The big-brute V-8 engine is vanishing, especially in compact and midsize vehicles. Turbochargers are moving in these days. They're more efficient and squeeze extra power and torque from smaller engines.
Meanwhile, the hybrids reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and every maker is launching plug-in electrics — no local air pollution and lower maintenance costs.
But there's still no denying the heart-thumping thrill that comes when a muscular, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 rumbles to life?
The 2022 Lexus IS 500 offers perhaps one last chance to hear and feel the power of a V-8 in a premium sport sedan. With this third-generation IS on the streets for nine years now — and an interior in dire need of refresh — a fully redesigned IS 500 is on the horizon. So get the V-8 IS while it's hot — and loud.
The grille was reworked, front fenders stretched and the hood raised two inches to accommodate the monster 5.0-liter V-8. It produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque that gets sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
A raucous acceleration is punctuated by quad-tip exhausts and accentuated by considerable road noise at highway speeds. As if someone might not hear the V-8, there's also a sound control knob to fine-tune the engine sound from the inside.
Despite its roar, the IS 500 comes in a couple of tenths behind its turbocharged counterparts from Germany: BMW 3 Series, Audi S4 and Mercedes C-Class. It's heavier and less nimble than those guys. Oh, and for those who live in foothills or snowy regions, all-wheel-drive is not available.
While it lacks the early quickness of a turbo, it's plenty fast: Punch the throttle and the IS sprints to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, Lexus says. Its athleticism on twisty roads is enhanced by its adaptive variable suspension and limited slip differential. Downshifts on corners hit the mark with consistency, launching it onto the straightaway, but there are paddle shifters for you control freaks.
Drive modes Sport S and Sport+ fine-tune engine performance. The modes, which change colors of the tachometer, adjust the level of steering assist and damping for sportier handling. A Custom mode adjusts the powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power) and chassis.
With all these options, the IS 500 is ready for weekend track runs and everyday commutes. The ride is firm but handles rougher road surfaces well. Steering is short on feedback, and braking is soft but adequate with 14-inch two-piece rotors up front and 12.7-inch in the rear.
Sooner or later, you're face-to-face with the price of power: EPA estimates 17 mpg city, 25 highway for a 20 mpg combined.
Stepping inside, one might surmise that Lexus was too preoccupied with performance to worry about the interior. It is overdue for updates, starting with gauge designs and the shifter.
But it has a premium look, with the meticulous fit and finish for which Lexus is noted, and the center console and dash are unencumbered and well arranged. The quality of materials on the dash, doors and seats is impressive, and some dramatic colors are available for extra splash. A power moonroof comes standard.
Power-adjustable seats are comfortable and well bolstered, but head and knee space is tight in front and rear. The space crunch continues in the trunk, where there is just 10.8 cubic feet available.
The interior borrows tech improvements made last year for the IS 350. An optional 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen has sharp colors and graphics, and a touchpad controller has replaced the dreadful mouse-like knob from last year. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard.
Sadly missing is a head-up display with at-a-glance driver data. A 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson audio system is available if everyone tires of listening to the sweet music emanating from under the hood.
Every IS gets Lexus' Safety System+ 2.5 which includes adaptive cruise control with forward emergency braking, lane centering and lane departure warning, blind spot monitor and pedestrian detection.
Most will love the old-school power and sounds of the IS 500, but a visit to the filling station could yank them back to the future.
2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance
MSRP: $61,000
What's all the excitement about? The fast and raucous V-8 engine, of course. It could be the last chance to get a naturally-aspirated V-8 in a premium sport sedan
Powertrain: 5.0-liter V-8 good for 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, mated to 8-speed automatic transmission
How's the performance? Bigger and heavier than its German foes, it still sprints to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds; adaptive suspension keeps it well balanced and comfortable
Fuel economy: Just remember, it's about power and speed: 17 mpg city, 25 highway, 20 mpg combined
