Lexus Quietly Renames 2018 IS and GS Turbo Models
The IS 200t and GS 200t are dead! Long live the IS 300 and GS 300!
We first noticed way back in April that Lexus appeared to be on the verge of a major change to their longstanding model naming tradition. And just as we originally suspected, it appears that the change is trickling down to other Lexus models. First, the automaker quietly killed the NX 200t badge in favor of the NX 300. Despite the fact that it still packs the same, 2.0 liter turbo four under the hood.
Now, they’re doing the same thing with the turbo 2018 IS and GS models. And just as they did with the NX, both of these latest name changes happened with barely a whisper. Namely, a single sentence in the press release for both vehicles.
“With an increase in horsepower and the Lexus IS 200t RWD model now called the IS 300 RWD, the 2018 sporty sedan speaks volumes and then some.”
“A sedan that offers both luxury and sporty handling, the Lexus GS has three distinct renditions—the GS 300 (formerly the GS 200t), GS 350 and GS 450h.”
It’s as if we never knew them. Now granted, this change isn’t exclusive to 2.0 liter turbo models, either. The new LS 500 packs a 3.5 liter V6. So do the 2018 IS 350 and GS 350, but they’re still called…the IS 350 and GS 350. And the LC 500 has a 5.0 liter V8. Confused yet?
It’s almost like Lexus is dipping its toe into the model naming strategy long used by rivals like BMW and Mercedes. But they don’t quite seem to be totally convinced yet. If the change was exclusive to 2.0 liter models, we’d just call it an aversion to small displacement engines. Or maybe they just want to make those models, along with the LS, seem more prestigious. Either way, we think it’s nothing more than a good way to confuse consumers.
