By Steve & Tamami Laser
With more than 1 million units sold globally since the original IS made its debut twenty years ago, Lexus introduced the revamped IS series for the 2021 model year. The latest IS was developed in harsh environments, including the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, located in a mountainous area between the cities of Toyota and Okazaki in Japan.
2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance
The Lexus International team continues their pursuit of excellence with a new, naturally aspirated V8 model. Appealing to driving enthusiasts who seek even greater performance, versus regular F Sport models, Lexus calls the new IS 500 “the best IS to date.”
Lexus revealed the 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance this week as a hot new V8-powered sport sedan for the North American market. It’s scheduled to go on sale later this autumn at Lexus dealerships in the U.S. and Canada.
The rear-drive IS 500 receives a 5.0-liter V8 engine with a stout 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. That’s considerably greater output versus the 2021 IS 350, with its 3.5-liter V6, rated at 280 hp and 280 lbs.-ft. Lexus says the IS 500 can deliver a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds, vs. 5.6 sec. for the IS 350 RWD. Both employ an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with drive mode select.
To accommodate the new V8, the hood is raised by about two inches, while the front fenders and bumper have been lengthened. The IS 500 rides on good-looking 19-inch Enkei 10-spoke alloy wheels.
IS 500 gains sporty quad exhaust with dual stacked tailpipes and a modified lower rear diffuser. Also included is a Dynamic Handling Package with Adaptive Variable Suspension and Torsen® limited-slip differential. Yamaha® rear performance dampers increase stability and response, while the brakes are larger 14.0-inch rotors up front and 12.7-inch in the rear.
The IS 500’s interior enhances the sporty character of this sport sedan with details including a black F Sport Performance badge on the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel and doorsill plates. F Sport accelerator and brake pedals and footrest are also included.
Lexus rewards the driver and front passenger with supportive F Sport seats, while luxury abounds throughout the cabin. The IS 500 also has the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with an array of driver assist features, including Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian and Bicyclist Detection, Emergency Steering Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
IS models offer a 10.3-inch multimedia navigation system with touchscreen convenience, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound. Lexus plans to reveal more information closer to the launch of the IS 500, including available options.
Note: Prototype vehicle shown. Features, specifications, and launch timing for future U.S. market models is subject to change without notice
News source and photos courtesy of Lexus
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