As has long been rumoured, the Lexus IS is back with V8 power. Unfortunately the IS500 F Sport Performance has been developed “exclusively for the North American market”.
Instead of wearing a simple F badge, the naming is more convoluted this time around. The IS500 is the first car to use the new F Sport Performance name.
Under the bonnet is the brand’s naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 cranking out 352kW at 7100rpm and 536Nm at 4800rpm.
The V8 drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic and a Torsen limited-slip differential, and is said to be capable of a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 4.5 seconds.
The IS500 rides on adaptive suspension, Yahama rear performance dampers, and a unique set of 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels.
Stopping ability comes courtesy of an uprated brake package, which features 356mm two-piece front discs, and 323mm units at the rear.
Visually the IS500 is distinguished from lesser IS variants by a bonnet that’s around 50mm taller, and lengthened front fenders and bumper.
There’s also dark window trim, a black boot lip spoiler, black badges, and a new rear diffuser that accommodates the car’s four exhaust tips.
Inside the cabin there’s metal trim on the pedals, F Sport Performance badging on the scuff plates and steering wheel, and unique graphics for the instrumentation panel.
The Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance goes on sale in the USA during the third quarter of 2021.
