Earlier this year a speculative report about Lexus from Japanese outlet Best Car sent enthusiasts into a spin. It suggested that Lexus was set to unveil several new F performance models by the end of the year; each equipped with a V8 powerplant. The report was shortly followed by the shock announcement and unveiling of the IS 500;
a naturally aspirated V8 sports sedan that appeared to warrant the enthusiast hype train … only to disappoint with confirmation that it would
be exclusive to North America. Guts.
Now, fresh claims have emerged showing that, perhaps, the story isnt over just yet. A patent that Toyota filed all the way back in September 2020 has
been discovered by Toyota fans, showing what appears to be a new turbocharger set-up for either the brands existing 2UR V8 or the all-new V8 that
Best Car speculated about in its February report.
The patent drawings show two turbochargers being shoe-horned in the valley between the cylinder banks. The patents notes add that a single-turbo version
is also in development.
The existence of a patent does not necessarily confirm anything of substance, including whether the IS F is getting a full-on rebirth. However, one
has to assume the engine is being made to be put into something.
It would make sense for it to dovetail with the earlier rumblings about a new IS F, LC F, and LS F all breaking cover by next year. Theres talk that
the engine might also pop up in Toyotas American pick-up division, most likely under the bonnet of the next Tundra.
According to the Best Car report from February, the IS F will get a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre producing a claimed 354kW/535Nm and the LS F and
LC F an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
The all-new 4.0 been rumoured to be on the cards for quite some time, having been confirmed to be in development in 2019. Best Car Web claims it will produce
493kW/650Nm, which places it in excellent stead relative to Mercedes-AMGs illustrious M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo.
Best Car says the IS F will be angled as a pseudo replacement for the GS F, which sadly met its maker last year. The move would be a masterstroke for Lexus,
with the IS Fs logical rivals all moving away from V8s and towards twin-turbo sixes and fours.