We have an idea.
We need your help on this one. Toyota’s luxury division shared with Lexus Enthusiast a mysterious teaser photo of a new performance vehicle, but did not reveal any further details. We have one image that shows what appears to be a carbon fiber engine cover, with F Sport badgeging.
As Lexus Enthusiast The engine cover appears to be the same as the one used by the RC F The defunct GS F, with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. This doesn’t necessarily mean the engine underneath has eight cylinders. Especially since this is an F Sport model and not a full-blown F.
There is a wild rumor that Lexus will introduce three F models with V8s later in the year. However, this is not true. We are betting on the IS500, considering that the trademark was applied for by the company in the United States on June 25, 2020. Now, we’ve checked the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) website where “IS500” appears. The publication date is November 10, 2020.
Best Car Web’s report states that the fully fledged IS F will be powered by the familiar 2UR–GSE 5.0L V8, but logic says an IS500 F Sport would have six-cylinder power. The twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V6 could provide a significant boost in power over the 311 horsepower and 280 lbf (380 Nm), of torque in today’s naturally-aspirated IS350.
Lexus could compete with the likes of Audi S4, BMW M340i and Mercedes AMG C43 by offering a hotter version with forced induction. Although the six-cylinder engine is rated at 416 hp (600 Nm) in the flagship LS500 sedan it remains to be determined if the smaller IS will have full access to that power.
It’s possible that we won’t have to wait too long to discover what’s going on with Lexus Enthusiast claims more details will be revealed in the coming days. The big question is: V6 or V8. What if it’s not an IS? These are exciting times…