√2023 Lexus IS500 V8 to be built in right-hand drive

Despite claims the IS500 would only be for North America, rumours suggest the V8-powered sedan is coming to Japan in right-hand-drive… but not Australia.

The 2023 Lexus IS500 is expected to be announced for the Japanese market this week.

Lexus teased a photo of its IS sedan on social media late last week, with local media reporting the premium brand will soon launch a V8-powered IS500.

The IS500 made its debut in North America in early 2021, with Drive told at the time the model will “only [be] produced in left-hand-drive”.

It appears that has since changed, with Creative Trend reporting the IS500 F Sport Performance First Edition is set to be produced in a limited run for the right-hand-drive Japanese market.

2022/7/21(木)13時30分、情報解禁。#レクサス #Lexus #LexusIS pic.twitter.com/AQYALYhqTt
— LEXUS / レクサス (@lexus_jpn) July 14, 2022

Just 500 vehicles are to be produced, according to the report, with buyers to be selected via a lottery system.

Lexus axed the IS from the Australian line-up following the introduction of stricter side-impact protection laws for older vehicles on sale, effective on 1 November 2021.

Given the IS500 is only being produced as a limited-edition model for Japan, it’s unlikely the current model will a return to Australia, given the investment needed to make it meet regulations – despite buyers here having a long history with V8-powered sedans.

Under the bonnet of the US-market IS500 is a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine – previously seen in Australia powering the Lexus RC F and LC coupes, and GS F sedan – sending 352kW and 536Nm to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic.

Weighing in at 1765kg, the Lexus claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.5 seconds.

The 2023 Lexus IS500 is expected to be unveiled for the Japanese market on Thursday 21 July 2022.

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