2021 Lexus IS 500 F Sport gets 352kW 5.0 V8
Naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre to live on under flagship IS bonnetLexus has unveiled its flagship 2021 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance overnight and confirmed the high-performance small sedan will again be powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8.
Created to rival both the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, the Japanese super-sedan was tipped to get an all-new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, but the decision to equip it with the previous model's 5.0-litre V8 means it will again provide Lexus with a unique selling proposition.
Not only will it be the sole model in this segment to shun forced induction, it will be the only one to feature a V8, following news the next-gen Mercedes-AMG will switch to a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder.
According to Lexus, the 5.0-litre V8 under the 2021 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance produces 352kW and 536Nm of torque.
Combined with an eight-speed automatic, the rear-wheel drive IS 500 F is claimed to be capable of completing the 0-60mph (0-97km/h) dash in just 4.5 seconds.
To help the regular IS sedan cope with the big bump in power and torque over the Lexus IS 300, the IS 500 F Sport gets a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension that uses Yamaha-developed rear dampers.
Larger 19-inch Enkei-sourced alloy rims and bigger high-performance brakes complete the hardware updates.
Externally, there's an imposing bonnet bulge that Lexus says was needed to package the larger V8, while the new 2021 Lexus IS 500 F Sport also gains a pair of wider front fenders.
At the rear, there's a subtle carbon-fibre bootlid spoiler, new diffuser and pair of stacked dual exhausts that pay tribute to the original IS F.
Inside, safety is boosted with a new updated autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system that includes pedestrian protection, emergency steering assist, adaptive cruise and lane departure with steering assist.
A heated steering wheel, sport seats and digital instruments with unique graphics are also introduced plus an array of Sport Performance badging.
The vehicle goes on sale in North America in the fourth quarter of 2021, and at this stage is not earmarked for right-hand drive production.
So Australian buyers will need to cool their heels, or look elsewhere, given the new V8-powered Lexus IS remains off the agenda for this market.
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