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Lexus claims that its front-engine rear-wheel-drive 2021 IS is the “perfect balance of sportiness and sophistication, making it the best IS to date.” Well, maybe until the all-new 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance model that is expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.
This is the first-ever Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance, with the addition of a 472-horsepower, naturally aspirated V8 engine and a quad exhaust system. It without question expands the IS family. It also appears to be the beginning a new line of F SPORT Performance models for driving enthusiasts that will spend big money for higher levels of performance over the standard F SPORT models. Current pricing on 2021 IS ~$39,000-$50,000.
As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the IS 500 engine is larger in displacement and performance compared the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6. (see AutoInformed on 2019 Lexus ES 350 in Production at Georgetown Kentucky) The IS 500 has a maximum output of 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Naturally it’s heavier at 3,891 pounds, gaining 143 pounds of additional curb weight over the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The IS 500 on paper is capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph elapsed time of 4.5 seconds and has a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating.
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IS 500 uses the same eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission found in the IS 300 and IS 350 RWD models. It also has drive mode select – Sport S and Sport S+, which provides advanced engine and transmission mapping to enhance performance. Sport S+ also adjusts the amount of EPS steering assist and damping force to deliver “sportier” (or is that harsher? – editor) handling to match the updated powertrain settings. Custom Mode is also available, offering multiple combinations for powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport) and air conditioner (Normal/Eco).
Starting with the 2022 IS 500, Lexus F SPORT Performance models will come with black badging on the sides to distinguish it from F models.
The IS 500 will come standard with the IS RWD F SPORT’s Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen limited slip differential (LSD) that improves traction when cornering or exiting turns. The LSD helps maintain straight-line stability as well. Engineers have also improved the IS chassis performance with the addition of a Yamaha rear performance damper. This damper is said to reduce dynamic structural distortion, delivering increased comfort at low speeds, and additional stability and agility at high speeds. Brake cooling enhancements over the standard IS 350 F SPORT come with additional aerodynamic cooling and larger 14.0-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
First Look – 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Sedan
Click to Enlarge.
Lexus claims that its front-engine rear-wheel-drive 2021 IS is the “perfect balance of sportiness and sophistication, making it the best IS to date.” Well, maybe until the all-new 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance model that is expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.
This is the first-ever Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance, with the addition of a 472-horsepower, naturally aspirated V8 engine and a quad exhaust system. It without question expands the IS family. It also appears to be the beginning a new line of F SPORT Performance models for driving enthusiasts that will spend big money for higher levels of performance over the standard F SPORT models. Current pricing on 2021 IS ~$39,000-$50,000.
As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the IS 500 engine is larger in displacement and performance compared the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6. (see AutoInformed on 2019 Lexus ES 350 in Production at Georgetown Kentucky) The IS 500 has a maximum output of 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Naturally it’s heavier at 3,891 pounds, gaining 143 pounds of additional curb weight over the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The IS 500 on paper is capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph elapsed time of 4.5 seconds and has a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating.
Click to Enlarge.
IS 500 uses the same eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission found in the IS 300 and IS 350 RWD models. It also has drive mode select – Sport S and Sport S+, which provides advanced engine and transmission mapping to enhance performance. Sport S+ also adjusts the amount of EPS steering assist and damping force to deliver “sportier” (or is that harsher? – editor) handling to match the updated powertrain settings. Custom Mode is also available, offering multiple combinations for powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport) and air conditioner (Normal/Eco).
Starting with the 2022 IS 500, Lexus F SPORT Performance models will come with black badging on the sides to distinguish it from F models.
The IS 500 will come standard with the IS RWD F SPORT’s Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen limited slip differential (LSD) that improves traction when cornering or exiting turns. The LSD helps maintain straight-line stability as well. Engineers have also improved the IS chassis performance with the addition of a Yamaha rear performance damper. This damper is said to reduce dynamic structural distortion, delivering increased comfort at low speeds, and additional stability and agility at high speeds. Brake cooling enhancements over the standard IS 350 F SPORT come with additional aerodynamic cooling and larger 14.0-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.