Instead of just models with rear and all-wheel drives, the company will offer three models. First, Lexus replaced the base engine with a new, turbocharged four-cylinder from a rear-wheel drive only IS 200t. Second, IS300's 3.5-liter V-6 makes 255 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. And finally, the IS350 AWD with its 306-hp 3.5-liter V-6 will remain available.
Under the hood is where the IS 200t makes its mark. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a Lexus sedan. According to a report by Car and Driver, it features 2.0-liter engine, which offers 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque on tap. It also allows the engine to switch from the Otto combustion cycle to the Atkinson cycle for better fuel economy. This is all made possible by Toyota's specially tuned variable valve timing.
The car's fuel economy is due to the incorporation of Toyota's D-4ST port- and direct- fuel-injection solution. IS200t is one of the first Toyota- or Lexus-branded products in the U.S. to feature the technology.
Lexus' output figures for the IS200t beats the turbo fours in the Audi A4 and the BMW 328i. It will be matching the Mercedes-Benz C300's 241. For those keeping score at home, the current IS 250's 2.5-liter V-6 produces just 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
The all-wheel-drive IS300 and IS350 cars continue to use a six-speed automatic transmission. The IS200t joins the rear-drive IS350 in offering an eight-speed automatic, added Car and Driver.
According to Toyota Specs, this mid-size SUV offers a luxurious and sporty exterior as it is supported by a bow-tie shaped with a spoiler back. It also comprises wide headlights, but the taillights will retain a subtle figure.
Its wheels come in either 17 or 18 inches. Lots of colors will be available for buyers to choose those that best fit their style and personalities. Its interior also offers a complete and advanced human machine interface technology, as well as other amazing pieces of technologies, Toyota Specs reports.
It does not only end with that, its seats will have knee pads to provide more comfort. State-of-the-art safety features will also be installed in the car to assure users of their safety in case an accident happens.
Toyota Specs also reported that the 2016 Lexus IS200t will be available early next year, and will be having a price tag of around $40,000.
