A new V8-powered Lexus IS could be coming
The 2021 Lexus IS returned last month with a range of design changes inside and out and new tech, but the engine lineup remained largely the same. A new Lexus IS 500 could change that in the near future.
Although not a new Lexus IS F, the Lexus IS 500 would be its spiritual successor. According to reports that surfaced back in May, the IS500 would get a the 5.0-litre V8 from the Lexus LC 500 that delivers 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. That would put the IS 500 into the same ballpark as the Audi S4, Mercedes-AMG C 43/C 63 S and BMW M3/M4.
On the other hand, the IS 500 wouldn’t be aimed specifically at these models according to early reports. It would be more focused on comfort that lapping a track as soon as possible. That said, we would expect the new Lexus IS 500 to get a few differentiating elements including a louder exhaust and more aggressive visual designs.
The 2021 Lexus IS can’t be called a new generation, but it’s more than a light refresh. The new IS gets a more pronounced spindle grille and redesigned bumpers, a new rear taillight that covers the entire trunk, a lighter and improved suspension, and increased interior dimensions. The new IS also gets a redesigned interior featuring either an 8.0-inch screen in base models or a 10.3-inch screen in the other trims.
The same engines carry over from the current IS meaning the base model gets a turbocharged four-cylinder with 241 horsepower while the IS 300 and IS 350 get a 3.5-litre V6 with 260 hp and 311 hp respectively.
