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2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport First Drive | A charismatic outlier

For 2022, the Lexus IS is getting a V8, the first time since the last IS F was built back in 2014. But instead of an uncompromisingly sporty successor to the IS F, Lexus has created something a little softer and more civilized, and given it a similarly watered-down name: IS 500 F Sport. And in our time with the sedan, it's an apt name, since it's not a real competitor for the M, AMG, RS and Blackwings of the world. But what it is isn't bad, either. It's a characterful sport sedan that makes for an interesting alternative to similarly softer and more civilized choices like the BMW M340i or Audi S4. It is hampered by some familiar Lexus problems, but it has enough to like that the right buyer can happily overlook the shortcomings. Before diving too deep into the driving impressions, let's go over what was done to create the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport. The lynchpin is the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8. It's a unique feature for a class full of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. It sends 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque to the rear through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard limited-slip differential. Lexus clocks the 0-60 time at 4.4 seconds, which is on par with the rear-drive M340i. Of course, the BMW has 90 fewer horsepower. It sits on a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and gets bigger brakes with better cooling, but that's about it for mechanical upgrades. It's all wrapped in a body that looks almost exactly like the IS 350 F Sport except for the quad exhaust, exclusive Enkei wheels and the power bulge that raises the hood by 2 inches. It's great for keeping a low profile, but nodding quietly to those in the know that, yes, this is the fast one. The interior also gets leather and faux suede upholstery, a thick F Sport steering wheel and other F-related trimmings. As with every Lexus so equipped, the IS 500's V8 is a true treat that makes up for whatever disadvantages it might have on paper with endless character in person. It's spectacularly smooth and demure most of the time, but when asked, it delivers a raucous intake growl and a just right amount of exhaust noise. And it does so without needing to have the artificial sound enhancer turned on (it's adjustable from nothing to 100% via a scroll wheel on the dash). It's eager to rev and will do so to a little past 7,000 rpm. Peak power lives up there, but it has enough mid-range grunt to keep it entertaining even when you're not making the most of every gear.

Lexus RZ battery electric crossover teased

Lexus has dropped a teaser video glimpsing the brand's first fully electric vehicle to be sold in the U.S. Called the Lexus RZ, it features the angular styling we've come to expect from Toyota's luxury marque, but underneath the sheetmetal we're probably getting a foundation we've seen quite a bit of in recent weeks. That's because the Lexus RZ is a third version of the battery-electric crossover co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, recently unveiled as the confusingly named Toyota bZ4X (it always requires a double check of the alphanumeric sequence) and the much better named Subaru Solterra. All three are built on the e-TNGA platform that will underpin several EV models. However, the Lexus RZ signals a more significant departure from the bZ4X and Solterra, whose differences were quite limited. They looked almost indistinguishable, the only things setting them apart being a mild reshape of the front fasica and taillights, painted wheel arch cladding on the Toyota, and an option for a single-motor 2WD drivetrain on the bZ4X. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The Lexus, on the other hand, seems to wear completely new sheetmetal. Right away, the lack of gray cladding around the wheel wells is apparent. There still appears to be some, but much slimmer than that of the bZ4X and Solterra. A strong character line flows from the leading edge of the front wheel arch to the rear door, where it's picked by another upturned character line leading into a blacked out C-pillar. Naturally, the front features a large Lexus spindle grille shape (there doesn't appear to be an actual open radiator intake, unnecessary for an EV) and unique headlights branded with "L" fishhook DRLs. The rear offers a much sleeker appearance as well, with slim taillights that don't droop downward into the bodywork. A solid light bar features the word "Lexus" printed across rather than the traditional L-in-a-circle logo. No details or interior images were shown, but we'd guess that the cabin is quite a bit nicer than the decent but run-of-the-mill cockpit of the bZ4X and Solterra. Lexus has stated it will not offer the single-motor option. However, its Direct4 all-wheel-drive system is a departure from Subaru's, and the Lexus is said to be capable of 402 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Those figures completely blow the bZ4X and Solterra out of the water.

Toyota recalls 337,000 RAV4s and HS250h models for tie rod failure

UPDATE: The post has been updated with additional information from NHTSA. The Basics: Toyota is recalling 337,000 2006-2011 model year Toyota RAV4 crossovers built between October 31, 2005 and September 7, 2010 as well as 2010 model year Lexus HS250h cars built between July 6, 2009 and August 26, 2010. The Problem: When either an affected RAV4 or HS250h is given an alignment and the tie rod adjustment nut on the rear control arm isn't tightened properly, the threads on the tie rod can start to rust. If this happens, the nut may break off and throw off the alignment drastically and suddenly. This isn't a case of the car simply pulling to one side, either. This would seriously upset the balance of the car and could cause the driver to lose control and crash. This is also the third time these vehicles have been recalled for the same issue. Injuries/Deaths: It's unknown if this control arm issue has resulted in any injuries or deaths. Autoblog reached out to Toyota for more information, but a company representative told us that the company isn't able to discuss injuries or deaths caused by this issue (if any) at this time. Based on information from NHTSA documents, it does not appear that any crashes, injuries or deaths have been attributed to the defect addressed in the current recall. The Fix: The dealer will completely replace the rear suspension assemblies at no cost to the owner. The tie rods and nuts will also be coated in epoxy to prevent future rusting from occurring. According to Car and Driver, the previous recalls involved tightening nuts, coating decent tie rods in epoxy and completely replacing rusted ones. The car magazine reports that further complaints were filed and the company is now replacing all components regardless of condition. If you own one: Toyota will notify owners of affected cars by mail. Owners can also check whether their cars are affected by entering the VIN at safercar.gov/vin. Owners with questions can also reach Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2012 Toyota RAV4 View 16 Photos News Source: Car and Driver, Toyota, National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationImage Credit: Toyota Recalls Lexus Toyota Safety lexus hs 250h lexus hs250h