly what I expected it to. The steering, though numb, had a nice weight and quickness to it. The ride was smooth, too, especially in Comfort mode. It wasn't very engaging, but I think it'd make a good daily. Back to the new M340i, I expect it will improve on the old car in many ways, especially considering how journalists largely panned the driving dynamics of the F30, whereas they aren't doing so with the G20.
Funny about the comments of M340i being ugly just because of the grill. I think 3rd Gen IS started with the ugly grill, M340i is great car in my book, the back looks like Lexus that's why I like it. It's miles ahead of IS in terms of tech, power, and gas mileage (yes it gets better gas mileage than IS). I'm afraid to get into one because of long term reliability reputation, if I were in the market I'd definitely ****** one to lease.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,590
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
I've driven a couple of BMWs with inline 6s, and they are quite smooth. I wouldn't be upset about that if Lexus ended up with something similar. It also calls back to Lexus's earlier history of using inline 6s in the IS 300/GS 300 of the early 2000s/late 90s.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 155
Likes: 15
From: CA
Isn't it all relative though. Wanting a car (that you spend money on) that competes well in its market is not about looking for performance bragging rights. Otherwise, couldn't I use that argument against you buying an IS350 vs. a Corolla.. or an 86?
Why get an IS350 and its powerful NA V6.. for performance bragging rights?
The fact is Lexus is a business. Business means you have to sell in a world with competitors.
The B58 rumor may be unlikely but not absurd. Otherwise why didn't Toyota use their own twin turbo V6 in the Supra?
Engineers did an assessment and at the end of the day they chose the B58 for their sports car.
Sup?
Why get an IS350 and its powerful NA V6.. for performance bragging rights?
The fact is Lexus is a business. Business means you have to sell in a world with competitors.
The B58 rumor may be unlikely but not absurd. Otherwise why didn't Toyota use their own twin turbo V6 in the Supra?
Engineers did an assessment and at the end of the day they chose the B58 for their sports car.
Sup?
2. Toyota Motor Corp does not share their high output flagship Lexus engines with the Toyota brand? If you read through the various literature available, you will see references to the V35A-FTS being reserved for the Lexus flagship.
My guess is the IS200t gets a power bump and moves forward as the economical option
The V35A-FTS will be slightly de-tuned to 350-375hp to become the entry performance version to compete with Audi S4, Mercedes C43, BMW M340i, Infiniti Redsport400.
The V35A-FTS will be tuned into a performance variant north of 450hp with additional cooling and strengthening and given a new engine code for the "IS F" model assuming they even come out with one.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,590
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
Um, yeah, see below.
I 100% agree. This is the real issue with BMWs now... Unless you are leasing, I think they aren't worth the money new. They depreciate hard, so as a CPO car they make more sense.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 528
Likes: 134
From: Ontario
No IS? I'm guessing that'll be 2021, but this is good news.
https://9to5google-com.cdn.ampprojec...rom%20%251%24s
https://9to5google-com.cdn.ampprojec...rom%20%251%24s
Android Auto has seen some huge expansion over the past few years, and earlier this year, Toyota finally announced that it would start using Google’s platform. Now, Toyota’s luxury division Lexus is also confirming support for Android Auto.
A support page on the Lexus website spotted by Android Police confirms that Google’s platform will be supported starting on 2020 models. Another page confirms that this will be the wired connection version of Android Auto, rather than the rarely used wireless version.
Notably, Lexus vehicles supporting Android Auto include the RX, RC, UX, and “select” ES and NX vehicles for the 2020 model year will offer compatibility. In a footnote, the company clarifies that only select vehicles from the October 2019 production of the 2020 ES and NX will have Android Auto support.
This is great to see as it covers the major of the company’s lineup and, more than likely, the list will expand in future model years. Notably, Lexus vehicles added support for Apple CarPlay with some 2018 models and have further expanded the availability of the feature with each new model year.
A support page on the Lexus website spotted by Android Police confirms that Google’s platform will be supported starting on 2020 models. Another page confirms that this will be the wired connection version of Android Auto, rather than the rarely used wireless version.
Notably, Lexus vehicles supporting Android Auto include the RX, RC, UX, and “select” ES and NX vehicles for the 2020 model year will offer compatibility. In a footnote, the company clarifies that only select vehicles from the October 2019 production of the 2020 ES and NX will have Android Auto support.
This is great to see as it covers the major of the company’s lineup and, more than likely, the list will expand in future model years. Notably, Lexus vehicles added support for Apple CarPlay with some 2018 models and have further expanded the availability of the feature with each new model year.