It’s official. The naturally aspirated V8 engine is on the ICU bed waiting for the fast-approaching and seemingly inevitable day that it flatlines and is discarded to the annals of automotive history. The phrase “there’s no replacement for displacement” no longer makes sense in the modern world of turbochargers, superchargers, and electric motors, which is why manufacturers are finally caving to the demands of eco-warriors and doing away with big V8 engines.
Lexus was one of the few automakers fighting to keep the naturally aspirated V8 engine alive, but the company appears to have thrown in the towel as it’s currently in the final stages of phasing out its popular 5.0-liter NA V8. In North America, Lexus refreshed the IS for 2026 and streamlined the lineup to the V6-powered IS 350, discontinuing the IS 500 for the 2026 model year. Lexus has also confirmed the LC 500 will end production in August 2026. While there are still naturally aspirated V8 models on the market in 2026, Lexus dropping the IS 500 and Dodge ending Charger production after the 2023 model year leaves no naturally aspirated V8 sedan on sale for the 2026 model year in North America.
The 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Is The Last of a Dying Breed
Lexus kept the naturally aspirated V8 alive in the IS 500 F Sport Performance, but for the 2026 model year in North America, the company has streamlined the IS range to the IS 350 and discontinued the IS 500. For 2026, Lexus has refreshed the IS again, and the lineup is now offered only as the IS 350, powered by a 311 hp 3.5-liter V6.
Since the IS 500 was one of the very last naturally aspirated V8 sedans sold in North America after Dodge ended Charger production following the 2023 model year, its discontinuation means that we no longer have a single 2026 sedan model with this type of engine in North America. We kind of knew this day was coming after BMW unveiled the current M3 in 2020 with a twin-turbo inline-six and Mercedes-Benz followed suit with an anger-inducing four-pot-powered “AMG” C63, but it doesn’t make this new development any less sad.
Thankfully, since Lexus officially ended production of the sedan towards the end of 2025, there are still unsold 2025 IS 500 F Sport Performance units in dealer stock, giving gearheads a chance to buy a new naturally aspirated V8 sedan while they last. And with no manufacturer showing signs of putting the beloved engine in a sedan any time soon, this really is your last chance to buy a brand new one.
The Ultimate Sleeper Car
The 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is built to terrorize sports cars on the freeway, but it’s hard to tell unless you take a closer look at it. This brutal sedan comes with a fire-breathing 5.0-liter “2UR-GSE” naturally aspirated DOHC V8 engine belting out a monstrous 472 ponies at a grin-worthy 7,100 RPM and sending it all to the rear wheels via a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic, giving it serious performance credentials. Lexus claims that it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, putting it in sports car territory. And should you find yourself on a track, F Sport add-ons like its sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, and Yamaha rear dampers ensure it can handle itself with some finesse.
However, much like most other current and historical Lexus models, the 2025 IS 500 F Sport Performance has a sedate appearance that’s easy to ignore on the freeway, especially when compared to its German rivals. Apart from its slightly raised hood, special badging, and stacked quad exhaust tips, there really isn’t much else that differentiates it from the standard IS models from an aesthetics perspective. It’s perfect if you love sleeper cars.
The Interior Is So Lexus
As one of the most respected luxury car manufacturers in the world, Lexus knows a thing or two about making plush interiors that merge upscale materials and features with modern tech, and the IS 500 F Sport Performance is a perfect example of that. While the back seats may feel a bit cramped thanks to its compact proportions, you still get low-slung NuLuxe-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, aluminum sport pedals, memory seats, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, and F-Sport badges to let your passengers know that they are not in a regular IS.
The naturally aspirated V8 brings a classic V8 soundtrack, and if you want to focus on your music instead, an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is offered on the IS.
A Combination of Raw V8 Power and Japanese Reliability
With most performance sedans, the powerful engine, sharp steering, and sports-car-like handling typically come with a compromise—painful ownership costs once the warranty expires. Not for this Lexus. Like its parent company, Toyota, Lexus prides itself on being one of the most reliable car brands in the world, and the IS 500 F Sport Performance maintains that reputation.
J.D. Power gave the 2025 Lexus IS a quality and reliability score of 91 out of 100. That is a strong score, but it is one data point among many and does not guarantee trouble-free ownership for every driver. The IS 500 also uses a naturally aspirated V8, which many buyers prefer for its linear response and simpler hardware compared with turbocharged setups. Reliability still depends on the specific engine design and maintenance, so it is better to treat this as a preference rather than a guarantee. With proper maintenance, you’ll be enjoying this bad boy for many years to come.
The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Is a V8 Bargain
2025 IS 500 prices generally started at around the low $60,000 range and climbed into the mid-$60,000 range before options, which means it’s not exactly cheap, but it is unusual for offering a naturally aspirated V8 in a segment where most rivals have shifted to turbocharged or electrified powertrains. Dealers with unsold units may have already fallen into the temptation of adding a small premium, but it’s still within ‘bargain’ territory. You’re getting a unique type of car that will be a novelty on the streets in the coming years, which means slower depreciation rates or even a chance of it becoming a collector car that costs more than the original price in the future. On top of that, the Lexus is still more affordable than its German rivals despite offering similar levels of luxury and performance while blowing them out of the water in the reliability department. It’s almost a no-brainer.
Is This the End of the V8 Era?
The short answer is no. The V8 engine will likely be around for many years to come, with several manufacturers announcing plans to keep it alive in recent years. Stellantis has publicly recommitted to offering the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 for 2026 Ram 1500 orders. GM has announced an $888 million investment tied to next-generation small-block V8 production. BMW and Mercedes have also signaled that V8 engines will remain part of their portfolios in selected products and markets, alongside electrification. However, in most cases, these V8 engines will likely be assisted by electric motors and forced induction, which means we still won’t get the throaty growl, immediate throttle response, and superior reliability we enjoy with non-assisted V8s.
We are not sure yet if naturally aspirated V8 engines will also make a comeback, particularly in sedans, but if not, the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance will go down in history as the last one.