This could be our first look at the long-rumored hot Lexus IS 500.
It was only last week when we discovered that Lexus is planning an F sports car onslaught. Now, Lexus has officially teased a new mystery F Sport model. A teaser photo shows a close-up of the F Sport badge on the same engine cover as the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 engine found under the hood of the RC F and GS F. However, it’s worth noting that just because this is the same engine cover it doesn’t necessarily mean this mystery model is packing the same V8 powerplant.
The F Sport badge also indicates Lexus isn’t teasing a new full-fat F model here, so we can rule out the possibility of it being the rumored LC F, LS F, and IS F. What else could Lexus be teasing?
Currently, the Lexus LC 500 is the only V8-powered model in the automaker’s lineup that hasn’t received the F Sport treatment, though this seems late in the model’s lifecycle. Alternatively, it could be a V8 option for the LS or this could be our first look at the long-rumored hot Lexus IS 500 that will slot below the hardcore IS F.
Last year, Lexus filed a trademark for the IS 500 nameplate, sparking rumors that a new V8-powered IS variant will join the lineup. Since this isn’t a full-fat F model, the IS 500 will take on rival German models like the BMW M340i, Audi S4, and the Mercedes-AMG C43.
Lexus
Lexus
It’s unknown which engine will power the new mystery Lexus F Sport model, however. The Lexus IS is sold with either a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft or a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft on tap. Potentially, the new IS 500 could be offered with either a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 from the LS 500 or the 5.0-liter V8 that powers the RC F.
This 5.0-liter V8 will also reportedly power the new IS F. In the RC F, this unit produces 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, but we expect the output will be detuned for the milder IS 500. We’ll hopefully find out more soon, as more teasers inevitably get released.
Lexus
Lexus
