The 2016 Lexus IS 200t is coming and with its game-changing engine. This arrival is something that has car manufacturers and drivers everywhere waiting to see what’s coming to them on the horizon because with this new innovation the horizon is coming fast.
A New Engine
Lexus’ was using another engine, the 2.5-liter V6, up until recently when they made the change over in Europe. What did they make the change over to in the IS? It might not be what you’d expect. The 2016 Lexus IS 200t will be powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four cylinder engine. Dropping a couple cylinders probably wasn’t what most expected to hear when anticipating news of an engine upgrade, but wait until you hear about what it can do.
The 2016 Lexus IS 200t is able to summon 241 horsepower, and generate 258 lb-ft of torque. This translates into being able to do zero to sixty in 6.9 seconds, and zero to one hundred kilometers an hour in seven seconds. The top speed this engine will be able to achieve 143 miles an hour, and 230 kilometers an hour.
How does this match up to the rest of the pack? Well, amazingly this smaller engine not only out preforms its predecessor but also challenges other, top end V6 engines on the market, so much so that the 2016 Lexus IS 200t really is a game changer. No longer can engines be thought of just in terms of how many cylinders the engine sports.
Entry Level Accessibility
What’s even better news for drivers is that the 2016 Lexus IS 200t is an entry level vehicle in their line up, making the powerful engine even more appealing to first time Lexus buyers, or those looking to own a Lexus. And there will be people looking to own the Lexus IS 200t because of how much innovation is being poured into the model.
Not only will the 2016 Lexus IS 200t come with an engine that surpasses the last and competes with the rest, a combination of water-cooled cylinder head along with the turbocharger and integrated exhaust manifold makes the throttle extremely responsive. But it’s not only responsiveness that these streamlined systems offer. Advanced fuel economy is something that was intuitively expected when the engine dropped form a six to a four cylinder since the engine then draws less fuel to have to power itself, but the 2016 Lexus IS 200t goes above and beyond.
A Harmony of Processes
The engine uses advanced, innovative valve timing technology that allows the switch between using Otto and Atkinson cycles. Not only this but the integrated manifold system that goes from four into is smart. Basically the whole car is smart with being what is typically thought of as a “smart car.” Everything that could be thought of to make the turbo system work for itself has been implemented. There are waste control valves, and processes that make sure the turbo engine doesn’t become a burden when it isn’t in use, and there are also smart designs in place to help keep the emission levels the car produces down.
The not so thought of negatives of a having a turbocharged engine have been thought of as well. Many drivers of turbocharged engines complain of the sound they here when they let off the gas while using the turbocharge. But this won’t be a concern for drivers of the 2016 Lexus IS 200t. The “turbo sigh” that so many hear when they close the throttle is going to be greatly reduced with a bypass valve controlled by the engine’s computer and a resonator.
The 2016 Lexus IS 200t gas mileage is pretty great, made possible not only by how all of the finely tuned systems and processes work together, but also because the engine itself is made of super light materials. The IS 200t gets 33 miles per gallon on the highway due in part to the synergy of all the the new advances in technology and the next generation materials used to fabricate the engine, which is made out of nickle, and in some parts hardened resin. It nearly boggles the mind to think about all of the innovation and engineering that went into this vehicle.
Aesthetics
The 2016 Lexus IS 200t looks like a vehicle that wants to move. The way view from the front end reveal lines that sweep inward and down. The headlights especially play into this look, while the undercarriage lights seem to serve as a base so the front end doesn’t look top heavy. From the side the vehicle looks like a modern car, with style and elegance, but it is more unassuming than flamboyant. And while many people like their cars to look flashy, this more demure take on what car can look like will more than likely save its drivers hundreds of dollars in tickets considering the amount of fun they are going to have checking out the responsive throttle and how quiet the turbocharger is even after they let off the gas.
The one part of the front end where Lexus allows the fireworks to really go off aesthetically is the headlights. Just in front of them is a plastic swoosh that swoops down, following the curvature of the headlight, before sharply reversing course and coming back in an unmistakeable check mark. But this bit of stylistic extravagance, if it can even be called such, is muted as well. The check mark isn’t exactly the Nike swoosh, by any means, so don’t let this deter you an iota from considering the 2016 Lexus IS 200t. And it’s not just for looks in the sense that it helps create depth in the headlight by following the contour of the car. Not only this but it ads a little bit of texture to the car, not to mention small, slight splashes of color.
From behind the IS 200t looks like a high end car. The low silhouette allows the classic lines of the trunk and fender to sweep up toward the back windshield. The car looks good from wherever point of view you check it out from, but the emphasis is on simplistic elegance instead of panache and noise.
Entry Level That’s a Cut Above
So if you’re looking for an entry level car that is a step up from the rest next year, then the 2016 Lexus IS 200t is a safe bet for your money. Not only is there an extremely forward thinking design being used to regulate the internal process in such a way that greatly benefits the fuel economy, the power, torque, and performance overall, but there is a stylish elegance that is often hard to find in a world that has roads filled with flash, panache, and enormity previously reserved for giant ships of old.
The 2016 Lexus IS 200t delivers in all the right places, and then many of the places that other manufacturers tend care little for, like creating a noise reducing system so that the turbo charge engine is always as quiet as the ride is smooth. It’s the perfect vehicle for drivers that want performance, value, fuel economy, and an elegant style.
