Lexus officially announced the IS 500 F Sport Performance for the Japanese market, the V8-powered version of its smallest sedan. In JDM-spec, the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 produces 475 hp and 535 Nm of torque. This is 3 hp more than the US-spec model, with the torque figure remaining identical. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox with the help of a Torsen limited-slip differential. The sports sedan comes equipped with adaptive variable suspension (AVS), performance dampers, and larger brake discs measuring 356 mm at the front and 323 mm at the back.
The Japanese IS 500 F Sport Performance
doesn’t have any visual changes compared to the US model. Thus, it gets the
same sporty body kit, bulged bonnet, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels (BBS matte
black wheels are also available), black-painted brake callipers, lip spoiler,
and a diffuser with quad exhaust pipes. Inside, there is Ultra Suede upholstery
with F Sport badges, ventilated seats, a leather steering wheel, an 8-inch
infotainment, and a digital instrument cluster.
The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance will
be available in Japan starting August 25 with the “First Edition” being limited
to 500 units through a lottery. Pricing will be announced later on, with the
local market launch expected in winter.
