[supra93]

It's official, IS500 with the V8.

https://www.lexus.com/IS500/

Link to press release.

https://www.lexus.com/IS500/2022_IS_...ss_Release.pdf

[Burrcold]

Would have been nice if they flared the fenders a bit just to set it apart from the lesser models. And why oh why the same 8 spd transmission?? Ugh. Happy that it's a V8 though!

[supra93]

https://pressroom.lexus.com/2022-lex...dan-unleashed/

• 5.0L V8 delivers 472 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque
• Features include raised front hood, dark chrome window trim, and quad exhaust system
• Exclusive 19-inch Enkei wheels and unique black F SPORT Performance badging
• First Lexus model in the F SPORT Performance line

PLANO, Texas (February 22, 2021) – Last year’s reimagined front-engine rear-wheel-drive IS struck the perfect balance of sportiness and sophistication, making it the best IS to date. However, Chief Engineer Naoki Kobayashi and his team at Lexus International have been working on something truly special exclusively for the North American market. Enter the first-ever Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance, which dials up the sports sedan formula to eleven with the addition of a powerful 472-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine and ferocious quad exhaust system. It expands the IS family and ushers in a new era of F SPORT Performance models that will appeal to passionate driving enthusiasts that crave higher levels of performance over the standard F SPORT models.

A Rare Breed: Lexus F SPORT Performance Line

As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the IS 500 engine provides a boost in displacement and performance over the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6. With a push of the engine start button, its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine roars to life, providing a not-so-subtle reminder that something special lies beneath its raised hood. The IS 500 has a maximum output of 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Despite the drastically more powerful engine, the vehicle tips the scales at 3,891 pounds, gaining only 143 pounds of additional curb weight over the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The IS 500 is capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and has a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating. Other IS 500 performance enhancements include a throaty quad exhaust system with dual stacked tail pipes that perfectly amplify the new V8 engine. This exhaust not only sounds ferocious, but is inspired by F models, like the RC F.

IS 500 uses the same the same eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission found in the IS 300 and IS 350 RWD models. It also features drive mode select Sport S and Sport S+, which provides advanced engine and transmission mapping to enhance performance. Sport S+ also adjusts the amount of EPS steering assist and damping force to deliver sportier handling to match the updated powertrain settings. Custom Mode is also available, offering multiple combinations for powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport) and air conditioner (Normal/Eco).

Starting with the 2022 IS 500, Lexus F SPORT Performance models will come adorned with unique black badging on the sides to distinguish it from F models.

Building on Lexus Driving Signature

The new 2021 IS launched an era of vehicles developed at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama with a uniform Lexus Driving Signature. Since Lexus launched, the tactile feel, behavior, and execution for each model has been driven by the vision and efforts of the Chief Engineer. Moving forward, the efforts of the CE will be focused on elevating the vehicles to a new standard of performance and handling as developed by Lexus International President and Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato and Master Driver and Brand Holder Akio Toyoda. The ultimate goal is to deliver a new generation of Lexus vehicles that is more balanced, refined in control, and confident than ever before. Linear steering, brake responses, and optimized handling with exceptional ride quality is the result of heightened focus on tuning of the chassis and its interactions with the control surfaces through diligent evaluation at a test facility unlike any other.

The all-new IS 500 builds on the improvements made to the 2021 IS with a focus on delivering confidence and a linear connection between driver and vehicle. The IS 500 will come standard with the IS RWD F SPORT’s Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen® limited slip differential (LSD) that improves handling and performance thanks to enhanced traction when cornering or exiting turns. The LSD helps maintain straight-line stability as well. Engineers have also improved the IS chassis performance with the addition of a Yamaha® rear performance damper. This damper reduces dynamic structural distortion, delivering increased comfort at low speeds, and additional stability and agility at high speeds. Brake cooling enhancements have also been made over the standard IS 350 F SPORT with additional aerodynamic cooling and larger 14.0-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors.

The Devil’s in the Details

The IS 500 features subtle exterior enhancements to help set it apart from the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The hood has been raised nearly 2 inches and receives sculpted center character lines, while the front bumper and fenders have been lengthened to help accommodate the vehicle’s naturally aspirated V8 muscle. IS 500 will come standard with exclusive 19-inch split-10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels. Not only are they beautiful and intricate, the wheels are approximately 1-pound lighter per wheel in front and 2 pounds lighter per wheel in the rear, compared to the standard 19-inch F SPORT wheel. Other exterior updates include a revised lower rear diffuser accent that accentuates the quad exhaust system, as well as dark chrome window trim. Tying these visual and performance cues together is the black IS F SPORT rear lip spoiler.

Inside, drivers are greeted with black F SPORT Performance badging on the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and door sill scuff plates. It also comes standard with the IS F SPORT accelerator pedal, brake pedal and footrest, but the combination instrumentation meter receives an updated startup animation that is exclusive to IS 500.

Enhanced Lexus Safety System+

The IS 500 inherits the updated Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 recently launched on the 2021 IS. A number of key features that are part of the Lexus Safety System+ have been enhanced, along with the addition of a few new features.

For starters, the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which include Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, features an enhancement to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements to expand the response range. By enhancing the radar and camera capabilities it is now possible for the system to help detect not only the vehicle ahead but also a preceding bicyclist in daytime and even a preceding pedestrian in daytime and low-light conditions. At intersections, the system has the capability under certain conditions to recognize an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when performing a left-hand turn and is designed to activate typical PCS functions if needed. Additional PCS functions include Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), which is designed to assist steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver.

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to perform vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop. DRCC also includes a new feature that allows for smooth overtaking of slower vehicles. If traveling behind a vehicle going slower than the preset speed, once the driver engages the turn signal, the system will provide an initial increase in acceleration in preparation for changing lanes and; after the driver changes lanes, the vehicle will continue acceleration until it reaches the original preset driving speed.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) is designed to help notify the driver if it senses an inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 miles per hour via steering wheel vibrations or audible alert. It can also take slight corrective measures to help keep the driver within the visibly marked lane. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to provide slight steering force to help steer to the center of the lane to assist the driver with staying in the lane using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle. LTA alerts the driver with a visual warning and either an audible alert or steering wheel vibration. In the new IS, the lane recognition performance, which makes LTA possible, has been improved with enhanced recognition of line and road edge, lateral G performance, and enhanced control and stability after lane change.

Additional Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 features include Intelligent High Beams, which detects preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to acquire certain road sign information using a camera and navigation maps when data is available and displays them on the multi-information display (MID).

Lexus Enform for Safety and Convenience

Lexus Enform Safety Connect comes with a three-year trial with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365. With Lexus Enform Service Connect, complimentary for the first 10 years, the vehicle can send alerts for specific factory recommended maintenance while simultaneously alerting a preferred Lexus dealer. In addition, the Lexus App allows guests to do everything from starting their vehicle remotely with a smartphone, to contacting dealers for a service appointment, and much more. With an active subscription, the Lexus App dashboard provides a personalized view of convenient vehicle and connected service information, including the Vehicle Health Report, scheduled maintenance and vehicle health alerts. Guests also can manage their subscriptions right from the palm of their hand.

More information regarding MSRP, options, exterior and interior color choices will be made available closer to launch. The all-new 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance is expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.

[JPM-3]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Would have been nice if they flared the fenders a bit just to set it apart from the lesser models. And why oh why the same 8 spd transmission?? Ugh. Happy that it's a V8 though!

There is a rather large "hood bump", which actually looks tastefully done to me.

[supra93]

What youtubers are saying.

[Sublime00]

Looks fantastic.

Props to Lexus for sticking with a NA V8 and RWD and keeping the styling classy.

Makes me think Lexus will bring an ISF and they're committed to the F brand.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by JPM-3

There is a rather large "hood bump", which actually looks tastefully done to me.

The hood bump is nice but more aggressive fenders would have really set it apart.

[W///]

I can't put my finger on it. I was really looking forward to this car, and glad they decided to put the V8 in it. But it looks kind of ordinary somehow? Maybe it's the wheels that kind of ruin it? Or maybe it needs a tad more aggressive spoiler in combination with front lip? I'm surprisingly room temp about this one.

Maybe it's the color that doesn't suit it?

[supra93]

Originally Posted by W///

I can't put my finger on it. I was really looking forward to this car, and glad they decided to put the V8 in it. But it looks kind of ordinary somehow? Maybe it's the wheels that kind of ruin it? Or maybe it needs a tad more aggressive spoiler in combination with front lip? I'm surprisingly room temp about this one.

Maybe it's the color that doesn't suit it?

I think a number of people were expecting the fender treatment as seen on full on F models.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by supra93

I think a number of people were expecting the fender treatment as seen on full on F models.

I think there will be an ISF.

I like that it's understated and a sleeper.

GSF is the same.

[W///]

Originally Posted by supra93

I think a number of people were expecting the fender treatment as seen on full on F models.

That's partly it, but I'm now looking at the offset of the wheels and they look hilariously conservative. Looks like the car is on space savers from this angle


Easy enough fix I suppose

[ntg44]

Well, after a long struggle figuring out what the hell I want, looks like Lexus of all places is where I'm going. Very much looking forward to this. They're getting my money.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I'm not sure there will be a full F model unless they decide to revive the twin-turbo V8 which was rumored then cancelled. The "500" trim seems to be the new top model for the brand.

Dont jinx it...I'll need another F car after a few more years with my GSF.

[W///]

[dscabra]

My wife has had multiple Lexus RX 300/350's over the last several years and won't even consider any other car at this point. When I was looking for my last car, I had been driving a BMW F30 328i and actually went and drove a Lexus RC 350 coupe. It was a very nice car, but not the performance I was looking for and ultimately I ended up with the M550i. No real comparison, but just to point out I was tempted to go Lexus based on the experience with the brand and the overall build quality and features. Maybe if I'd driven the Lexus V8, I'd be driving that today???

[W///]

Originally Posted by dscabra

My wife has had multiple Lexus RX 300/350's over the last several years and won't even consider any other car at this point. When I was looking for my last car, I had been driving a BMW F30 328i and actually went and drove a Lexus RC 350 coupe. It was a very nice car, but not the performance I was looking for and ultimately I ended up with the M550i. No real comparison, but just to point out I was tempted to go Lexus based on the experience with the brand and the overall build quality and features. May if I'd driven the Lexus V8, I'd be driving that today???

Not necessarily. I'm also a Toyota/Lexus fan when it comes to DD's, but the performance gap compared to your M550i would be HUGE. I found that aspect of the LC500 a little underwhelming if I'm honest, it's gorgeous but no faster than my E92 M3. At that price point, I'd want that, but I do understand that seeing an NAV8 in this day and age is special.

I wonder how they'll price this IS500. If it's in the 50s, that might be one hell of a bargain for what you're getting.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Sublime00

Looks fantastic.

Props to Lexus for sticking with a NA V8 and RWD and keeping the styling classy.

Agree.

Makes me think Lexus will bring an ISF and they're committed to the F brand.

I wouldn't even want to try and guess.

In BMW terms, this would be the equivalent of M division discontinuing the M550i so they could create a 350i M Sport with the same engine. They are just all over the place with the branding. But what counts is the actual product, and I suspect this car is going to be very popular since it will now be the only one in the segment with a V8, and it's a naturally aspirated V8 at that. As I said in the other thread, this is what they should have produced back in 2016. The GS-F was always seen as underpowered for how it was branded. This product will be the exact opposite.

[supra93]

Kinda late in the lifecycle for a full on IS-F. From what I understand this car will only have another 3 years or so before we see a new gen (rumored to be a Toyota/Mazda joint project) or total cancellation.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by supra93

Kinda late in the lifecycle for a full on IS-F. From what I understand this car will only have another 3 years or so left before we see a new gen (rumored to be a Toyota/Mazda joint project) or total cancellation.

Not to mention, how much of the badge is just splitting hairs at this point? From a hardware perspective, what does the RC F actually have that this doesn't?

Same question applies for actual performance. Is this IS500 F Sport actually going to be outperformed by the RC F? It seems unlikely. In fact, I would not be surprised if this beats the RC F in many categories. It's likely to weigh less too.

[dscabra]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Lexus reliability and service/dealer experience is unbeatable. Add to the fact that it has great NA character of a big V8 in a class of turbo 4 and 6's and great handling and surprisingly great EPS steering this could be a great choice since it will likely cost less than an RC-F (< $67k) and hold its value well. Now please Lexus update the infotainment, a touchscreen was appreciated, but a full overhaul is needed.

YES! Lexus voice recognition is miserable compared to BMW. I refuse to try to do any voice commands on the Lexus because it is so infuriating. That said, if you use the step-by-step guided commands it does work, just really tedious to get to the result you want. I love the GPS navigation in the Lexus with the details of what's at each highway exit displayed on the map.

[supra93]

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2021/02/...0-called-is-f/

Why isn’t the IS 500 instead called “IS F”?

You want to know, and we did too, so we asked Lexus directly. The answer opens an entirely new chapter of Lexus performance while giving enthusiasts even more options within the lineup.

Lexus Enthusiast: Can you tell us a bit more about the hierarchy of F products now? We have F SPORT, F SPORT Performance Line, and F… Is this a three-tiered approach to performance where all-out performance cars will still be “F” at the top of the range? Or is F Sport Performance Line a replacement for F?

Lexus: Great question. The IS 500 will be the first model to debut the Lexus F SPORT Performance line. F SPORT Performance models will be positioned between current Lexus F SPORT models, like the IS 350 F SPORT, and F models, like the RC F.

While current F SPORT models are denoted by upgraded performance components honed at the track (e.g., sport tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, race-inspired styling), new F SPORT Performance models will be further upgraded with those components and a high output powertrain.

As the highest expression of power and performance, F will continue to receive our most innovative engineering and advanced driver-inspired technology.

So there we have it. The IS 500 F SPORT Performance ushers in a new, third dimension for Lexus performance vehicles above “F SPORT” and below “F.”

• F SPORT: An option package on Lexus models with upgraded performance components such as sport tuned suspensions, limited-slip differentials and race inspired styling.
• F SPORT Performance: Includes F SPORT upgraded performance components paired with a high output powertrain.
• F: The highest expression of Lexus performance with the most innovative engineering and driver-inspired technology.

Lexus Enthusiast’s Take
Having this information makes it easier to understand what ingredients are missing to create an IS F: Exclusive F front and rear bumpers with side fender vents, Brembo brakes, driver-focused suspension enhancements, active weight reduction, unique interior trim, launch control and more.

The IS 500 F SPORT Performance delivers where it matters most: 161 more horsepower, 115 more lb-ft of torque, two more cylinders, and a curb weight under 3,900 pounds.

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that Lexus has delivered a perfect blueprint for performance-oriented buyers to enjoy and enthusiasts to modify as they see fit — without the added cost of full F gear.

More Lexus performance vehicles is better, and a naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive, V8 IS is the vehicle that started it all 13 years ago. Is it possible that the IS 500 F SPORT Performance is set to do the same for future Lexus generations? We hope so.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by W///

Not necessarily. I'm also a Toyota/Lexus fan when it comes to DD's, but the performance gap compared to your M550i would be HUGE. I found that aspect of the LC500 a little underwhelming if I'm honest, it's gorgeous but no faster than my E92 M3. At that price point, I'd want that, but I do understand that seeing an NAV8 in this day and age is special.

I wonder how they'll price this IS500. If it's in the 50s, that might be one hell of a bargain for what you're getting.

I'd think $57-60k starting, top out at $70k to $75k. It'll come well equipped as is, with CF optional bits like the roof, spoiler, etc (like the LC500). Lexus tends not to nickel and dime you for premium options.
Maybe a levinson audio option.
I think it'll undercut the m3 by $10-15k.

Smart if they price it this way. Fills that middle price point between $60k and $75k.


For reference a RC350 F sport is $50k starting; $58k w/ handling pack, and upgraded options

RCF is $67k starting $78k with extras

IS350 F sport is $42k starting, add the handling pack, audio upgrade, headlight upgrade, it'll top out at $55k.
Is500 will prob start at $15k more than IS350 and it comes with handling pack, LSD. So very competitively priced.