Lexus Reveals Power Source for 2015 IS 250
Dispelling all of the rumors about a new 2.0 liter turbo engine, Lexus reveals the source of power for the up and coming 2015 Lexus IS 250 and 350 vehicles. We’ll give you a hint – it’s not turbo.
The IS 250 will debut with a 204 horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic. The 350 will be sporting a 3.5 liter V6 that’s mated to eight-speed automatic.
Leave it to Lexus to keep everyone guessing about whether the third generation IS models would be upgraded in horsepower.
Understandably, critics looked to the competition when speculating about the thrust behind the new Lexus IS – after all, automakers like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Cadillac have all jumped on the 2.0 liter I-4 turbo bandwagon, vying for more power under the hood and tripping over themselves for more car sales.
They may have also been considering the price paid in some regions for a larger engine. In some cases, a bigger engine means more taxes.
The pundits could have also been analyzing the efficiency of a turbo engine. The turbocharger’s windmill is attached to the car’s exhaust system forcing gases out, while the unit’s fan takes in cleaner air. The increase in air provides more power.
Or maybe it was just that they had taken to heart what Junichi Furuyama, Chief Engineer for the Lexus IS, said at the Detroit Auto Show back in February of 2013. “Currently we are considering whether or not we should maintain the current naturally aspirated V6 engine, or we should shift to turbocharged downsizing.”
To the gung-ho turbo crowd, we say, “sorry folks.”
Instead, the Japanese car maker decided to take a different route.
Turns out, there are many car makers that continue to rely on a 2.5 liter V6. The BMW 320i runs on 2.0 liter engine, while the Cadillac has its 2.5 liter ATS.
All is not lost on Lexus, it seems, after all.
Instead, the automaker opted to stick with the naturally-aspirated V6 that has powered the IS in the past.
The good news is, IS enthusiasts have their choice of or 2.5 or 3.5-liter engine, (the latter, if it’s more horses they really want.)
For the thrill seekers, Lexus also came up with a built-in drive system select mode where drivers can have their choice of either eco, normal or sport.
For a more dynamic performance, Lexus created the IS F Sport.
There’s always the possibility that some drivers may not benefit from the fuel savings that a turbo engine offers, simply because they don’t mind utilizing the power this fiery little engine’s been equipped with.
But to us here at Lexus of Highland Park, it looks like Lexus has definitely come up with something for everyone. Stop over to our Lexus dealership and browse our large selection of new and pre-owned Lexus vehicles.
