2021 IS May Receive Last Naturally-Aspirated Lexus V8
Lexus IS 500 might give the brand's N/A V8 a proper sendoff before its time is up.
Going out With a Bang
Lexus is one of the last automotive manufacturers hanging on to the much-beloved naturally-aspirated V8, while others have made the switch to smaller displacement, forced-induction powerplants. We've always known that this could eventually end, and it looks like that might be happening sometime soon. But if a rumor that recently popped up over at All Car News proves to be true, the N/A V8 might go out with a bang.
Photos: Lexus
Proper Powerplant
We already know that the IS is rumored to be getting a major makeover for 2021, which has been called a complete redesign. That's obviously welcome news for the aging sedan, but we were most interested to learn about the possibility that the new IS could receive the 500 name and come packing a proper engine.
Photos: Lexus
Don't Call Me F
Aside from new styling designed to mimic the LS, the new IS will utilize its current drivetrain lineup in 2021, save for the addition to the new engine, Lexus' familiar 5.0-liter V8. It would be the first time since that motor was available in the IS since the IS F bowed in 2014, but apparently Lexus won't be bringing back that beloved moniker, calling this the IS 500 instead.
Photos: Lexus
Power Game
Currently, the Lexus IS is available with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that produces 241 horsepower, a 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 300 that makes 260 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 311 horsepower in the IS 350. The 5.0-liter V8 currently makes 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque in the RC F, but previously produced 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque back in the last-gen IS F.
Photos: Lexus
Stepping on Toes
It's hard to say just how much power Lexus would give its supposed IS 500, but we imagine it would be a little less than the RC F, at least. Or, they could just bump up the RC F's numbers a bit to avoid stepping on their own toes.
Photos: Lexus
Moving Inventory
If nothing else, stuffing the 5.0 back into the IS would help Lexus burn through some of its parts before the N/A V8 reportedly goes away for good, which is rumored to happen by 2022. But at least by then, we might just have a twin-turbo eight-cylinder powerplant to look forward to.
Photos: Lexus
Last Hurrah
Regardless, we certainly hope the IS 500 is real. If nothing else, this would give fans one last shot at owning a smaller, naturally-aspirated V8 sedan before they ultimately go away forever. A sad day indeed, but not surprising at all given the current state of the industry.
Photos: Lexus
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