Not true. The RCF is continuing till 2022 with the track edition (Fuji speedway edition). This powertrain was originally designed for the RCF so once RCF is done, this powertrain will die with it. It is near its end of lifecycle.
This IS500 F-Sport is positioned to be cheaper than RCF, which is why it is an F-Sport. It has the 472 HP RCF engine. However, it is missing a lot of the F-specific track hardware from the RCF. That is why it is an F-Sport and not an ISF.
Most prominently, the transmission is from the IS350 RWD (8 speed) and not from the RCF unit.
Here is what the IS500 F-Sport does not have what the RCF has, which is why it is not an ISF
- Forged BBS hand alumium hand polished wheels (it has Enkei and they are 9 x 10 instead of 9.5 x 10.5)
- Smaller contact patch with 235/255 Pirelli P-Zero (RCF gets 255/275 with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and a wider rear axle).
- Brembo brakes 6 pistons front and 4 pistons rear (F-Sport has larger brakes than the IS350 F-Sport, but not BBK).
- Interior does not have the seats from the RCF (and the GSF).
- Missing the F gauge cluster (it has the standard IS350 cluster).
- Chassis reinforcements/rigidity and strengthening (bracings in the hood, trunk, doors, sills etc.)
- Does not have the cooling systems for consistent hotlapping around the track (transmission, engine, brake, oil coolers).
- Does not have the suspension elements specific to F-cars and TVD.
It is clear Lexus is targetting m340i, C43, Acura TLX Type S etc It will start under $60K, is my guess. All of these weigh similarly around 3900 lbs, but the IS500 F-Sport has 100+ HP on them, but they have AWD so IS500 F-Sport will be the hooligan's car. It will be mostly focused on driving fun and powerslides at a cheaper price than the F cars. Since the rear end is more easy to break loose with narrow axle and smaller contact patch, I think a lot of people would enjoy power oversteering it through turns.
The future of the IS depends on some factors, because from what I remember reading, 2023 in terms of a fully new IS was deck as of spring 2019, but not for 2021. Somehow I think the Belgian source said he does not know if the plans changed, as he is no longer working for Toyota Europe.
Usually in Belgium, they use CY and not MY. That sounded like new for MY 2024, launched in 2023.
But wow did they get it done with IS 500. Haha, I guess it counts for something, since the LS started with V8 in 1989 (although ES 250 was V6). MB (sadly) doesn't owe anyone a V8 C-Class, because they didn't begin with V8s (nor did IS nameplate).
2023MY C63 will probably trounce this is in performance, but will it feel more like fancy WRX STI? Can't go wrong with a naturally aspirated V8.
Looks like V35A-FTS just doesn't fit in New N platform (used by L10 GS, XE30 IS, and XC10 RC).
BTW, RC coupe is going to die toward MY 2023. Also, apparently Lexus had trademarked GS500F at the last minute in the mid-2000s, but due to customer pressure, insisted on calling it GS-F. They should've stuck with it, as the GS-F was a semi-stillborn project from 3rd generation car (there's a 2000s proposal in photos I cannot find).
