Lexus just unveiled the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport, a performance compact four-door that seeks to “appeal to passionate driving enthusiasts.” The new IS 500 is the first model in the new Lexus F Sport Performance line, and is set to rival go-faster variants of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac CT5.
Under the hood, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine, which produces 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque 4,800 rpm. Output is routed exclusively to the rear wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending the sedan to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport comes standard with the Dynamic Handling Package, which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension, as well as a Torsen limited-slip differential. The chassis was updated with a Yamaha rear performance damper for greater low-speed comfort and high-speed stability, while braking specs include 14-inch two-piece aluminum rotors in front, and 12.7-rotors in the rear. The whole thing weighs in at 3,891 pounds.
Check out the complete performance and spec breakdown in the table below, as well as how the Lexus compares to Cadillac’s go-fast sedan models.
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing | 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,790 | $59,990 | $84,990 | TBD |
| Engine | Twin-Turbo 3.0L V6 (LGY) | Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 (LF4) | Supercharged 6.2L V8 (LT4) | 5.0L V8 |
| Power @ rpm | 360 @ 5,400 | 472 @ 5,750 | 668 @ 6,500 | 472 @ 7,100 |
| Torque @ rpm | 405 @ 2,350 to 4,000 | 445 @ 3,500 | 659 @ 3,600 | 395 @ 4,800 |
| Manual transmission | - | 6-speed | 6-speed | - |
| Automatic transmission | 10-speed | 10-speed* | 10-speed* | 8-speed |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD*) | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| 0-60 mph, sec. (manufacturer) | 4.6 (4.8*) | 3.8 | 3.7 | 4.5 |
| Top speed, mph (manufacturer) | TBD | 189 | 200+ | TBD |
| Front brake disc, in. | 13.6 | 15.0 | 15.7 | 14.0 |
| Rear brake disc, in. | 12.4 | 13.4 | 14.7 | 12.7 |
Styling differences over the standard IS include raised a front hood, unique black badging, and a unique lower diffuser, plus dark chrome trim and a quad exhaust treatment. In the corners, we find 10-spoke, 19-inch Enkei wheels.
The cabin is outfitted with a heated leather-steering wheel and sporty door sill plate, while drivers will enjoy the unique instrument startup animation. There’s loads of safety features as well, such as Pre-Collision System, Automatic Emergency Braking, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
Pricing information for the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport is still forthcoming. Deliveries are expected in the Fall.
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