Is The Lexus IS 350 Turbocharged? Unpacking Performance Upgrades
Many car lovers, it seems, have questions about the Lexus IS 350, especially when it comes to forced induction, like a turbocharger. You might be wondering, does this popular luxury sport sedan come with a turbo right from the factory? That's a very common thought, actually, and it leads to all sorts of interesting discussions among owners and those just looking to buy one. So, we're here to clear things up a bit and talk about what's really going on under the hood of the IS 350, and what options you might have for adding more oomph.
For years, people have looked at the IS 350's smooth V6 engine and wished for that extra punch a turbo can bring. It's a natural thing to consider, given how many other cars in its class do have turbocharged engines these days. You might see a newer model, like a 2022 IS 350 F Sport, and think, "Surely, that has a turbo, right?" Well, it turns out, the answer might surprise some folks who are just getting into the world of these cars. It's a bit of a common point of confusion, you know.
This whole topic, you see, is more than just a simple yes or no. It touches on what's available from the manufacturer, what the aftermarket community has tried to do, and what's practical for owners looking for a little more excitement in their drive. We'll look at the facts about the IS 350's engine setup and explore the history of performance enhancements, so you get a full picture. There's quite a story to tell, actually, about how people have tried to make these cars even quicker.
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Table of Contents
- The IS 350's Factory Engine Setup
- Aftermarket Performance Options for the IS 350
- Cost and Practicality of Upgrades
- Beyond Engine Power: Chassis and Suspension
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Making Your IS 350 Your Own
The IS 350's Factory Engine Setup
So, let's get straight to it: as of the latest models available, the Lexus IS 350 does *not* come with a turbocharged engine. This is a very important piece of information for anyone looking at these cars, whether it's a 2021 model or a brand new 2022 IS 350 F Sport. You see, Lexus has kept a naturally aspirated V6 engine in the IS 350 for a good while now. It's a reliable power source, to be sure, offering smooth delivery and decent performance, but it lacks the forced induction punch some drivers might be expecting, or perhaps even hoping for.
There are two main models you can pick from in the new IS lineup, and while other Lexus vehicles might feature turbos, the IS 350 itself just isn't one of them. This can sometimes lead to a bit of confusion for new buyers, especially when they hear about other cars in the segment having forced air systems. It's a bit of a distinctive choice by Lexus, actually, to stick with the naturally aspirated setup for this particular car. It does offer a different kind of driving feel, in some respects.
The engine in the IS 350, while not turbocharged, is still quite capable for everyday driving and even some spirited runs. It provides a good balance of power and efficiency, which is something many Lexus owners appreciate. However, for those who crave that extra surge of power that a turbocharger provides, the factory setup might leave them wanting a little more. This is where the aftermarket world often comes into play, you know, for those who really want to push the limits of their vehicle's performance capabilities.
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Aftermarket Performance Options for the IS 350
Once you know the IS 350 doesn't have a turbo from the factory, the next natural question is usually about adding one yourself. People often wonder if they can simply buy a kit and bolt it on for a big power boost. This is where things get a bit more involved, and sometimes, a little complicated. There's a history of attempts and various products, some more successful than others, for these cars. It's not always as straightforward as it might seem, in a way.
Turbo Kits: The Reality
For the Lexus IS 350, the general consensus among many enthusiasts is that "There's no turbo kits, period." This might sound harsh, but it reflects a long-standing challenge in the aftermarket scene for this specific model. While there might be custom, one-off projects, widely available, ready-to-install turbo kits for the IS 350 have been extremely rare, if they exist at all in a reliable form. It's a bit of a disappointment for some, you know, when they're looking for that specific kind of power boost.
The text mentions that "Today's Lexus IS turbo kits have evolved significantly from products offered in the past, providing more efficiency and power than ever while still maintaining drivability and fuel economy." This statement, however, seems to refer to Lexus IS models that *do* come with turbos from the factory (like the IS 200t/300 with the 2.0L turbo engine), or perhaps very niche, custom-fabricated solutions for the IS 350 that aren't widely available. It's important to distinguish between factory offerings and what's truly accessible for the IS 350 owner. So, while turbo technology has improved, getting a ready-made kit for the IS 350's V6 remains a significant hurdle, apparently.
Someone mentioned, "I'm getting my new 2010 Lexus IS C in the next two weeks and then starting on a single turbo kit option." This shows the strong desire people have for forced induction on these cars, even if it means venturing into custom fabrication. However, for most owners, this kind of project is a very big undertaking, requiring significant time, money, and expertise. It's not something you just pick up and install on a Saturday afternoon, you know, it's a pretty serious modification.
Supercharger Kits: A Look Back
While turbo kits for the IS 350 are largely absent, there was a supercharger kit from a company called LMS. This kit was said to offer about 50 horsepower for a price tag of around $6,000. That's a decent gain, to be fair, but the cost was quite high for the power increase. They ended up discontinuing it because, as the text puts it, "you could count the # of people who thought that was" a worthwhile purchase. It just wasn't popular enough to keep making, it seems.
The high price point for the LMS supercharger kit made it a tough sell. "The huge price tag attached is more than what you'd spend to trade in your 250 and upgrade to a 350," the text points out. This highlights a key issue: sometimes, upgrading to a different model that already has more power is a more financially sensible choice than trying to force a big power gain onto your current car. It's a very practical consideration for many car owners, you know, when they're thinking about spending a lot of money.
Despite the past availability of supercharger kits for older models, like those seen for 2017 models, finding supercharger kits for the newer 2022 IS 350 models is also a challenge. Someone asked, "I was wondering if anyone knows where to get supercharger kits for the 2022 models of the IS 350." This question really underlines the ongoing difficulty owners face when trying to find reliable, readily available forced induction options for their cars. It's not something that's just sitting on shelves waiting to be bought, apparently.
Finding Performance Parts Today
If you are looking for turbo-related parts for your Lexus IS 350, you might feel like you've come to the right place, but the reality for the IS 350's V6 is more about supporting components than full turbo kits. Companies like Pro Import Tuners "invest a great deal of time in finding the optimal turbo kit solution for" various vehicles. However, for the IS 350, this often means parts that *complement* a potential custom setup, or parts for other IS models that *do* come with turbos. It's a bit of a nuanced situation, you know, when you're searching for specific performance enhancements.
You can certainly check out the performance parts available for your Lexus IS 350 that aren't necessarily about forced induction. There are many ways to improve a car's feel and responsiveness without adding a turbo or supercharger. Things like exhaust systems, intake upgrades, and engine management tuning can all make a difference, albeit not as dramatic as a turbo. So, while a full turbo kit might be out of reach for most, other performance enhancements are definitely available, and often much easier to install, in some respects.
The text also mentions a kit "only made for the IS 250 which makes it somewhat unreasonable to purchase with the price." This again points to the specific challenges for the IS 350. Parts designed for one engine often don't easily transfer to another, even within the same model line. So, if you're looking for serious power upgrades, it's often a custom fabrication project, which, you know, can get very expensive and time-consuming. It's a big commitment, really.
Cost and Practicality of Upgrades
The cost of adding a significant power upgrade like a turbo or supercharger to an IS 350 can be a major hurdle. As we saw with the discontinued LMS supercharger, the price tag was quite large, making it less appealing for many. When you consider the effort and expense involved in a custom turbo setup, it often makes more financial sense to look at other options. It's a very practical decision, you know, when you're dealing with such big numbers.
The idea of trading in your IS 250 and simply upgrading to an IS 350 for more power is a good example of this cost-benefit analysis. The jump in power from a 250 to a 350 is significant, and it comes with a factory-engineered, reliable setup. Trying to get similar power gains from an aftermarket kit on a 250, or even a 350, can sometimes exceed the cost of just getting a more powerful car to begin with. It's something to think about, actually, when you're planning your automotive future.
For those who are determined to add forced induction, be prepared for a substantial investment, not just in parts, but also in installation, tuning, and potential long-term maintenance. These are not simple bolt-ons that anyone can do in their driveway. They often require specialized knowledge and tools, and finding a reputable shop to do the work can be another challenge. So, while the idea of a turbocharged IS 350 is appealing, the reality involves quite a bit of planning and money, to be honest.
Beyond Engine Power: Chassis and Suspension
Adding a lot of extra power to any car, including the IS 350, means you also need to think about how the car handles that power. The text wisely points out, "The extra power added by engine performance parts should also be complemented with chassis/suspension parts." This is a very important piece of advice that many people overlook when they're focused solely on horsepower numbers. You want the car to be balanced, you know, not just fast in a straight line.
If you put a powerful engine in a car with stock suspension and brakes, you might find that the car becomes much harder to control, or that it doesn't stop as quickly as it should. Upgrading components like shocks, springs, sway bars, and brakes helps the car manage the increased speed and acceleration. This makes the driving experience safer and much more enjoyable. It's a pretty fundamental aspect of performance modification, in some respects, that shouldn't be ignored.
So, when you're looking at performance parts for your Lexus IS 350, consider a holistic approach. Think about how all the parts work together to create a better driving machine. A car that handles well and stops confidently is just as important as one that accelerates quickly. This kind of balanced approach usually leads to a much more satisfying outcome for the owner, and a safer one too, actually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport turbo?
No, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport does not come with a turbocharged engine. It uses a naturally aspirated V6 power plant, which provides smooth power delivery without forced induction. This is a common question, you know, because many newer cars do have turbos.
Can I put a turbo kit on my 2022 Lexus IS 350?
While the desire to add a turbo to a 2022 Lexus IS 350 is strong, readily available aftermarket turbo kits for this specific model's V6 engine are very hard to find, if they exist at all. Most forced induction solutions would involve custom fabrication, which is a significant undertaking in terms of cost and complexity. It's not a simple bolt-on job, apparently.
Are there any supercharger kits for the Lexus IS 350?
Historically, there was a supercharger kit from LMS for the IS 350, which offered about 50 horsepower. However, this kit was discontinued due to low demand, largely because of its high price. Finding supercharger kits for newer models, like the 2022 IS 350, is also very difficult, as they are not widely available in the aftermarket. It's a bit of a niche market, in some respects.
Making Your IS 350 Your Own
The Lexus IS 350, as we've seen, does not come with a turbo from the factory. This means if you're chasing that specific kind of power boost, you're looking at aftermarket solutions, which, you know, come with their own set of considerations. The history of forced induction for this model shows that while the desire is there, practical and widely available options have been limited, especially for turbocharging. It's a bit of a challenge for enthusiasts, to be honest.
Despite the challenges of adding a turbo, the IS 350 is still a fantastic car, offering a blend of luxury, reliability, and sporty driving. There are many other ways to personalize and enhance its performance, from exhaust systems to suspension upgrades, that can significantly improve the driving experience. So, if you're looking for ways to make your IS 350 feel even more special, there are plenty of avenues to explore, even without a turbo. You can learn more about performance parts on our site, for instance, or perhaps explore other modifications that suit your driving style.
Ultimately, whether you decide to pursue a custom forced induction project or opt for more common performance enhancements, the goal is to make your IS 350 truly yours. It's about enjoying the drive and making the car fit your specific desires. Just remember to consider all aspects of the modification, including how it affects the car's overall balance and reliability. You want to make sure it's a good fit for you, you know, and for the car itself. For more general information about Lexus vehicles, you might visit the official Lexus website at Lexus.com.
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