Summary
- V-8 sedans are quickly becoming a rarity with SUVs and hybrid powertrains taking precedence in the automotive market.
- The 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance stands as the last compact luxury sedan with a naturally aspirated V-8 engine.
- The IS 500 delivers optimum performance with its sporty design, V-8 engine, and luxury interior features despite its compact size.
The days of the growling grocery getter seem to be in the rearview mirror as automotive power progresses, with the V-8 sedan becoming an endangered species. And though there are V-8 sports sedan options you should consider, albeit rarer than smaller engine options, there are even fewer compact sedans packing a V-8.
The nostalgic V-8 growl harkens back to the days before twin-turbo four-cylinders and turbocharged inline-six power plants set the bar. Compared to when big, loud V-8s roamed the streets with authority back in the day, powertrains like the tuner-friendly Ford Coyote V-8 are now as scarce as hen’s teeth.
With Dodge discontinuing the Charger in 2023, as well as Chrysler calling it quits with the Charger’s spiritual twin, the 300C, the V-8’s days in the sedan segment are numbered.
But there are those who refuse to go quietly, and it’s an underrated V-8 sports sedan torch holder no one would expect. A compact Japanese luxury sports sedan with aggressive styling and a voice to match holds the current title of the last of a dying breed. The 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance option not only boasts a brawny V-8 that projects a symphony of engine notes, but it also surrounds the big engine with proper performance-inspired parts and design to optimize the powertrain.
UPDATE: 2024/02/17 15:00 BY MARNUS MOOLMAN
Both the V-8 engine and sedan body style are becoming more scarce by the day due to the rise in demand for SUVs and hybrid technology. That said, there are a handful of V-8-powered sedans left; but only one compact luxury compact sedan with a naturally aspirated V-8 underneath its hood. The Lexus IS 500.
Here is everything you need to know about the underrated V-8-powered Lexus IS 500, and what makes it so special.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus’ website.
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The Compact Sedan With A Powerful V-8 Engine
The 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance package offers a special edition exterior, which features a delicious blend of sporty, functional design and daily driver qualities that are sure to please the V-8 enthusiasts in all of us.
Starting with the powerhouse under the hood, the 2024 IS 500 F Sport Performance barrows the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 from the Lexus LC, making 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque in the compact IS.
2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance
|
0-60 MPH |
4.3 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
149 MPH |
|
Horsepower |
472 |
|
Torque |
395 Pound-Feet |
|
Curb Weight |
3,969 Pounds |
|
Layout |
Front-engine, RWD, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8, eight-speed automatic transmission, four-door, five-passenger, sedan |
(Source: Lexus)
An eight-speed gearbox and adaptive sport dampers pair well with the naturally aspirated V-8, providing composed, reactive shifting and allowing the compact sedan to sprint from 0-60 MPH in 4.3 seconds.
With the proliferation of the crossover, the sedan segment became more and more competitive, urging automakers to do more with less in terms of achieving power and efficiency.
That said, the V-8 sedan grows more obsolete as the economy and industry demand a more logical approach to advance the modern automotive market. Models including the refreshed Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing are getting closer to becoming things of the past, further displaying the dissolving trend of V-8 sedans, as more efficient engine options like turbocharged inline-six in the BMW M340i prove the superiority of modern performance.
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2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sports Aggressive Performance-Inspired Design
For 2024, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance matches the performance figures of the vehicle, in that the prominent race-inspired styling and aerodynamic contours give away the true intent of this compact sedan; speed and aggressive power. The blacked-out grille section covers a large area of the front facia and sports sharp edges and brake cooling ducts integrated into the lower design. Along the side, the 2024 IS 500 sports aerodynamic creases in the body design that let the wind effortlessly dance around it at higher speeds.
19-inch 10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels with a Dark Metallic finish and street tires – 235 in the front and 265 in the rear – pair perfectly with the adaptive sport dampers and stellar suspension to ensure the sports sedan sticks to the ground if you want to take the IS 500 F to the next level. Those who opt for the Dynamic Handling package get upgraded adaptive suspension, furthering the composure and quality of the IS’s road manners.
The sharp, aggressive style and performance-inspired features carry throughout the body, with the rear sporting a black lip spoiler, two sets of dual-stacked exhaust ports, and a black diffuser to tie the sporty nature of the exterior all together.
The interior lacks the space you would hope to find in a V-8 powered sedan, but let’s not forget the unique class 2024 IS 500 F Sport Performance occupies, considering the compact luxury sedan space, the IS 500 F Sport is on par with space constraints.
The interior features leatherette material with perforated seat centers and contrast stitching. The door panels feature a mixture of soft-touch material and molded plastic, while the dash and center console lid are topped with stitched leatherette, adding a classy touch to the aesthetic.
Heated and ventilated sport bucket seats sit up front with power-adjustable controls. The perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel feels comfortable and natural, not to mention it’s heated for those frigid morning commutes.
Aluminum accented tread plates match the accented foot pedals, adding a touch of sports car flavor to the conservative interior layout. The large 10.25-inch touchscreen displays the last generation of Lexus/Toyota’s operating system, while the TFT digital cluster display behind the steering wheel provides the driver with useful information in real time.
As you would expect from a luxurious marvel such as the Lexus IS, features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and 360-degree camera view all come standard to allow easy and safe maneuvering in tight spaces.
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Lexus Finds Compact Competition In Audi, BMW, And Cadillac
The 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance competes with the likes of the BMW M340i, the new four-cylinder-powered Mercedes-AMG C43, and the stick shift Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in terms of powertrain. Although some may argue that the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance should take on the likes of mighty sedans like the BMW M3 and Giulia Quadrifoglio considering the IS 500 is the fastest sports sedan Lexus makes, the IS 500 F Sport doesn’t top any lists regarding performance.
Though those sedans don’t directly match the compact Lexus, the IS 500 F Sport Performance with a starting MSRP of $60,020, nonetheless makes a statement among the big boys by providing the classic V-8 mannerisms.
In reality, the modern sedan, compact or not, doesn’t need the brute power of a V-8 to achieve respectable performance stats. That’s not to say that the V-8 has no use in today’s models, just that there are better applications with smarter, more efficient outcomes that are more beneficial to the modern buyer.
That said, the V-8 sedan and V-8 luxury sedan class are remembered fondly by a great number of enthusiasts, not only for their in-your-face power and attitude but for ultimately being a key figure in the timeline of performance and innovation.
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The 2024 Lexus IS 500 As A Daily Driver
The predecessor to the new Lexus IS 500, Lexus IS F from the 2000s, was a formidable daily driver and is an absolute bargain on the used market today. While the new IS 500 upped the ante when it comes down to performance and style, they both share the same fundamental principles; the pleasure of driving at the expense of just a manual transmission.
Unfortunately, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport doesn’t have a manual transmission, however, this doesn’t take away the fact that it’s an excellent sports sedan. As previously mentioned, the compact Lexus has a heavenly-sounding engine, an interior fit for a king, and respectable performance figures. On top of that, however, lies sensibility.
Because Toyota and Lexus are virtually the same; Lexus products are tremendously reliable in a sea of unreliable car brands. Although the IS 500 might not be as practical as Lexus’ wide range of SUVs, but it’s more than adequate to fit five people inside and their luggage for a weekend away.
With its bold looks, mighty exhaust note, and outlandish exterior paint choices, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport fails in just one aspect; being a sleeper car. In no way is this detriment to the car’s success and appeal, but it does however hinder the IS 500 from becoming the same sleeper car its predecessor, the Lexus IS F, was. To determine whether this Japanese V-8-powered sports sedan is a great fit for you, check out our driven review of the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport.
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