It’s Not The IS F, But The 5.0L V8 Is Back In The 2022 Lexus IS 500

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance shares a similar 472hp 5.0-liter V8 engine from RC F.
Compared to the IS 350, the 500 features a raised hood, lengthened fenders, 19-inch Enkei wheels, and a quad exhaust.
The IS 500 will go on sale, this fall with pricing TBD.

IS F ROOTS

We’ve come full circle, sort of… In 2008, the 2UR-GSE V8-powered Lexus IS F went on sale in the U.S. It became the first legitimate out-of-the-box Lexus model worthy of weekend track days with a 416hp naturally-aspirated powerplant, Brembo brakes, dialed-in suspension, and sculpted sport seats. While it became pretty clear that it wasn’t going to be swaying every BMW M3 buyer to hop on the Lexus bandwagon, it did spark a new community of Lexus fans as well as warn performance car enthusiasts not to sleep on Lexus. About 11,000 units were sold, and Lexus discontinued its premier IS in 2014; however, Lexus announced today its new 2022 IS 500 will relive the spirit of the original IS F.

V8 IS BACK

Under the new IS 500 sedan’s bulging hood is the 472hp and 395 lb-ft of torque V-8 rated at the same spec as the current model RC F. Standard is rear-wheel-drive with adaptive suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Larger brakes are featured front and rear with 14-inch and 12.7-inch rotors, along with better brake cooling thanks to the car’s aero.

SUBTLE DESIGN CHANGES

Design-wise, the IS 500 looks the part and doesn’t veer too far off from the standard IS 350 F SPORT except for a raised hood and widened front bumper/fenders to accommodate the engine. Newly-designed 19-inch 10-spoke wheels made by Enkei are a nice touch, but we can only imagine how much better the IS 500 will look with a set of proper tuner wheels. A revised rear diffuser complements the signature stacked quad exhaust we’re accustomed to seeing from the IS F, RC F, and GS F, plus black window trim and a black lip spoiler round out the exterior changes.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Some of the important numbers Lexus revealed include a 4.5-second 0-60mph time (the RC F is rated at 4.2-seconds) and a 24mpg highway rating (same as RC F). Its curb weight tips the scale at 3,891 pounds (143 pounds more than the standard IS 350 F SPORT). The 2022 IS 500 to hit dealers this fall 2021, with pricing still to be determined. If we could guess, plan for a similar price tag of the 2021 RC F at $67,000 MSRP.