The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is coming to bring a V8 engine back to the model range. The new sedan also introduced the brand’s F Sport Performance range of more hardcore vehicles, but not quite as common as the full-fat F vehicles.
As the name suggests, the IS 500 F Sport Performance has a natural 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 472 horsepower (352 kilowatts) at 7,100 rpm and 535.5 Newton meters of torque at 4,800 rpm. The only gearbox option is an eight-speed automatic. The sedan can travel 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) within 4.5 seconds. Lexus estimates 24 kilometers per liter of fuel consumption on the highway.
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The more powerful model weighs 1,765 kilograms and is only 64.86 kilograms more than the existing IS 350 F Sport.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance is more than just a big engine in Lexus’ smallest sedan. The model comes standard with the Dynamic Handling Package which includes an adjustable suspension and Torsen diff with limited slip. It also gets a damper provided by Yamaha, which improves the structural stiffness to provide extra stability. The brakes are 14.0 inches front and 12.7 inches rear, compared to 13.1 inches and 11.7 inches for the IS 350 F Sport, respectively.
Improved security technology comes along with the performance upgrades. It gets the entire Lexus Safety System + 2.5 which includes pedestrian detection, emergency steering assistance, customizable cruise control, lane departure warning with steering wheel, automatic large lights and more.
The sedan gets a more aggressive look from a hood with an exhaustion that creates an extra 2.0-centimeter space. The screens are wider and make room for Enkei 19-inch wheels with a split-10 spoke design. Like the RC F and the old IS F, there are some stacked, double exhaust pipes on either side of the back.
Lexus is making some minor adjustments to the interior. A heated steering wheel is standard, and there are different pedals. The instrument panel has a unique startup animation. There are also F Sport Performance badges in the cabin.
The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is on sale this fall. The company will announce prices, options and color choices closer to the launch.