Maybe we said goodbye too soon to Lexus' atmospheric V8. The Japanese brand recently unveiled the new Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance , the (for now) more powerful and sporty version of its smallest sedan.
Under the hood is the same 5.0 l atmospheric V8 that we have already “savored” in the biggest and most exclusive LC 500 Convertible, a model that Diogo had the opportunity to explore in Spain some time ago. It's the same 477 hp at 7100 rpm and 535 Nm at 4800 Nm… and a glorious sound.
It shares the mechanics not only with the LC 500, but also with a worthy member of the F lineage, the RC F coupé. However, the IS 500 F Sport Performance is not the successor to the IS F.
Effectively, the nomenclature “F Sport Performance” represents a first for the manufacturer, being a new level in the performance hierarchy of Lexus, which ranks below the all-powerful “F” and well above the “F Sport” (which is no longer than a level of equipment).
Yes… that means there seems to be room for a “pure” IS F, positioned above this IS 500 F Sport Performance. And if this already comes with an atmospheric V8 with approximately 500 hp, what kind of “animal” can the IS F be?
Leaving possible speculation aside, the new Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance sees its atmospheric V8 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission — the same as other ISs like the 350 — which sends all the force of the atmospheric V8 to the wheels rear, with a Torsen self-locking differential. Enough to launch 1765 kg up to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5s.
Subscribe to our newsletter
In addition to the self-locking differential, it brings adaptive suspension, a steering with specific calibration and there was no lack of a “little hand” from Yamaha that contributed with a high-performance shock absorber for the rear axle. Lexus promises agility and simultaneously stability at high speed and comfort at low speed.
The new Japanese proposal brings standard 19″ wheels developed by Enkei that are lighter 0.45 kg and 0.9 kg (front and rear respectively) than those corresponding to the models of the F Sport line. The braking system has also been enhanced with two-piece aluminum front discs 14″ in diameter and 12.7″ in the rear.
The unveiling of the new Lexus IS meant the end of its marketing in Europe, with its low sales being the main reason for its departure. So we're also not going to see this IS with a huge, charismatic atmospheric V8 across the “old continent”.
"Old-school": 5.0 V8, naturally aspirated, and 477 hp of power.