Next Lexus IS Might Get Supra’s BMW-Sourced Straight Six

BY Brad Anderson | Posted on

If we were to believe the latest rumors, it seems that the next-generation Lexus IS could be powered by the same BMW-developed 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six as the brand new Supra.

Japan’s Best Car magazine broke the news, and while it remains to be seen if it’s true or not, it wouldn’t be all that surprising. After all, both the BMW M340i and BMW Z4 M40i are powered by the same B58 engine as the Supra, but the German models get a healthy 382 hp while the Supra has to make do with 335 hp.

The Supra engine won’t be the only powertrain allegedly offered in the next-generation Lexus IS. In fact, the Japanese report claims that buyers will also have the choice of a 2.0-liter turbo, a 2.4-liter turbo, and a 2.5-liter hybrid.

That’s not all. The IS F could make a comeback in the model’s next generation and make use of the twin-turbo V6 from the LS 500 sedan. In its current form, this twin-turbo V6 delivers 416 hp, the same amount as the old, naturally aspirated V8 IS F. Lexus engineers could almost certainly tweak the LS 500’s engine for use in the IS F to give it a little more character and power.

Beyond its engines, the new IS will probably be similar in size to the current car but weigh considerably less, tipping the scales at around 3395 lbs (1539 kg) in base specification. By comparison, the outgoing IS weighs roughly 3737 lbs (1695 kg), making it heavier than its German rivals. Lexus is expected to unveil the next-generation IS in 2021 before it goes on sale for the 2022 model year.

Carscoops has reached out to Lexus to find out more about the next-gen IS, so stay tuned as the story will be updated once we get a response.

Update: In an email to Carscoops, Lexus said that it can’t comment on reports about future products.

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