By C.A. Haire
The Lexus model IS is a popular compact sedan. It is usually offered with an economical four-cylinder, 240 horsepower engine or an upgraded 311 hp V-6.
But there are always customers who prefer more power, and that brings us to this IS 500 F-Sport. Under the hood, they have shoehorned a powerful 5.0-liter V-8, cranking a healthy 472 horsepower.
It is hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission but can be shifted manually using paddles on the steering wheel. The wheels are driven from the rear, giving excellent platform balance.
This motor is often found on Lexus sports coupes, like the LC 500 and RC-F. But being sports cars, these two vehicles have limited cabin space and a trunk just larger than a breadbox. That’s certainly not ideal for long trips.
The IS-500 comes with a powerful 5.0-liter V-8 cranking 472 horsepower, with 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. (C.A. Haire/Contributor)
This is what makes the IS 500 so attractive. It gives strong acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. Yet with four doors and a larger trunk, more passengers can be transported, and there is room for luggage in the rear. The second-row seats can be folded to hold more gear.
There is a console knob that offers several drive modes. Choose Sport or Sport+ and this sedan turns into a street racer with quicker gear shifts, stiffer steering and a loud exhaust attracting the local traffic police. Pick Normal or Comfort and you have a softer commuter for hauling the family around. Fuel economy is listed at 17/25 mpg. We observed 19/29 mpg.
The cost for a loaded IS 500 is $66,000. This is a jump from the base $40,000 fee, but we are getting a car totally made in Japan, which explains the great build quality. Plus it’s a V-8, which makes it all worthwhile.
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