2006 Lexus IS Preview

Top-line IS 300s will have the option of a 14-speaker, Mark Levinson surround sound system, similar to that coming available in

Two gasoline engines will be available in the new larger version, at least in Europe where it debuted earlier this week. (Photo: Lexus)

the new GS 430. A step up from the base unit in sound quality and features, it can also include a dash-mounted 6-disc DVD player.

While performance was never a problem for the lightweight IS, the new larger car will need more power in order to keep up. Two gasoline engines will be available, at least in Europe where it debuted earlier this week, starting with a 2.5-litre V6 (yes, the inline-6 is gone) that makes 201-horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. Lexus is not saying whether the smaller displacement IS 250 will make it across the Atlantic, or the Pacific

Lexus' new 245-hp 3.0-litre powerplant should offer healthy competition to BMW's 255-hp 3-Series. (Photo: Lexus)

as this engine will without doubt be available in Asian markets too, but it is likely to remain in other global markets only. On that note, it is also likely that the new 2.2-litre common rail diesel will also remain only in European markets.

North Americans, despite a need for more fuel conscious vehicles, will most likely only get Lexus' new 3.0-litre powerplant, producing a healthy 245-horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, which should be enough to challenge the new 255-horsepower BMW 3-Series, the 268-horsepower Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Infiniti's upgraded 277-horsepower G35.