2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Reveals Two Surprises For Long-Time Fans

Lexus revealed the full specifications of the 2018 LS 500 F Sport flagship sedan today in New York. The LS had been previously shown in other venues and we knew that Lexus has updated the drivetrain options and looks fo the LS for this new generation. However, reading over the details on the new F Sport, we derived two important facts from the Lexus specifications and features list.

2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport - Engine
First, there is no V8 option. In our preview of the new LS back in January, the lack of a V8 option in the base trims was one of two things we noted at that time. However, we wondered if Lexus would add the more powerful V8 from the RC F and GS F models to the F Sport version of the LS and take that engine beyond its present ratings of about 467 hp by perhaps turbocharging it.

The answer is no. Instead, the 2018 LS 500 F Sport will have the same two V6 engine options as the base LS 500 and the LS 500h.

Lexus LS 500 F Sport - Grill Design
The second surprise is that Lexus found a way to make its signature spindle grill even more elaborate. The grill design has earned Lexus many more sales than it had prior to the grills introduction a few years back. However, it turns off some fans. We do think an aggressive look matches up well with and F Sport, and Lexus agrees. For the new LS 500 F Sport, the grill gets an increase in complexity. Lexus explained, saying, "Lexus designers didn’t hold back when giving the LS 500 its coupe-like silhouette and dramatic rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille that shows even greater intricacy in the design.

Developing the F SPORT grille took computer-aided design (CAD) operators some five months to achieve the desired texture and interaction with light. Even then, they adjusted 7,100 individual surfaces to achieve the desired look and texture (compared to 5,000 for the standard model’s grille). And when combined with the sporty enlarged side grille, it is functional as well, helping to maintain the vehicle’s cooling performance."

Look for the new 2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport to arrive this fall at Lexus dealers.