[Auto] Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance: V8s still have a lot of life left

[#Steeven.™]

The birth of the latest generation of the Lexus IS has left us with a bittersweet taste in our mouths. During the last years the premium firm of Toyota has been reorganizing the models that make up its range. And one of those that has been most affected is the IS because, depending on the market, it is no longer considered as the access saloon. This implies that we will no longer see him in Europe as his replacement has fallen into the hands of the new ES.

To this must be added that to create the new IS, its engineers decided to maintain the same technical scheme as the previous one. Be that as it may, many things have changed and one of you will especially like. After a period of absence, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance returns to the market. This version is designed to put heavyweights like the BMW M3 on the ropes. Will it deliver what it promises? Do not miss it…

The image of the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is aggressive and very sporty

One of the aspects we like the most about the new IS is its appearance. The creative team of the Japanese firm has managed to maintain the essence of the previous one without making it seem that we are facing an "old" model. This same maxim is what they had to follow to shape the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance. Especially because it goes up a level and evolves in certain aspects to offer a more powerful and sporty image without losing its essence.

To get an idea, the IS 500 F Sport Performance adds a more bulky and chiseled hood. This is to accommodate the 5.0 V8 block in the engine compartment and offer greater safety space. The bumpers are wider with air intakes, even more marked and sporty. The prominent wheel arches house 19-inch 10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels. At the rear, there is a new diffuser and a pair of dual tailpipes.

 

Quality interior and superb settings punctuated by sporty details

Inside, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is more discreet than sporty. The lines that shape its dashboard and basic design elements remain unchanged. To break so much sobriety, those responsible have chosen to include some sporty details. The most notable change can be seen in its digital instrument panel. The digital display can change the view, offering a sportier one.

The steering wheel also changes, as it receives heating and the "F Sport" logo in the lower arm area. This badge also reaches other areas of the cabin, such as the thresholds for the doors. To maintain exclusivity, the high-rise dashboard, seats and doors are dressed in premium black leather with contrast stitching. Finally, it has specific pedals and footrest for the F Sport Performance series.

As far as safety equipment is concerned, the IS 500 F Sport Performance has the latest evolution of the Lexus Safety System + 2.5. Among the main active driving aids that it includes are the pedestrian detection system, emergency steering assistant, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assistant or automatic high beams.

 

Sublime engine: 5.0 V8 aspirated with 479 hp and 535 Nm

Finally, we must take a look at what it hides under its hood. As its name suggests, the IS 500 F Sport Performance has a 5.0 V8 aspirated petrol block. Its performance reaches 479 CV of power and a maximum torque of 535 Nm at 4,800 rpm. For its management, the engineers of the Toyota premium firm rely on an automatic cut-off transmission with 8 relations. Thanks to this set, its acceleration is heart attack.

Depending on the brand, it goes from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.5 seconds. To increase its sportiness, it has the Dynamic Handling package that includes adaptive suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential. The rear suspension, to improve stability, features sports shock absorbers signed by Yamaha. Lastly, the brake discs are more generous at 355mm at the front and 322mm at the rear.

 

The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is the first of many more ...

The arrival of the rabid Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance will take place next fall. Before it lands in the showrooms of the firm they will announce their prices and equipment options. If you liked what you have read and seen, we are sorry to give you two bad news. In the first place, as we have already advanced and assumed, it will not be available for sale in the European market. A V8 in the Old Continent? Do not…

Secondly, this IS 500 F Sport Performance will be the first in a new series of F Sport Performance models. And you may wonder why this is bad? Well, no, it is not bad, but Lexus has announced that the next releases will be more sporty so the appetizer falls short. Patience…