So here's a little backstory I never really shared here. I was part of the early discussion on IS F before it debuted in Detroit back in 2007, I was involved in the study team meeting with Chief Engineer Yaguchi and a select group of enthusiasts I invited, @Joe Z was one of them. A few years back, I was involved in the study team discussions for what we now know as the IS 500 F SPORT Performance. The first concern of mine was not being labeled an IS F. Also the confusion of what the F and F SPORT branding.

The IS 500 F SPORT Performance compared to the previous IS F, the core elements are there. Compact RWD sedan with a V8, performance wheels/tires/brakes, great handling. The IS 500 F SPORT Performance in my opinion is the IS F successor. The reason I came with that conclusion after numerous meetings with the product planning and marketing teams over the years, this is an effort to continue a true V8 compact sport sedan without braking the bank. If you look at it, most people that have owned IS F have changed out the brake pads and rotors (because they think the OEM Lexus/Brembo replacement parts are too expensive), changed the wheels, the suspension, for some the driver's seat for something more supportive and aggressive. I don't look at this new car as a bad thing. I actually think it's great because it is a clean slate for someone ready to customize it their way, and not have expensive branded parts that will be deemed useless once they change it out.

What the 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance doesn't have compared to IS F:

• No Brembo Brakes
• No BBS Wheels
• No F side skirt/vents
• No F badging
• No F front seats (heated only)

What the 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance has that the previous IS F doesn't:

• 5-mode Drive Mode Select (Normal, SPORT and SNOW ECT modes for IS F)
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (One way, non adjustable Tokico shocks for IS F)
• Lexus Safety System + 2.5 (Radar Cruise was the only safety option for the IS F)

The IS 500 F SPORT Performance still carries the original Lexus Musts for IS F:

• Must Be Balanced
• Must Be Authentic
• Must Haul ***

As a matter of fact, with the new Lexus Driving Signature, the IS 500 F SPORT Performance will have a better, more controlled and balanced ride than the previous all thanks to AVS and technological advancements with the suspension and shock valving. After driving the IS 350 F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package, I really feel the IS 500 F SPORT Performance will be a good balance of comfort and performance. Think BMW Alpina B3 to an M3. I'm really considering to trade in my 2020 RC F for this.