We often pine for things from the past, in this case bygone cars and wishing manufacturers would continue building the great ones forever. Thankfully Lexus have stepped up to the plate to deliver this with the 2022 IS500 F Sport Performance.

What makes the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, unique is the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 in a field full of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. This is the same 5.0-liter V-8 can also be found in the RC F and the LC 500. One thing we really get behind is the car's ability to rev freely to redline in neutral, bucking the trend toward a silly lower limiter while parked. The V8 sends 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a Torsen limited-slip differential eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The Lexus features adaptive dampers and a laterally mounted Yamaha performance damper that strengthens the structure for low-speed comfort and high-speed agility and stability.

The Lexus is a treat that makes up for whatever disadvantages it might have on paper with endless character when you are behind the wheel. It is incredibly smooth most of the time, but when asked, it delivers a raucous intake growl and a just right amount of exhaust noise. It is also very eager to rev and will do so to a little past 7,000 rpm till the dials turn orange. The car glides right along, unflappable over crumbling Los Angeles streets, it truly is a refined experience in any of the seats.

From the outside it looks like an upsized version of the IS 350 F Sport except for the quad exhausts tips, small black decklid spoiler, Enkei wheels and the bulge upfront that raises the hood by 2 inches. This means it is great for keeping a low profile, but those in the know, know. Inside, the IS 500 looks and feels good. The front seats are deep buckets without especially huge bolsters, a sign of a more grand-touring nature, there's plenty of room for front occupants in all dimensions. The back seat is note quite as large, but adults can be accommodated back there without too much complaint. As for that infotainment system, it has been improved, thanks to a bigger screen that now accepts touch functions. However we think is is best when using phone mirroring apps such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This sedan comes with a whole bunch of standard driver-assistance tech, including lane-departure warning, full-speed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, parking assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Originally Lexus wasn't exactly known for exciting cars, high-quality, luxurious cars, absolutely. However that changed in 1998 with the first IS a nimble, compact rear-wheel-drive sport sedan. The IS 500 F Sport provides an interesting alternative to similarly softer and more civilized choices like the BMW M340i or Audi S4. Even after destination charge, the IS 500 starts below $60,000, and comes well-equipped, the aforementioned Germans, meanwhile, all start at least $10,000 higher. However when it all come does to the Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance you purchase the vehicle for its burbling engine, balanced chassis and good looks.