Lexus IS sedan gets turbocharged 4-cylinder for 2016

Lexus is dropping the 2.5-litre V6 from its IS sedan for the 2016 model year, replacing it with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder to go along with two 3.5-litre V6 powerplants.

According to the brand, it will no longer offer the 250 or 250 AWD variants of the Lexus IS, instead offering a new IS 200t that is powered by the same turbo four available in the NX crossover, as well as two versions of the 3.5-litre V6.

Available only on rear-wheel drive models, the 2.0-litre inline four comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and makes 241 horsepower—six more ponies than the NX—and 258 lb.-ft. torque.

A new IS 300 AWD trim comes powered by a reworked 3.5-litre V6 that makes 255 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, much more than the old 2.5-litre's 204 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft., mated to a six-speed automatic.

And finally, the Lexus IS 350 makes 306 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque, and puts power to either the rear wheels or all wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The power numbers generated by the 2016 Lexus IS 350 are unchanged from the previous model year.