It appears likely that the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance will soon launch in Japan.
An image shared to Twitter by the company’s Japanese arm includes a teaser of the IS 500 F Sport Performance and notes that it is “coming soon,” with more details to be announced on July 21.
The current Lexus IS is only available in IS 350 and IS 300h guises in Japan, meaning the country has so far missed out on the V8-powered IS 500 F Sport Performance that is available in the United States. This teaser image previews the rear and side of the sports sedan and while it appears identical to the IS 500 available elsewhere, there has been speculation from Japan that it could undergo a few changes.
Watch Also: Lexus IS 500 Shows That Old-School V8 Power Still Has A Place In 2022
2022/7/21(木)13時30分、情報解禁。#レクサス #Lexus #LexusIS pic.twitter.com/AQYALYhqTt
— LEXUS / レクサス (@lexus_jpn) July 14, 2022
In May, Spyder7 suggested that the new model will actually be badged as an IS F in Japan and that it will receive some minor upgrades. These could apparently include a carbon fiber roof and bonnet, tweaked headlights, a front splitter, and upgraded side skirts (although they are not visible in this teaser). Spyder7 also speculated that the Japanese model could receive an extra 10 hp.
As a reminder, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is powered by the automaker’s 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 pumping out 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft (536 Nm) of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels and helping the car hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds.
