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It appears that BMW’s engine technology will feature in more Toyota vehicles than previously anticipated. According to a recent report from Japan’s Best Car magazine, the upcoming Lexus IS sports sedan is set to be equipped with the same 335-horsepower, 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six engine currently found in the new Supra.
This BMW-sourced B58 engine is also shared with the Toyota coupe’s Z4 counterpart and competes directly with the BMW M340i, which is the natural rival of the IS. By comparison, the existing IS 350 generates 311 hp from its 3.5-liter V6 engine. Aside from the BMW inline-six, the report indicates that the new IS will also offer options for a 2.0-liter turbo, 2.4-liter turbo, or a 2.5-liter hybrid setup.
Furthermore, the magazine mentions that the IS F model will be returning, featuring the in-house twin-turbo V6 engine found in the notably popular LS 500. The previous IS F, based on the second-generation IS, was discontinued in 2013 and utilized the company’s widely recognized 5.0-liter V8. The nameplate has not been available for the current generation of the vehicle.
Interestingly, both the older V8-equipped IS F and the current twin-turbo LS 500 generate identical power outputs of 416 hp.
The Lexus IS represents Toyota’s foray into the highly competitive compact premium sports sedan market, which includes formidable rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Cadillac ATS, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Infiniti Q50, Genesis G70, and Acura TLX. These models encompass the main competitors in this segment.
Although the IS was initially designed to challenge BMW’s dominance, it has never garnered the same level of acclaim or popularity as the 3 Series. It’s possible that incorporating one of BMW’s engines may help change its fortunes.
H/T: Lexus Enthusiast
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