GENEVA, Switzerland — Call it the clash of the titans: Lexus vs. BMW. Toyota's luxury division Lexus unveiled a new sport sedan at the Geneva motor show intended to challenge the BMW 3 Series, which also made its worldwide auto show debut here. This is the second generation of the IS and the most powerful with a 252-hp V6.
The new IS represents a full redesign from bumper to bumper, but remains rear-wheel drive. It is based on a shortened version of the new GS platform and its styling bears a family resemblance to the new GS sedans, which go on sale this year.
In Geneva, Lexus showed the IS 250 with a 2.5-liter direct-injection V6, which replaces the previous inline six. It also introduced a new super-eco 2.2-liter, four-cylinder diesel, the first-ever diesel from Lexus, which will go in the IS as well as future Lexus models.
The U.S. will not get the diesel version. Instead, a bigger 3.0-liter version of the new V6 engine, rated at 252 horsepower, will go in the IS 300. And Japan's rumor mill has it that an even higher-performance version, the IS 350, is on tap with a reworked version of the 3.5-liter V6 from the new Toyota Avalon, producing a stronger 310 hp.
The IS features a six-speed manual transmission or a dual-mode automatic with paddle-shift controls.
A convertible could be in the IS lineup by 2006 as well.
What it means to you: Lexus is giving us what appears to be a worthy alternative to the BMW 3 Series with the new IS.
The new IS represents a full redesign from bumper to bumper, but remains rear-wheel drive. It is based on a shortened version of the new GS platform and its styling bears a family resemblance to the new GS sedans, which go on sale this year.
In Geneva, Lexus showed the IS 250 with a 2.5-liter direct-injection V6, which replaces the previous inline six. It also introduced a new super-eco 2.2-liter, four-cylinder diesel, the first-ever diesel from Lexus, which will go in the IS as well as future Lexus models.
The U.S. will not get the diesel version. Instead, a bigger 3.0-liter version of the new V6 engine, rated at 252 horsepower, will go in the IS 300. And Japan's rumor mill has it that an even higher-performance version, the IS 350, is on tap with a reworked version of the 3.5-liter V6 from the new Toyota Avalon, producing a stronger 310 hp.
The IS features a six-speed manual transmission or a dual-mode automatic with paddle-shift controls.
A convertible could be in the IS lineup by 2006 as well.
What it means to you: Lexus is giving us what appears to be a worthy alternative to the BMW 3 Series with the new IS.
Add A Comment »
mrjost55 says:
08:59 PM, 05/07/2010
why the hell didn't we get this engine instead of the 250?