Start your engines: the new Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance
As enthusiasts, we have never really liked the term "engine noise." It suggests that the sounds coming from the engine and exhaust are unpleasant. However, for those of us who are passionate about cars, these sounds are actually quite beautiful, especially when they come from a large, naturally aspirated V8 engine. We prefer to think of these sounds as music, rather than noise. The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance is an excellent example of an engine that can produce a truly harmonious sound. Its 5-liter V8 engine produces a powerful and melodic sound through its quad-tipped exhaust, all the way up to 472 horsepower, without the use of a turbocharger or any artificial enhancements.
The total package
The Lexus IS platform is a popular choice among compact sport sedan buyers, but the IS 500 F SPORT Performance model takes things to a whole new level. This is the first vehicle in Lexus' new F SPORT Performance line, and it boasts a powerful 5-liter V8 engine that allows it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, faster than the IS 350 F SPORT model. The IS 500 also comes with an F SPORT-tuned adaptive variable suspension that automatically adjusts to reduce body roll and improve agility and precision when turning corners. Additionally, the IS 500 is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to provide enhanced traction in a variety of driving conditions, resulting in improved control and performance.
She’s got the looks
Even to the casual observer, the Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance looks like a fast and aggressive sedan. The design team at Lexus raised the hood by nearly two inches to make room for the powerful 5-liter V8 engine, which was squeezed into a space originally designed for a 6-cylinder engine. This gives the IS 500 a more imposing appearance. The car is also 2 inches longer than the standard IS model to improve engine cooling. Exclusive dark chrome trim and lightweight 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels add to the car's athletic appearance and give it an air of speed.
On the inside
The seats in the Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance are designed to provide drivers with the support they need for a sports car. Using a unique foam-injection construction, the seats offer comfort without sacrificing the road feel. The seats also have bolsters positioned close to the car's center of gravity to keep the driver and front seat passenger secure during sharp turns taken at high speeds. The IS 500 also features a dynamic digital instrumentation cluster with a unique startup animation, as well as an 8-inch or available 10.3-inch touchscreen that can display navigation information or mirror a smartphone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.
The Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 as standard equipment. This advanced suite of high-tech features includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Intelligent High Beams, all working together to keep you safe on the road. For added peace of mind, Lexus also offers optional features such as intuitive parking assist with auto braking, rear cross-traffic braking, and a panoramic view monitor. As music enthusiasts, we would also recommend adding the optional 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson sound system, which is one of the finest in the industry, for cruising at lower speeds when the engine is quieter. However, when driving more aggressively, get the roof open to fully appreciate the natural V8 engine's beautiful melody.
