Apparently, the collaboration between BMW and Toyota doesn’t just end with the G29 Z4 and A90 Supra. According to bestcarweb, the next-generation Lexus IS will be the next model in line to receive the 3.0 litre straight-six engine. In the Supra, the engine makes 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque.
The Japanese publication states that Lexus’ sporty image is not as widely known as rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz. To tackle this, it seems there are plans to add a mid-range high-performance sports model with an inline-six engine, one which would sit between the regular 2.0 litre four-cylinder models and range-topping IS F.
Platform-wise, the new IS will reportedly sit on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) FR-based platform, which underpins the new Toyota Crown. Styling-wise, the report said the new IS won’t look too dissimilar to the outgoing model (pictured above), although the contents will be fully renewed.
Although not confirmed, there are brief mentions of possible powertrain options, including the same 2.5 litre four-cylinder hybrid engine shared with the Crown, a newly-developed 2.4 litre four-cylinder turbo, as well as the carryover 2.0 litre turbo four-potter. In other markets, the IS can be had with a 3.5 litre V6 petrol, but that may be replaced with the Z4-Supra’s 3.0 litre straight-six petrol engine.
The website quotes a Toyota official saying: “Through a new line-up of powertrain units that, combined with the luxury and sportiness [that will go] into the next-generation IS, there is an aim to improve the sporty image of Lexus.”
As for the IS F, the report claims the 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated V8 may face the chopping block, citing fuel efficiency as a primary reason for its possible demise. Succeeding the V8 could be a downsized 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 shared with the Lexus LS500, possibly tuned to make 422 PS, with drive sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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will it affect Toyota and Lexus reliability since they start using bmw engine?
The reason why bmw hybrid system is more reliable than merc is they using lots of Toyota hybrid technology
BMW engines now reliable enough to be used in a Lexus? Or Lexus engines too boring, have to buy sportier ones from BMW?
Bmw engine itself is realisable, but while system is not
Hate to say this, but is Lexus becoming “malas” to develop their on high performance engine? Apparently, Lexus (Toyota) is not exactly short on resources. What Lexus exactly need to do is to hire a credible Head of Design who can come out with new designs that can truly be tempting to the luxo car buyers out there. Lexus need to avoid the same design mistakes done with the facelifted IS range.
Previous IS 2.5 V6 NA not so power. After that 2.0 Turbo feels much better. Now they uses BMW inline 6 Turbo? Lexus and Toyota arh, where is your innovation? Why choose Bimmer. Due to aging population in Japan is tremendously increasing, that’s why their innovation is lacking. Come on Japan, increase your population by having more babies. Your future is falling behind now. Even gadget such as smartphone was not even comparable with US, China and Korea. After WARWAR 2, Nagasaki and Hiroshima being attack by hydrogen bombed (US). Japan immediately attack the world using their technology such as automotive, electrical and electronics. Now they seems don’t care much anymore. Haix… Sad…
Some has said about Toyota tumpang glamour BMW. I agree.
Expect to see more Lexus in service centre soon.