Lexus Adds Turbo Option to 2016 IS
I’m a huge fan of the Lexus IS; indeed, it was one of the models the company started offering that really drew me into the brand. Still, perhaps the base IS 250 was lacking a bit. But for the 2016 model year, Lexus is making changes to the IS’s engine offerings, with an added splash of turbo to liven things up.
New for 2016 is the IS 200t. This engine is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder mill making 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While that’s no RC F, its output is nothing to sneeze at. It should make the new car faster, along with improving the off-the-line grunt.
The IS 200t is a rear-wheel drive only affair, and is mated exclusively to an 8-speed automatic. Why no manual transmission? Because not enough people bought them when Lexus offered it before, at least not enough to justify the research and development in a new manual transmission.
There will be an IS 300, paired with all-wheel drive packing 255 horsepower and and 236 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Unless you live in a climate where you need all-wheel drive, my money is on the 200t being the more engaging of the two to drive.
Sitting at the top of the list is the IS 350, either in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. You can expect 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. All of that is sent through an 8-speed automatic.
I’m still a fan of the IS, and I have to admit the 2.0L turbo has piqued my interest even more. I can’t wait for some wheel time with it.
The 2016 models will be available later this year.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
via [Lexus Enthusiast]
