2006 Lexus IS News: IS430/IS460 spied; 4.3L V8 400hp/4.6L V8 400+hp?

[Vintalage]

At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Lexus launched its new BMW fighters, the IS models, introducing the V6-powered IS 250 and IS 350. But is there another IS that will punch the performance even higher?

Rumors from Japan point to a high-performance uber-IS powered by a modified 4.3-liter V8 producing 400 hp, but speculation also suggests a possible 3.5-liter hybrid with equal pulling power. At the same time, the German automotive press is going gaga over word that Lexus has registered the name “IS460”—suggesting the possibility of an even more powerful autobahner with a 4.6-liter V8 under the hood.


Recent photos from the Nürburgring show a disguised Lexus IS prototype with twin exhaust pipes, a hood vent and upturned trunk lid, all indicating this is the high-performance IS 430, if not the bolder IS 460.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102454

- Autoweek

[Vintalage]

So the initial source I posted a month back was correct. I had it removed because I wasn't sure if it were true. But it is. Very interesting. They are serious about going after the M3.

[TaHoE]

One Simple Equation: CTS-V + LS3 > IS460

[jro4566]

The 4.3L is leaving, that's a fact. It will be replaced by the 3.5L hybrid in the GS450h and the new 4.6L DOHC 32V V8 VVT for the new LS, with which Lexus has trademarked LS460. Expect power to be over 350HP.

*3.0L DOHC 24V I6 VVT 215HP (found in IS300) - replaced by 3.5L DOHC 24V V6 VVT 315HP (found in new IS350)
*3.0L DOHC 24V V6 VVT 245HP "stopgag engine" (found in new GS300) - replaced by 3.5L DOHC 24V VVT 315HP (found in upcoming GS350)
*3.3L DOHC 24V V6 VVT 225HP (found in ES330/RX330) - replaced by 3.5L DOHC 24V V6 VVT 290+HP (supposedly for next MY)
*4.3L DOHC 32V V8 VVT 290HP (found in LS430) - replaced by 4.6L DOHC 32V V8 VVT 350+HP (found in upcoming LS460)
*4.3L DOHC 32V V8 VVT 300HP (found in new GS430) - replaced by 3.5L DOHC 24V V6 VVT HYBRID 300+HP (found in new GS450h)
*4.7L DOHC 32V V8 VVT 275HP (found in GX470/LX470) - replaced by 5.0L DOHC 32V V8 VVT HYBRID OPTION 300+HP (found in rumored upcoming GX500/LX500/VX500)

This is all I could get from CarSpyShots, but it should be pretty accurate.

[otonabee]

Wow..sounds like Lexus is really getting serious with their new engines and ready to become true BMW beaters...if it all works out. Don't forget there's rumors of a sports car Lexus...that is either the new SC430 or a totally new sports car..that has a V10 engine producing 500+. I posted a thread on it too...with a spy video of the new sports car.

[griswold44]

Whoa! Vintalage your avatar was the same as InfinitiZ350s.

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

One Simple Equation: CTS-V + LS3 > IS460

Well you get an F on this paper.

[Infiniti Z350]

Originally Posted by griswold44

Whoa! Vintalage your avatar was the same as InfinitiZ350s.

I gave it to him when I got my new one.

[Infiniti Z350]

I wonder how this'll fare aganist the new M3 (as well as the CTS-V).

[jro4566]

Originally Posted by otonabee

Wow..sounds like Lexus is really getting serious with their new engines and ready to become true BMW beaters...if it all works out. Don't forget there's rumors of a sports car Lexus...that is either the new SC430 or a totally new sports car..that has a V10 engine producing 500+. I posted a thread on it too...with a spy video of the new sports car.

Well we know for a fact that Lexus will be introducing the IS350 4-passenger hardtop convertible and coupe, but that brings up the issue of the SC. From what I've read, the new SC will be a 2-passenger hardtop convertible (no fake back seats like the current one) and will square off with the XLR and SL. The upcoming 500HP Lexus will compete against Porsches, etc. for around 100K.

[Vintalage]

In the same year, Lexus _ for the first time _ is preparing an answer for its German bantamweights. After launching the IS220d diesel and IS250/IS350 petrol V6s, the Japanese grapevine suggests an IS500 crowning the range.

The IS500 is set to get a 5.0-litre V8 that will first be seen in the all-new LS replacement (LS500) next year.

In order to make the V8 potentially rapid in the IS, Lexus is said to be adding a bespoke eight-speed automatic transmission. To handle the 400hp-plus performance, the IS500 will get sporty tyres including 245/35 R18 up front and 265/30 R19 at the rear."

http://www.bangkokpost.net/Motoring/...05_motor51.php

- bangkokpost.net

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

One Simple Equation: CTS-V + LS3 > IS460

I noticed a little CTS in the rear. In the front in looks like pontiac and acura.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

One Simple Equation: CTS-V + LS3 > IS460

Ohh, the CTS-V will eat this Lexus. And the CTS-V I'm talking about is packing more than a LS3.

[a_v_s]

Originally Posted by nsap

Ohh, the CTS-V will eat this Lexus. And the CTS-V I'm talking about is packing more than a LS3.

We'll have to wait and see. In the Oct'05 Car and Driver, they got a 5.1 second 0-60 and 13.7 second quarter, with the V6 equipped IS350 with the 6 speed automatic. I expect the V8 to be even faster. FWIW, IIRC, C&D also got a 5.1 with their manual equipped CTS-V, when they did their first test.

[silverado_13]

A different test put the CTS-V at 0-60 - 4.7 and 13.1 in the 1/4 mile. And lets not forget next year the CTS-V will recieve the LS2 and most likely an increase in power. It's going to be an interesting battle!!!