I am still not understanding the logic of taking away the ability to have a white interior because you have the black wheels and an adaptive suspension?!? This is just mind boggling! I have an IS350 F Sport on order (white on white) which is suppose to arrive in early May and hoping to have a bit additional information about the 500 to make an informed decision. I don't need the V8, and from a rational point, the 350 makes more sense for my driving habits than the 500 but there is that V8 itch that I'd like to scratch. I am not sure if you guys have noticed the side profile of the 500. There is something about the bulge on the hood that gives an odd look. It seems the hood does a pronounced drop toward the front and looks like someone with a weird bent nose when seen sideways - Not sure if you guys know what I mean. The issue with the 500 is that there are a few unknown, like the price, the color combo, the wheels available. To be honest, the 350 looks perfect to me...white on white with gorgeous wheels. Even in Canada, we don't have the super polished wheels which I prefer, they look more exactly like my 2019 RC350 wheels. I just dislike losing the ML stereo and adaptive steering from my RC - We can't order the ML as a stand alone option in Canada, heck we can't even order a RWD in Canada

 

From having owned a 2018 TTRS, a 2018 Macan GTS and also a bunch of fast RWD cars in my time the feeling of acceleration is different if you have AWD and not as fun. Something about the way an AWD car launches and pulls just isn't as visceral or as fun and I'm sure someone who's smarter / more technically inclined than I am could probably explain why.

For fun launches and pulls I'd rather be in the high power rear wheel drive car every time over the high power all wheel drive one. Not that 3.5 to 60 isn't fast, it is. But for me personally I don't get numb to the sensation of the rear wheel drive launch like I do the all wheel drive launch.

 

This latest teaser has nothing to do with IS or the IS 500 F SPORT Performance.

 

A lot of this decision making has to do with production capabilities and product. Lexus Canada orders from the USA build of vehicles. Because Lexus Canada has a very small allocation, most all the vehicles built for that market are fully loaded. Lexus can fully load their cars like Canada, but hitting a certain price point is preferred here. Red and black interiors are most popular on F SPORT and F models historically. The hood bulge is to give the car a different look from the IS 350 F SPORT and to give the V8 more clearance in the engine bay. This is nothing new. It's been like this since the 2008 IS F, 2015 RC F and the 2016 GS F. Sorry to go off topic. This discussion pertains to the IS 500 F SPORT Performance.

 

The profile looks like that new SUV they had a pic floating around of.

 

I hear ya on all points - I know that the bulge on the hood is to allow more room for the V8. When looking at it from the front view, it looks amazing, as with the view atop, its when you look at the vehicle sideways that something looks a bit off. I am still considering the 500 at this time but will make my final decision once better images are reveals and more information about the car. While I like the idea of more performance, the esthetic of the vehicle is a bit more weighted than its mechanical prowess. I love red interiors and had it in my IS350 and my current RC350 but this MY of the Lexus, the red is way too abundant so black or white is the way to go for me - Can't wait to see what they'll make available in Canada as far as interior colors on the 500, as with the choice of wheels. If all that are available are the Enkei and BBS wheels, I'll be out as none appeal to me.

 

New EV? Didnt read anything but had that vibe.

 

Looks like it. I thought it was going to be a sedan but maybe its a crossover. It would be hilarious if the EV crossover was faster than the IS500 performance cars

 

^^ The 500's appeal will never be about straight line acceleration or razor sharp handling - We all know that BMW or other car companies will beat the IS500, the appeal to the 500 will be the visceral experience and linear power through a normally aspirated engine. People gravitating toward the 500 will be those that want a vehicle that has a great sounding engine, more power than the 350, will value reliability over that of 0-60 numbers. I am happy that Lexus is making the 500 available, it fills a void in the IS segment and sort of thumbs its nose at the trend followers with turbos and electric power, just for that, I would buy one!

 

I agree. Its going to be a special drivers car. I just find it funny that automakers have to deal with this issue from a performance standpoint. The Mach E is actually much faster than their Mustang GT lineup and its a family hauler

I think the resale on the IS500 is going to be very good too. It may be the last of the V8s stuffed in a compact sedan.

 

Thanks! Do we know (yet) if the IS500 will use the same intake design and exhaust with the intake resonance tube and everything else you said that's in the RCF or LC500? I'm not very familiar with those topics, but I'm just wondering if we can expect it to sound like an RCF or more like the LC500? Again, to me (personally), the RCF and other V8 variants in the current line is "meh" as it pertains to the sound. However, the LC500 sound does get me a lot more excited.

 

Thanks SickAF. I'll have to look up X Force as a backup in case the IS500 sounds "meh". To be clear, when you say you "removed the mufflers", but "buy the exhaust", does that mean your just running straight pipes, and possibly even bypassing the cats? By not having mufflers, I would certainly believe that you are getting MUCH louder sound, but I'm not sure running without mufflers would be too legal here in Kalipornia. Do like the idea of the "crispy" sound, which I suppose is also the occasional crackling and popping.

 

The IS 500 has rekindled my interest in Lexus. My previous Lexus was a 2011 IS 350 F Sport with F Sport intake and stabilizer bars. After buying it I regretted not getting the ISF, primarily for the extra power of the V8. Thankfully and unexpectedly, Lexus has given me another shot at the V8.The IS 500 pushes all the right buttons for me, the looks, the size, the nimbleness and most importantly, that sweet and highly refined NA V8. I have no need for the track performance upgrades of the full F models. I hope Lexus will offer the black BBS wheels as an option. I like their aggressive look, they blend well with the black trim and they contrast nicely with the Infra Red color I like.

I do have one other item on my Lexus wish list.......since they use the V8 exhaust sound as one of their selling points, why don't they increase the lure of that selling point by offering a valved exhaust system that can be adjusted continuously over a range of adjustment, as quiet or loud as you want it. The new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has it. It seems like a low-tech item that wouldn't cost much to engineer. Heck, they could even 'dog rob' the design from Cadillac. I would gladly pay extra for that particular factory option.

 

It will sound like the RC F.

 

As much as we would like an active exhaust for the IS 500, it won't happen because it will drive up cost. You will need to look at the aftermarket if they decide to offer one. Meisterschaft/MUSA may be one of the first to offer one.