JSwain: 2016 Lexus IS Gets New Turbo Engine

Saturday, July 25, 2015

2016 Lexus IS Gets New Turbo Engine

We've been scratching our heads for seemingly an eternity regarding the anemic 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 in the Lexus IS 250 sedan that never moved the sedan quickly or efficiently in a segment where turbocharged four-cylinders abound. Ponder no longer, because the V-6 and IS 250 are gone for 2016 replaced with a more powerful and more efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine that takes a competitive step — at least in specifications — toward the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class.

Called the IS 200t, the 241-hp four-cylinder pairs exclusively with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder's roots are in the Lexus NX 200t SUV where the turbo engine debuted, and it's modified for the IS sedan, making 6 more horsepower. Lexus says the engine is good for zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is almost a full second faster than the IS 250's 7.7-second time.

Fuel economy is also improved with a bump of 2 mpg in combined ratings from the outgoing V-6. Lexus estimates ratings of 22/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined that beat the outgoing 2.5-liter's 21/30/24 mpg.

Buyers will still have an all-wheel-drive option below the premier IS 350 in another new trim level, the IS 300 AWD. The IS 300 AWD uses a 3.5-liter-V-6 making 255 horsepower and is the middle-powered engine between the IS 200t's 241-hp four-cylinder and 306-hp V-6 in the IS 350. Previous IS sedans never received the eight-speed automatic with all-wheel drive, and they won't for 2016, either. The IS 300 AWD and IS 350 AWD use a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the IS 300 AWD is estimated at 19/26/21 mpg, which is the same as the IS 350 with all-wheel drive.

Also discontinued for 2016 is the IS 250 hardtop convertible, a Lexus representative confirmed. However, there's still dealership inventory of the 2015 hardtop.

Packaging is tweaked for 2016 and a heated steering wheel is now available as a stand-alone option, while a new Premium Plus Package includes a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers. Lexus' Enform Service Connect is optional too.

Expect the 2016 IS sedan lineup to go on sale this fall.