Lexus' new sports sedan packs a hardcore V8 in attempts to outshine its BMW and Mercedes rivals - see more

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Lexus' new sports sedan packs a hardcore V8 in attempts to outshine its BMW and Mercedes rivals - see more
  • The 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance is a brand-new sports sedan from Lexus.
  • It packs a naturally aspirated V8, which is very rare these days.
  • No pricing was announced at this time, but you can expect them to arrive at dealers in the fall.

The last time Lexus stuffed a naturally aspirated V8 into the IS compact sedan was 2007 in the IS F. That line ended in 2014 - when the IS F was discontinued - but we're finally getting a replacement in the year of our Lord 2021. That naturally aspirated V8 also means the new Lexus offers something that competitors from Mercedes-AMG, BMW, and Audi do not.

Meet the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, a new sports sedan with a mouthful of a name. No, it's not a one-to-one successor to the IS F, but its V8 and other performance bits still make it a much-welcomed addition to Lexus' sporty offerings, which currently include no sedans and only the RC F and LC models.

No pricing for the IS 500 F Sport Performance was announced at this time, but you can expect them to arrive at dealerships in the fall.

Keep reading to learn more.

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The 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance is Lexus' brand-new sports sedan.

The 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance is Lexus' brand-new sports sedan.
Lexus

It is the spiritual successor to the IS F, which was discontinued in 2014. But it's not exactly an F model.

It is the spiritual successor to the IS F, which was discontinued in 2014. But it's not exactly an F model.
Lexus IS F. Lexus

Source: Roadshow

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Rather, it's the first model in Lexus' new F Sport Performance line.

Rather, it's the first model in Lexus' new F Sport Performance line.
Lexus

The IS 500 has a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces a claimed 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.

The IS 500 has a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces a claimed 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.
Lexus
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Despite the big engine, it weighs 3,891 pounds and is only 143 pounds heavier than the V6-powered IS 350 F Sport.

Despite the big engine, it weighs 3,891 pounds and is only 143 pounds heavier than the V6-powered IS 350 F Sport.
Lexus

The hood was raised by two inches in order to fit the V8.

The hood was raised by two inches in order to fit the V8.
Lexus
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There's also dark chrome window trim, quad-exhaust pipes, and a rear lip spoiler.

There's also dark chrome window trim, quad-exhaust pipes, and a rear lip spoiler.
Lexus

The interior is trimmed in leather and the steering wheel has F Sport Performance badging.

The interior is trimmed in leather and the steering wheel has F Sport Performance badging.
Lexus
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The transmission is an eight-speed automatic.

The transmission is an eight-speed automatic.
Lexus

There are also a bunch of advanced safety features, such as frontal collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

There are also a bunch of advanced safety features, such as frontal collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance. Lexus
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You also get an IS 500-exclusive startup animation on the driver information cluster.

You also get an IS 500-exclusive startup animation on the driver information cluster.
Lexus

A set of 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels comes as standard.

A set of 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels comes as standard.
Lexus
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The car also wears unique, black F Sport Performance badges.

The car also wears unique, black F Sport Performance badges.
Lexus

Lexus did not announce pricing for the 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance at this time.

Lexus did not announce pricing for the 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance at this time.
Lexus
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But you can expect them at dealerships this fall.

But you can expect them at dealerships this fall.
Lexus