Lexus has just launched a new sports sedan called the IS500 F-Sport, and it’s a bit of a wildcard. It’s not an M3 or C63 rival at all. Instead, it’s a car that is in its own class. Under the hood, is an old-school 5.0 naturally aspirated V8 with 472hp and 3956 lb-ft of torque all to the rear wheels. A full-on old-school muscle car that is packed full of personality.
It may not be the fastest of sports sedans, but that’s not the point. It hits 60 in 4.5 seconds which is decent but not that quick in this day and age. It does sound incredible though, unlike other German and American rivals. Handling wise too, it’s a bit of a brute. All the power is sent to the rear via an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift Automatic gearbox. The 8-speed gearbox is one of few things that aren’t strange about this car.
What baffles me, is how Lexus manage to get away with creating this car. In a world full of environmental boffins, how did Lexus manage to pass the tests with this thing? No turbos, no hybrid tech, and an mpg close to single figures. How great is that?
This car is a true unicorn because there truly is nothing like it out there. I can’t remember the last time I saw a new naturally aspirated V8 sports sedan on sale. They’re all either turbocharged, hybrid, or supercharged. I think the new CT5-V Blackwing is supercharged too. The LC500 is the only other V8 Lexus that isn’t a hybrid V8 Lexus.
The IS500 could have been more powerful if it was fitted with a supercharger, but I don’t think that was Lexus’ main aim with this car at all. It’s not a Japanese M3 whatsoever. It’s far too comfortable and too slow to be that. This is purely a cruiser car with a sense of fun added to it.
So is it a middle-aged man’s motor or will this car actually appeal to the young? Stick around to find out.
It’s a Lunatic.
The IS500 is a lunatic. Under the hood, lays the same 5.0 V8 from the top of the range LC500 coupe. The biggest engine in one of the smallest cars. The engine is truly crammed under the hood which is what makes this car a tad more special. You can tell it was designed by people who loved cars who wanted to create something that stood out.
If you want power from this car, you have to floor it. It revs up to 7100 rpm, which isn’t crazy but you do get some awesome proper V8 sounds. Torque peaks though at just over 4000 rpm which means this car sure has some mid-range grunt. The acceleration is very linear and smooth which is a bit dull plus changing gearbox settings to Sport or Sport + just ruins everything.
This car is a full-on lazy muscle car then. At low speeds it is smooth but at higher speeds, it can be less thrilling than one would hope. It sure may not be a driver’s car but as a drift car, things could work, especially when this car is an RWD V8. It also features a Torsen Limited Slipp Differential, enhanced brakes, and adaptive variable suspension.
The Subtle Looks are Aggressive But Classy.
The IS500 is a very classy car. I love the 19 inch Enkei alloys, the stacked exhaust tips, and the aggressively raised hood. The black exterior trim also makes this car look so much cooler. The whole design of the new IS is really good, and the rear lights look pretty special indeed. You can upgrade all of this to the Launch Edition “Incognito” spec whereby you get a cool nardo-grey like exterior color, black bbs alloys, and a nicer interior.
All in all, I think this is the best looking compact sedan currently on sale right now. Beats the M3 and new W206 C63 in looks. It has a better more distinct personality, and all of its sharp angles make this car look so much more unique.
This car sure won’t turn many heads, but it won’t look too out of place in posh places. It’s not a “look at me” sort of car at all. In fact, most people will assume that this is the normal IS until they start looking at the smaller details. So if you’re after attention, then this car isn’t for you.
However, if you want a smoking tire kicker that can be used somewhat every day and sort of “blend in” with everyday cars, then this is for you.
Is It an Old Man’s Car?
The IS500 could be an old man’s car. It offers the much-loved Lexus V8 benefits for a far cheaper price. The ride is decent, the power delivery is smooth and it’s not too showy offy. But hold off there for a second. Would gramps really be a fan of the stacked exhaust pipes? Or the fact that this thing can truly drift?
If you’re a young car enthusiast who has say C43 AMG money, then stop right there. This is the car for you. It’s fun, reasonably quick and one of a kind. You cannot beat a V8 even if you tried. Plus, Lexus has really tried hard to make the Lexus IS look trendy, and as said earlier it beats its German rivals there.
Inside the interior is very old school with buttons and all, but Apple Carplay has finally been fitted courtesy of the new central touch screen. It makes the whole car feel very nostalgic, which is something that car enthusiasts love. Build quality is also very good too, but the touchpad is well annoying.
I believe that Lexus has made a car for more younger people. It’s just too brutish for older people in that the aggressive alloys, the loud exhaust note, and the uncomfortable ride are just too much.
To Conclude
This car starts at $56,500 which is decent. A base M340i may be less, but you get two fewer cylinders, less power and really it’s nowhere near as unique as the IS 500. I don’t believe the IS 500 is an M3 rival or M340i rival. In fact, I think this car is more suited to cars like the Mustang and Challenger. It’s a pure muscle car that was designed purely for fun.
The Lexus IS500 may have flaws like a terrible gearbox, weight, etc but at the end of the day, it isn’t a bad car especially for the money. On the second-hand market, this car will be great value as I can tell you know this car will depreciate very fast.