New 2021 Lexus IS Sedan & V8 IS500

[mn_ca]

It's going to be typical Toyota; add-on aero kit

Seriously, Toyota needs to up its game and catch up on with the competition. I get what they're doing but comon'

[gymratter]

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2021/02/...ore-its-debut/

Lexus has shared another early look at their next vehicle launch with Lexus Enthusiast, giving us a second teaser before any other media outlets. Before we dig deeper, let’s recap our thoughts on the first teaser from last week:



There are certainly no rules in regards to engine cover design, and there’s every possibility of a new powertrain lurking under this plastic shield. However, for the sake of analysis, let’s assume the V8 is the engine. The major difference is the logo — instead of the stylized F of the Lexus high-performance F brand, this new vehicle will be released as an F SPORT product.

The LC 500 is the only existing model to have the V8 and not offer a F SPORT option, but it feels too late in the coupe’s lifecycle to introduce such a model (Lexus does not generally change the engine cover as part of the F SPORT package). It could also be a V8 option for the LS, though again, the timing doesn’t seem right and the chance of aggravating current LS owners seems too great a risk.

All of this runaround logic brings us to the most obvious option — Lexus trademarked the IS 500 nameplate last year, and rumors from the usually-reliable Best Car Magazine suggest a V8 version of the IS has been in the pipeline for some time.

Given all we were able to decipher from a simple engine cover, this new image does little to dissuade our opinion that a special edition IS is on the way. In fact, compare this c-pillar with the existing 2021 IS, and the conclusion seems pretty obvious:



More details are sure to come in the following days, stay tuned for more updates about this vehicle as we get closer to the reveal date.

[vh_supra26]

Link to tomorrows debut.

[HKz]

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/pictur...acks-v8-power/

wow guess I was wrong, V8 IS back in business! pretty awesome

2022 Lexus IS 500 kicks off new 'F Sport Performance' line with V8 power
It seems the rumors of the Lexus V8's death have been at least slightly exaggerated.

Antuan Goodwin headshot
Antuan Goodwin
Feb. 22, 2021 8:00 a.m. PT

Lexus
There's been a V8-shaped hole at the heart of the Lexus IS lineup ever since the performance oriented IS F was discontinued back in 2014. The newly unveiled 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance sedan may not be a full-fat, "Lexus F" model like the RC F coupe, but the 5.0-liter block under its hood should, at the very least, help scratch that V8 itch.

The new model will be the first of a budding F Sport Performance tier -- a slightly spicier performance gradient between the mild (and usually style-oriented) F Sport trims and red-hot F performance models -- teased recently by the automaker. The three-tiered system should be similar to BMW's M Sport, M Performance and M series stratification, and potentially just as confusing.

For more like this
Subscribe to the Roadshow newsletter, receive notifications and see related stories on CNET.
Add your email
Yes, I also want to receive the CNET Insider newsletter, keeping me up to date with all things CNET.
SIGN ME UP!
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Exclusive to the North American market, the IS 500 F Sport Performance differentiates itself from the 300 and 350 trims with an upgrade to Lexus' 5.0-liter V8 engine. Putting out 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, this appears to be the same 5.0L 2UR-GSE motor that you'll find powering the RC F and LC 500 coupes. Fun fact: This is essentially an updated, higher-compression and higher-output version of the same plant that powered the old 416 horsepower IS F from 2007 to 2014.

The motor is mated to the rear wheels via a familiar eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and exhales through a quad-tip sport exhaust system. In its sharpest Sport Plus setting, the sedan is expected to zip from zero-to-sixty miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds. When you're not hammering it, it should reach around 24 highway mpg, according to Toyota's internal estimates.

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance packs V8 power
See all photos
lexus-is-500-fsp-2022-1
lexus-is-500-fsp-2022-7
lexus-is-500-fsp-2022-19
+36 More
Visual changes include a more pronounced hood bulge, which has been raised by two inches to fit the larger V8. The sedan's front bumper and fenders have also been massaged to make room for more motor. Out back, a black F Sport spoiler has been fitted to the decklid and the rear diffuser has been revised to accommodate and accentuate the quad-exhaust. This F Sport Performance model, and those that will eventually follow, also features dark chrome trim and Black F Sport Performance badging, inside and out.

Agility upgrades include a Dynamic Handling Package, which is standard equipment at this spec, adding a Torsen limited-slip differential and Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension to the IS 500's bag of tricks. Further augmenting the suspension is an additional Yamaha rear performance chassis damper -- a feature Lexus also uses on the LC 500 Coupe and Convertible -- which the automaker claims boosts comfort, stability and responsiveness. Tucked into the arches are 19-inch Enkei wheels, each a pound or two lighter than the standard 19-inch staggered F Sport wheels. Larger 14-inch, two-piece aluminum brakes peek between the spokes of the front wheels. The rear stoppers have also been enlarged to 12.7-inches.

lexus-is-500-fsp-2022-14
Lexus
Rumors began swirling late last year that Lexus was killing off its V8 cars, with the full-size LS flagship dropping its V8 back in 2017, the cancellation of the GS and its V8-powered GS F variant last year, and reports of the upcoming LC F's development being suspended seeming to corroborate the claims. Yet, here Lexus is launching a V8 sport sedan in 2021. No, it's not a new V8 and, though recently facelifted, this IS platform is more than seven years old, but even a good, old V8 is better than no V8 at all. And Lexus' naturally aspirated 5.0-liter is sure to be as reliable and smooth as it is thrilling.

The remixed 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance sedan will join the recently refreshed IS 300 turbo four-banger and V6-powered IS 300 AWD and IS 350, rolling out with the same facelifted interior and exterior design, the updated Lexus Safety System Plus 2.5 driver aid tech and new infotainment upgrades. Pricing for the new spec, unique color choices and specific fuel economy estimates are expected to be announced closer to the 500's launch later this fall.

Whoever else thought this was gonna be a trim job better come here and fess up!

[Sasquachulator]

WOO is500 is real!

I am totally goin to try to get into this V8 (via RC-F, IS500 or LC500) sometime in the future before being forced to get an EV.

My 86 has to come first (must drive manual still!)
Then to this 2UR-GSE V8 (must own a car with this glorious V8)
then will have to settle for EV.

[gymratter]

Link to official press release and high resolution images blow.

https://pressroom.lexus.com/2022-lex...dan-unleashed/

[vh_supra26]

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2021/02/...0-called-is-f/

Why isn’t the IS 500 instead called “IS F”?

You want to know, and we did too, so we asked Lexus directly. The answer opens an entirely new chapter of Lexus performance while giving enthusiasts even more options within the lineup.

Lexus Enthusiast: Can you tell us a bit more about the hierarchy of F products now? We have F SPORT, F SPORT Performance Line, and F… Is this a three-tiered approach to performance where all-out performance cars will still be “F” at the top of the range? Or is F Sport Performance Line a replacement for F?

Lexus: Great question. The IS 500 will be the first model to debut the Lexus F SPORT Performance line. F SPORT Performance models will be positioned between current Lexus F SPORT models, like the IS 350 F SPORT, and F models, like the RC F.

While current F SPORT models are denoted by upgraded performance components honed at the track (e.g., sport tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, race-inspired styling), new F SPORT Performance models will be further upgraded with those components and a high output powertrain.

As the highest expression of power and performance, F will continue to receive our most innovative engineering and advanced driver-inspired technology.

So there we have it. The IS 500 F SPORT Performance ushers in a new, third dimension for Lexus performance vehicles above “F SPORT” and below “F.”

• F SPORT: An option package on Lexus models with upgraded performance components such as sport tuned suspensions, limited-slip differentials and race inspired styling.
• F SPORT Performance: Includes F SPORT upgraded performance components paired with a high output powertrain.
• F: The highest expression of Lexus performance with the most innovative engineering and driver-inspired technology.

Lexus Enthusiast’s Take
Having this information makes it easier to understand what ingredients are missing to create an IS F: Exclusive F front and rear bumpers with side fender vents, Brembo brakes, driver-focused suspension enhancements, active weight reduction, unique interior trim, launch control and more.

The IS 500 F SPORT Performance delivers where it matters most: 161 more horsepower, 115 more lb-ft of torque, two more cylinders, and a curb weight under 3,900 pounds.

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that Lexus has delivered a perfect blueprint for performance-oriented buyers to enjoy and enthusiasts to modify as they see fit — without the added cost of full F gear.

More Lexus performance vehicles is better, and a naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive, V8 IS is the vehicle that started it all 13 years ago. Is it possible that the IS 500 F SPORT Performance is set to do the same for future Lexus generations? We hope so.

[PulsarBeeerz]

Wait so will there be or not be a true ISF? Don't want another 2020 vs 2021 Supra like incident again.. Also 2022 BRZ copied some interior style cues. Not that, that's a bad thing.

[gymratter]

Originally Posted by PulsarBeeerz

Wait so will there be or not be a true ISF? Don't want another 2020 vs 2021 Supra like incident again.. Also 2022 BRZ copied some interior style cues. Not that, that's a bad thing.

probably not for this gen. people on the Lexus forum are saying since its a heavy refresh it will only be around for another 3 years before getting the axe or a total new redesign.

in other words its pretty late in the life cycle to develop a full on IS-F for just another 2-3 years to sell. imo, we might see a real IS-F if there is a 4th gen and i could see it probably borrowing the LS' turbo V6.

[vh_supra26]

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by gymratter

probably not for this gen. people on the Lexus forum are saying since its a heavy refresh it will only be around for another 3 years before getting the axe or a total new redesign.

in other words its pretty late in the life cycle to develop a full on IS-F for just another 2-3 years to sell. imo, we might see a real IS-F if there is a 4th gen and i could see it probably borrowing the LS' turbo V6.

I think it depends on where the IS is headed after the rumored timeframe of a 2023-2024 full redesign. I heard it might go full EV at that time (boo!), in which case an IS-F would have to go in a completely different direction.

Plus we dont know what powertrains Toyota/Lexus has in the pipeline.
-Is anything replacing the 3.5 V6? Its power output is on the low end of the scale (311 vs everyone else having 350+). Dont think theres really anything more than can do to it without turboing it...but its still the GR engine architecture.
-Is anything replacing the 2.0 Turbo. It hasnt been regarded as a great engine or at least tuned well in its applications. Plus it uses the AR 4banger engine architecture. Time to switch to dynamic force?
-Is the Lexus 3.5L TT gonna be used for anything else? Its just sitting in the LS right now, Might become the new workhorse with various states of tune (replacing the 3.5L N/A?)
-The rumored 4.0 TT V8 is coming. (in development, then died (or paused) then revived again). Might be too much for the IS at 600+ or so rumored hp.
-Theres a rumored 3.5L Hybrid to replace the V8's in truck and SUV applications. Maybe an IS-F goes that route, and might need the new platform to utilize it?

[gymratter]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

I think it depends on where the IS is headed after the rumored timeframe of a 2023-2024 full redesign. I heard it might go full EV at that time (boo!), in which case an IS-F would have to go in a completely different direction.

Plus we dont know what powertrains Toyota/Lexus has in the pipeline.
-Is anything replacing the 3.5 V6? Its power output is on the low end of the scale (311 vs everyone else having 350+). Dont think theres really anything more than can do to it without turboing it...but its still the GR engine architecture.
-Is anything replacing the 2.0 Turbo. It hasnt been regarded as a great engine or at least tuned well in its applications. Plus it uses the AR 4banger engine architecture. Time to switch to dynamic force?
-Is the Lexus 3.5L TT gonna be used for anything else? Its just sitting in the LS right now, Might become the new workhorse with various states of tune (replacing the 3.5L N/A?)
-The rumored 4.0 TT V8 is coming. (in development, then died (or paused) then revived again). Might be too much for the IS at 600+ or so rumored hp.
-Theres a rumored 3.5L Hybrid to replace the V8's in truck and SUV applications. Maybe an IS-F goes that route, and might need the new platform to utilize it?

from what im reading it will be the same V35A from the LS500 but paired with a hybrid system. yup, i can see this thing being whored out to across the Toyota and Lexus lineup.

[vh_supra26]

It looks like it is also coming to Canada.

https://www.lexus.ca/lexus/en/automo...is-500#content

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by vh_supra26

It looks like it is also coming to Canada.

https://www.lexus.ca/lexus/en/automo...is-500#content

Seems like its a North America only vehicle.