The hype and anticipation surrounding the 2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport, which began circulating early in the year certainly hasn't fallen off, with enthusiasts online clamoring for a price tag to figure out just where this new model fits in the Lexus line up. Speculation and silly rumors abound, but for those that played the guessing game, for the most part, you weren't too far off the mark.
If you've been paying attention, you're already aware of what the IS500 F Sport brings to the table in terms of motivation. Under that sculpted hood which carries a bulge in the center that adds about 2-inches is where you'll find the naturally aspirated, 5.0L V-8 complete with a quartet of camshafts, 32 valves and dual continuously variable valve timing (VVT-i). That mouthful equates to 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.
The thought of V-8 grunt might seem universal to some but the technology packed into Lexus' version is a completely different animal compared your uncle's Mustang. In this instance, peak horsepower is realized at a lofty 7,100 rpm and the sprint to get there is as progressive as it is confident, never feeling sloppy or flat. At full song, the quad-exhaust system delivers a vicious note without ever sounding obnoxious or strained and from an enthusiast perspective, changing out the exhaust system, something most would think to do when personalizing their car, would be criminal.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission At wide open throttle and in Sport S+ mode, the gearing is well suited for the power output and shifts are pronounced and crisp, though it's tough to leave all of the action in the hands of the car's ECU and commandeering the paddle shifters is a much better way to enjoy a spirited sprint.
More than just a big engine in a sexy sedan, the heart of this car marks a significant turning point in a portion of the industry that is banking on EV applications or much smaller engines equipped with ultra-efficient turbochargers moving forward. The writing has been on the wall for quite some time and there is a real possibility that this serves as the final sporty compact sedan to be V8-driven.
The car's aesthetic doesn't stray far from the IS 350, which is a positive, though fender badging, the aforementioned V-8 hood bulge, and signature exhaust finishers will clue you into the which is which. In terms of the "war of the bumper grills" being waged by the majority of automakers that has resulted in far less bumper and much more spindle and honeycomb being used, Lexus was an early adopter to the oversized look. As such, they've done a much better job of shaping and refining the look over time and this application incorporates just 2 faux sections on either side of the bumper, though a vertical slat that sits on the very edge is in fact a pass-through. Just above that you'll find triple beam headlights with Lexus' daytime running "check marks" slashing through the headlight centers.
Rolling stock on this model is delivered in the form of 19-in. Enkei alloys and it's almost odd to see a manufacturer not opting for black wheels, as has been the rage in recently. Also noteworthy is a lack of "chrome" used throughout the design, only really incorporated into small golf clubs on either side mirror and the front and rear badging. The window trim and taillight surround are black and won't haunt this design in 10 years.
The feel from the driver's seat is tight and purposeful as the IS 500 F Sport ignores its sedan designation, which often leans toward a roomy cabin that caters to everyone aboard, and instead focuses on the driver placed in a position to take advantage of the car's attributes. Controls are close and easily identified, seats supportive without becoming a nuisance, and even the surfaces feel a bit more upscale with soft touches applied to areas like the center console surround. Rear seating is ample and 6-ft. frame will have no issues riding in the back seat.
The drive mode selection knob is positioned just to the right of the gear selector and is hefty, offering feedback during use, with a traction control switch just below. Not far behind is a track pad to make moves on the industry-standard dash top monitor and this Performance model included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson 7.1 channel audio system that packs an 1,800-watt punch. Curiously, no wireless charging up front and no sign of rear-connectivity for passengers.
Day 1 of piloting the IS 500 F Sport involved several 2nd and 3rd gear sprints too lofty to count. My initial thoughts on that first pull were just how smooth the power poured on as the tach continued to climb. I knew the gut-wrenching low to midrange jaunt would be there, but I was fully expecting a considerable drop-off above 5,000rpm and planned to ease back, but the quad-cam V8 on duty put a quick end to that thought as I ran out of space shortly before reaching redline. Finding a longer stretch of open road, the next few pulls confirmed that the power I was expecting from the V8 down low was there, but things got so much better as that needle climbed.
As you might expect, the weight of this model goes up from the IS 350, but it's not a very big number with just 143 lbs. separating the siblings. Still, 3,891 is quite a bit of metal to toss around, especially with a beastly mill up front and Lexus addresses it with their Adaptive Variable Suspension system. Jump into Sport S or S+ mode and the feedback from the electronic power steering tightens up along with the suspension's damping force, while a hotter map on the engine and transmission ECU goes to work.
Turn-in felt smoother than I would've imagined, given the car's weight, and body roll wasn't an issue even when pushed hard through cutbacks. Following through and pulling out of a turn took a little bit of getting used to as the power comes on quick but the Torsen LSD does an excellent job of helping to deliver the torque to the pavement and there's plenty of forgiveness.
The difference in driving modes is apparent, and this sort of user-selectable system is applied to dozens of models these days, as you know, but few offer the Jekyll and Hyde levels of separation that this Lexus does when that knob is adjusted and the exhaust is allowed to breathe. Cruising through my son's school parking lot in normal mode to pick him up was quiet and tame, while giving in to the "make it go!" screams from the backseat had me switching to Sport mode and in an instant, the exhaust note grew louder as the RPM increased and maniacal laughing ensued from my 6-year-old...and maybe a little from myself as well.
In 2008, Lexus offered up the IS F complete with its V-8 grumble and it was universally loved both for its performance grunt and refined nature inside its cabin. And while this new model isn't technically a "F model," it serves as a strong link between the legendary IS F and the more current IS 350. As such, pricing for the particular model we tested comes in at $61,000, but add on $500 for its premium Iridium paint (the shiny one in the photos) and a little over a grand for delivery, processing, handling. Base model pricing begins at $56,500, and if you're interested in the Launch Edition, you'll be spending $67,400. Pricing seems right on par with the estimates from the masses and with this serving as potentially the last of the naturally aspirated V-8 compact sports sedans, it's certainly money well spent.
by| motortrend