The first-ever Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance is expected to arrive at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley later this Fall 2021. Built exclusively for the North American market, the latest addition to the IS family introduces a new era of F SPORT Performance models designed for “driving enthusiasts that crave higher levels of performance over standard F SPORT models” as stated by the official Lexus Press Release.

As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the reveal of the new Lexus IS provided us with both a sense of nostalgia and excitement. We couldn’t help but recall the thrill and exhilaration that we felt when driving the soon-to-be-released Lexus IS F around the Texas Motor Speedway back in 2008. While this isn’t technically the “new IS F”, it is certainly close enough to have us gearing up and marking our calendars for its much-anticipated arrival.

While it’s not as catchy as the Justin Timberlake song, we still can’t help repeating that Lexus is finally bringing the 5.0-liter V8 back. With a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine with a max output of 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm, the new IS 500 F SPORT Performance definitely delivers “a boost” in displacement and performance over the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6 that we currently enjoy. Albeit heavier than the standard IS 350 F SPORT by 143 pounds, the IS 500 is said to be capable of delivering a 0-60 mph time of only 4.5 seconds while maintaining a healthy 24-mpg highway rating – estimated.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance also features a quad exhaust system with dual-stacked pipes and the same eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with lockup torque converter found in and inspired by the Lexus RC F. The new Lexus IS 500 builds on the improvements made to 2021 IS and is the latest iteration of the new Lexus Driving Signature that was developed at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. The IS 500 will come standard with the IS RWD F SPORT’s Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) that improves handling and performance thanks to enhanced traction when cornering or exiting turns, as explained by Lexus. Lexus engineers have also improved the IS chassis performance with the addition of a Yamaha rear performance damper and added some impressive brake cooling enhancements with additional aerodynamic cooling and larger 14.0-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors.

While Lexus calls the exterior enhancements “subtle”, we argue that the IS 500 F SPORT Performance sedan delivers a distinct style that will no doubt set it apart from the rest of the IS model line-up. Here’s what you can expect:

• Hood raised nearly 2-inches and features sculpted center character lines
• Front bumper and fenders lengthened
• Standard 19-inch split 10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels
• Revised lower rear diffuser accent that accentuates the quad exhaust system
• Dark chrome window trim
• Black IS F SPORT rear lip spoiler
• The combination instrumentation meter features a snazzy startup animation that is exclusive to the IS 500

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance is expected to arrive at our dealership in San Juan, Texas this Fall 2021. Contact our sales team at North Park Lexus RGV to learn more or to place your order today.

In the meantime, we encourage you to test drive the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT that we have available now at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley and don’t forget to check back often as we update this post and others with the latest information from Lexus.