The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrives to bring a V8 engine back to the model line. The new sedan also launches the F Sport Performance line of the heavier vehicle brand, but not as petty as F full-fat vehicles
As the name implies, the IS 500 F Sport Performance packs a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces 472 horsepower (352 kilowatts) at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet (535.5 Newton-meters) of torque at 4,800 revolutions. The only gearbox option is an eight-speed automatic. The sedan can reach 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 4.5 seconds. Lexus estimates highway fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon.
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The most powerful model weighs 3,891 pounds (1,765 kg), and that’s only 143 pounds (64.86 kg) more than the existing IS 350 F Sport.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance is more than just a big engine in the smallest Lexus sedan. The model comes standard with the Dynamic Handling Package which includes an adaptive suspension and Torsen limited slip differential. It also receives a rear performance damper provided by Yamaha that improves structural rigidity to provide additional stability. The brakes measure 14.0 inches at the front and 12.7 inches at the back, against 13.1 inches and 11.7 inches, respectively, for the IS 350 F Sport.
Enhanced security technology comes with performance updates. It receives the entire Lexus Safety System + 2.5 which includes pedestrian detection, emergency steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assistance, automatic high beam and more.
The sedan gets a more aggressive look from a hood with a lump creating an additional 2.0-inch space. The fenders are wider and make room for the 19-inch wheels provided by Enkei with a 10-spoke design. Like the RC F and the old IS F, there are a pair of double exhaust pipes stacked on either side of the rear.
Lexus makes some small adjustments to the interior. A heated steering wheel is standard and there are different pedals. The instrument panel has a unique boot animation. There are also F Sport Performance emblems throughout the cabin.
The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance will go on sale this fall. The company will announce prices, options and color options closer to launch.