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I agree! But I guess what started this for me was my initial aversion to the term 4IS.

 

Same. I voted for 3.5 as I figure that's better than calling it a 4th gen or 4IS. I usually refer to it as the '21+ 3rd gen in conversations though.

 

3.5IS hands down. The 4IS would need to move to a different platform and have different powertrain options (ie. TNGA-whatever, 2.4T replacing the V6, 8 or 10 speed auto for both RWD/AWD models, redesigned interior). I'm not sure what I would think when the inevitable move to a turbo 4 popper occurs and the 2GR is retired for good, I can see how having more torque at lower RPM would be a great improvement (even if Lexus tunes it conservatively and smooths out the torque delivery), but on the other hand I really like the V6's engine induction sound, especially when you floor the pedal and it downshifts to 2nd, sending the tach into the 5k range.

 

Definitely 3.5. Two dudes on the IS Freaks FB page were hell bent to call it a 4th gen. My response, nope you’re wrong. 😎

 

No core changes to the body in white vs. the original 2014 IS, so it would certainly still be 3IS.

As to Porsche, they're genuine real sports cars with significant powertrain and chassis updates, so I think they're more deserving of the .1 or .2 identifiers.

 

I'd say the revised suspension including forged aluminum components and new swing-valve dampers along with new welds and reinforcements count as chassis updates. Powertrains... sure. The 8-speed, 6-speed, and the engines are all carry-over from pre-2021.

Edit: By the way, I brought up this topic in my local Lexus meetup group chat, and pretty much everyone was okay with continuing to call it 4IS. I gave my reasons why I didn't want to, and it was like "to each their own". Also, "it's a pretty different car". I tried.

I think it's important to remember that the 4IS moniker exists because many people see the 2021 IS as a significant update at the very least.

 

I agree that the changes are significant but reluctant to go 4g, hence why I think 3.5g is warranted.

 

To me, since launching @ 2013 they are all just facelift variants.