Lexus IS F May Make Comeback with Biturbo V6

Bittersweet Return?

Without a doubt, the Lexus IS F is (in our humble opinion) one of the greatest modern luxury sports sedans ever built. And ever since it was sent to the great automotive graveyard in the sky, we've missed it immensely. So when Australia's Driving Enthusiast caught wind that a high-po IS could be returning in 2020, we were obviously more than a bit excited. But like most good news, there are a couple of caveats. 

Stings Just a Little

Those caveats are what is rumored to lie under the hood of this new IS - a biturbo V6. Not the much-beloved, naturally-aspirated V8 of the original. This shouldn't come as a surprise, of course, given the current industry trend of downsized, forced-induction powerplants. But it still stings a little. And oh yea, the new model apparently won't be called the IS F, but the IS 400. 

>>Join the conversation about the potential return of the IS F right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Sizing up the Competition

On the bright side, that V6 is the same 3.5-liter, twin-turbo mill currently powering the LS 500. Which mean's it'll have at least 416 hp. It would also position do battle with rivals like the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, Jaguar XE S, and BMW 340i. All of which use forced-induction V6 engines for power.  

>>Join the conversation about the potential return of the IS F right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Not Quite F

Which also means that the IS 400 also won't be the full-bore performance model that the IS F was. But it will reportedly feature a host of performance goodies similar to the F Sport. That includes bigger wheels and brakes, upgraded suspension, and interior goodies. 

>>Join the conversation about the potential return of the IS F right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Same Power, More Torque

While that all might seem like a bit of a letdown, using the existing V6 means that the IS 400 would pack the exact same horsepower rating as the original IS F. Albeit with a lot more torque - 442 lb-ft versus 371.  

>>Join the conversation about the potential return of the IS F right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Obvious Choice?

The IS 400 would also represent a substantial upgrade over the current IS 350, which offers up a somewhat disappointing (for a range-topper, anyway) 310 hp. And it would almost be too easy not to do, despite the fact that tossing the turbo V6 into a smaller car would seemingly cannibalize the LS 500. 

>>Join the conversation about the potential return of the IS F right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Hi-Po or No?

Regardless of whether or not these rumors prove to be true, we should be seeing an all-new IS in or around 2020. Development began back in 2015, and you can bet that Lexus will be working hard to keep the compact sedan afloat. Whether or not that involves the return of a high-performance model? Well, we'll find out soon enough! 

>>Join the conversation about the potential return of the IS F right here in the Club Lexus forum.

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