Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance: V8-Powered Compact Exec
Lexus take the engine from an LC 500 and plonk it in their smallest sedan to create the IS 500 F Sport.
V8 engines are some of the most beautifully-balanced, best sounding, free-revving powerplants on the planet, but their days are numbered. In fact, most premium car brands have already started to shy away from naturally-aspirated V8s, instead, downsizing capacity and using turbocharging to pick up the slack. We’ve seen this time and time again, and it’s kind of… boring.
![BHP_Euro5 diesel](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_78/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BHP-Infiniti-Thematic_Web-Banner_DSF_ENG_650x85_FA-600x78.jpg)
Well just like how Lexus showed the luxury world what it was missing when it debuted with the first LS, they’ve now got something special for the world of enthusiasts: the IS 500 F Sport Performance.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance is exactly what it sounds like – the latest IS sedan with a 5-litre V8 under the hood and some F Sport appointments. Let’s go through some of those aspects in greater detail.
![Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Front view Lights Off](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_400/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2022-Lexus-IS-500-F-Sport-2-600x400.jpg)
The Latest IS model
Lexus gave us a new IS last year. It was somewhere between a full model change and a major facelift, with every panel being reworked, but the fundamental chassis being brought forward with major modifications.
![Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance rear view](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_400/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2022-Lexus-IS-500-F-Sport-3-600x400.jpg)
The modifications were made to create a new, distinct Lexus Driving Signature that was more balanced, refined in control and confident. This is carried into the IS 500 model, but with further refinements.
![Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance infotainment unit](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_400/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2022-Lexus-IS-500-F-Sport-6-600x400.jpg)
But before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s also worth noting that the new IS also came with the latest advanced driver assist systems. Here’s a summary of the features.
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
- Pre-Collision System
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian and Bicyclist Detection with improved camera and radar
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Intelligent High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
- Multi-information Display
5-litre V8
Under the hood of this compact executive lies the same engine that’s found in models like the RC F and LC 500. This 5.0L V8 is naturally-aspirated and produces 472hp at 7100rpm and 536Nm at 4800rpm. Compared to the IS 350 F Sport, the IS 500 F Sport weighs just 65kg more. Given they had to redesign and raise the hood to accommodate this huge motor, that’s not too big a difference in weight.
![5.0L V8 Lexus IS 500 engine view](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_400/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2022-Lexus-IS-500-F-Sport-4-600x400.jpg)
The engine sends power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic. It has multiple drive modes, including Sport S and Sport S+, the latter of which adjusts the amount of EPS steering assist and damping force. A quad exhaust system with dual-stacked tail pipes helps to bring the best sounds out of the engine.
0-100km/h is dispatched in just 4.5 seconds and the IS 500 F Sport gets about 9.8L/100km on the highway.
F Sport
The F Sport appointments in here range from the aforementioned quad exhausts, to more aesthetic concerns.
![IS 500 Unique Animation Instrument Cluster](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_400/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2022-Lexus-IS-500-F-Sport-5-600x400.jpg)
Here they are in brief:
- Standard Adaptive Variable Suspension
- Standard Torsen® limited-slip differential (LSD)
- Yamaha® rear performance damper
- Additional aerodynamic brake cooling
- Larger 14″ two-piece aluminium front brake rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors
- the hood has been raised nearly 2 inches with sculpted centre character lines
- the front bumper and fenders have been lengthened
- exclusive, lightened 19-inch split-10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels
- revised lower rear diffuser accent
- dark chrome window trim
- black IS F Sport rear lip spoiler
- black F Sport badging on the sides
- black F SPORT Performance badging on steering wheel
- black F SPORT Performance badging on door sill scuff plates
- F SPORT accelerator pedal, brake pedal and footrest
- Unique startup animation on the combination instrument cluster
![Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Front view Lights On](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600,h_400/https://www.dsf.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2022-Lexus-IS-500-F-Sport-1-600x400.jpg)
The last of these appointments heralds something bigger for the Lexus brand. With this new model comes a new ‘F Sport Performance’ line of products. It begins with this IS 500 F Sport Performance and will soon grow to include other Lexus models.