The compact model of the Japanese marque is not yet complete.
Lexus just hours ago introduced a new performance badge to its IS line, the Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance. It’s not a simple moniker, but it has more to it than just another badge. The Japanese marque explained to Lexus Enthusiast why the IS 500 F sport performance, while it has a lot of power, isn’t a replacement for full F models.
It turns out that it has to do with the Lexus Is positioning, as well as a guarantee of greater things for the luxury automaker’s performance models.
Lexus claims that the F Sport Performance lineup of cars, which was spearheaded by the new IS 500, sits between the F Sport models (like today’s IS F Sport) as well as the full F models (as shown in the RC F). The IS 500 F Sport Performance boasts impressive numbers thanks to its V8 engine and other performance upgrades. However, the F model will continue to be Lexus’ most innovative engineering and driver-inspired technology.
The IS 350 F Sport was in place at the launch and the IS 500 F Sport Performance is now on top. This means that a full-fat IS F will still be available with all the bells & whistles of Lexus, though it wasn’t mentioned explicitly in the interview.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance’s naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine produces 472 horsepower (352 Kilowatts) with 395 pound-feet (5535.5 Newton-meters). It is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic. The Dynamic Handling Package includes adaptive suspension and Torsen-limited-slip differential. It weighs in at 3,891 pounds (1.765 kilograms).
The pricing of the new, interim-range-topper IS sedan was not disclosed. We do know that the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance will go on sale in the fall. Expect more information as we get closer to market launch.