The current Lexus IS F has already seen a massive transformation, but the process is actually far from over. Well-known to boast a 5.0-liter V8 engine to play along the lines of Mercedes’ C63 AMG and BMW’s M3, the next IS F, scheduled to arrive in 2015, is said to have ditched the iconic massive powerplant in favour of something more environmentally friendly.
According to Motor Report’s interview with the 2013 IS Chief Engineer Junichiro Furuyama, he said that the current 5.0-liter V8 in the IS F will not be able to meet the Euro 6 emissions standards.
“The engine has a high performance focus, so the combustion condition is more severe than normal engines. It’s a little more difficult than making the V6 engines comply with Euro 6. To produce more power and torque it runs leaner. That is the problem. We probably need a new engine for the F model”.
So if the current engine will be put to rest, what will the new IS F be powered by under the hood? Furuyama added that both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged options are being considered. Even so, he also added that turbocharging will also lead to turbo lags, and natural aspiration has always been one of their strong points in giving out “a more pure experience”.
But one thing is for sure, although the F model might evolve into a hybrid in the future, the upcoming IS F is not destined to be one.
