The turbo isn't really new...its a transplant from the NX which Corrado has in his sig so he should know. I bet the new turbo will be good for mid 6s. Will be surprised if its low 6s high 5s given the IS is a pig...really this car should be ~3400lbs given its size.

If there is a price increase of a couple thousand, is the turbo really worth getting over the IS350?

 

Why would they have an IS300 and IS350? The IS300 seems like a useless middle model thats not a big jump for the IS200T

 

^^the IS300 AWD is to replace the IS250 AWD for those that want AWD (and i'm sure will be cheaper than the IS350 AWD).

This is great news that Lexus finally decided to expand the 2.0t. Can't wait to see if they upgrade the IS350 in the future (perhaps an IS300t for 2017, would be cool). Its a welcome change as the company isn't known to swap engines in the middle of the lifecycle (last one I recall was the 1st gen ES300 from the 3VZ to the 1MZ in 1994).

 

Wow thanks for sharing the info! Looks like 2016 isn't all too exciting for 350 owners. :/

 

Not sure, but it looks like that they are only offering RWD with the turbo 4. Maybe that's a Canada thing, because it sure would be a shame if you can't get RWD-only with one of sixes.

 

No sarcasm. People trash the 250 on power but this V6 is by far more responsive than the NX which I've had for 6 months already. It's the one, practically only thing I dislike like about the NX. Even in Sport mode, the time you press the throttle to the time the NX accelerates is 1+ second but after that delay, it pulls very strongly and the more you press, the more boost, and the more it accelerates. The V6 on the other hand runs out of steam with more throttle input. With the 8 speed and less weight, the lag should be much reduced over the NX, hopefully.

Both engines are equally smooth and quiet, which says a lot about the 4 cyl Turbo. It's the smoothest quietest 4 cyl I ever owned (had Hondas, Toyotas, Nissan, Subaru).

@dizlex: Based on both the Euro and Canadian announcements today, I'd say the IS 200t is RWD-only for all markets.

 

I am surprised that the IS300 is a 3.5L. I wonder if it is the same as the new 3.5L that is coming in the Tacoma with the VVTi-W. It will make 270hp in the Tacoma, though. If it is that new engine, that could be fantastic for fuel economy and generally feeling strong without being quite as crazy as the IS350.

 

I like the rain sensing wipers and auto-leveling HID lamps as standard equipment on the F-Sport. Now if only the could add power folding mirrors and a forward facing camera.

 

It looks like the IS 350 might come with TRD body kit

 

I wonder if the release of the IS 300 engine means better fuel efficiency compared the the outgoing IS250 engine? More Hp and torque for the new engine, but will it sip or guzzle? All of the V6 engines will be available with the AWD transmission, just different displacement.

Just an after thought.

 

You need throttle controller like all 2.0 Turbo European car to fix the initial throttle response.

 

255hp for a new 3.5L V6? Even the Camry V6 does better =(

 

Now they need to put some turbo on the next IS350.

 

the previous gen GS had the GS300 for one year before changing over to the 2GR FSE 3.5

 

In a couple of months I'll be in the market for a BMW 340i to replace my wife's 335i. The 340 has been announced in May and has a new engine, with 20-25hp more. I'm guessing with the M Performance Package Kit you can add another 20hp.

While BMW keeps stepping up (at least) their engine game, Lexus announces 240ish and 250ish hp cars. I'm in love with my IS350 and I still have 2 years on my lease, but I really hope, for their sake, that they announce a turbo engine with a 20hp increase for the 350.

Yes there is a big price difference between the 3-series and the IS, but isn't Lexus trying to compete against the 3-series?