TESTED! 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, BETTER than an M340i?
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 Published On Oct 9, 2021

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:31 Exterior
01:15 Engine Specs
02:48 Interior
04:07 Driving
12:32 Verdict

Does it replace the ISF?

Lexus says it's doesn't, instead it's a matter of shoehorning its 5.0-liter V8 under the hood of its compact IS sedan. It's an engine we've come to love since it appears in several Lexus models including the excellent RCF, the LC500, and the sadly no longer available GSF. Of course, it's the same V8 that was in the ISF but now makes 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, instead of the original 416 hp. Power is routed through the rear wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

If you've driven a car with this V8 it will be very familiar, it's a peaky unit that begs to be driven hard since peak horsepower and torque arrive at 7,100 rpm and 4,800 rpm, respectively. Mashing the throttle has a number of advantages since the V8 makes an absolute symphony of sound starting with a deep bellow and a high-pitched wail as the engine nears the rev limiter, it's intoxicating and soulful.

What else has changed?

Apart from some small mechanical changes that include larger 14.0-inch front and 12.7-inch rear brake rotors and a new Yamaha-sourced rear chassis damper, the car is very similar to the IS 350 F Sport. A very discreet badge at the rear that says IS 500 and a 2.0-inch bump in the hood are the only tells. Most people won't even notice.

Lexus did have to lengthen the front to accommodate a new radiator s elongated to match the repositioned radiator, but the performance-tuned adaptive suspension, eight-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip rear differential, and drive modes are all retained for the IS 500.

Interesting Fact

As far as we know IS 500 is the only naturally aspirated V8 sedan for sale in the US currently except for Dodge Charger R/T and ScatPack. Which one would you choose?

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