Is 500 Lexus horsepower?
In current production, Lexus does not offer exactly 500 horsepower as of 2025. The strongest modern models run in the high 470s, and the historic LFA had 553 horsepower. The rest of this report explains where the horsepower sits in today’s lineup and why a 500-hp target hasn’t materialized in the brand’s mainstream cars.
To understand the landscape, it helps to look at the power figures behind Lexus’ current and notable past models, along with the company’s approach to performance and engineering priorities.
Current production models and horsepower
Here is a snapshot of the horsepower ratings for the strongest current Lexus models.
- LC 500 — 471 horsepower from a 5.0-liter V8
- RC F — 472 horsepower from a 5.0-liter V8
- IS 500 — 472 horsepower from a 5.0-liter V8
- LS 500 — 416 horsepower from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
- LX 600 — 409 horsepower from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
In summary, the strongest contemporary Lexus models deliver about 471–472 horsepower. There is no official 500-horsepower model in production today, and the brand’s most famous high-performance benchmark remains the limited-run LFA at 553 horsepower.
The LFA: a historical peak
The Lexus LFA, produced in a limited run from 2010 to 2012, used a 4.8-liter V10 engine delivering 553 horsepower. It remains a standout in Lexus’ performance history, but it is not part of the current lineup.
Why there isn’t a 500-hp Lexus now
Several practical and strategic factors shape Lexus’ power output decisions. Here are the main considerations driving the current horsepower landscape.
- Emissions and efficiency targets push engineers toward powertrain efficiency and electrification rather than simply increasing horsepower.
- Market positioning and daily drivability: 500 hp in a luxury sedan or coupe can challenge ride comfort, refinement, and everyday usability.
- Vehicle weight and chassis tuning: reaching 500 hp often requires heavier components or specialized tuning, which can compromise handling and durability in the luxury segment.
- Cost and warranty considerations: higher power outputs typically raise maintenance costs and potential drivetrain wear, influencing brand strategy.
- Electrification strategy: Lexus is expanding hybrids and electric vehicles; future performance gains may come from electrified powertrains rather than pure horsepower increases.
Because of these factors, Lexus has tended to optimize torque delivery, handling, and technology integration rather than chasing a fixed horsepower target like 500 hp across its lineup.
Notes on future prospects
While there is no public plan for a 500-hp model in the near term, Lexus continues to evolve its performance-oriented offerings within the constraints of emissions regulations and overall brand strategy. Enthusiasts should monitor announcements around halo projects, performance hybrids, and potential electrified variants, though no official 500-hp model has been disclosed.
Summary
There is no current Lexus model that exactly hits 500 horsepower. The lineup peak sits at around 471–472 horsepower in the LC 500, RC F, and IS 500, with other mainstream models delivering less. The LFA remains the notable exception with 553 horsepower, but it was a limited-production vehicle and is no longer in production. For buyers seeking near-500-hp Lexus performance today, the closest options are the high-472 horsepower variants, while future performance developments are tied more to electrification than to increasing horsepower alone.
Which Lexus has 500 horsepower?
It. Let's start off with the exterior. Because Lexus has done a fantastic job keeping the IS-500. Looking sharp even though this generation dates back to 2013. The color we're looking at.
Is Lexus IS 500 fast?
Yes, the Lexus IS 500 is very fast, with a 0-60 mph time of about 4.4 seconds. It achieves this with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, making it a powerful performance sedan that is quick both off the line and in its acceleration up to its limited top speed of 149 mph.
You can watch this video to see a real-world 0-60 mph test of the Lexus IS 500: 1mMilesPerHrYouTube · Sep 10, 2023
- Acceleration: The IS 500 can go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds.
- Engine: Its performance comes from a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine.
- Horsepower: The engine delivers 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm.
- Torque: It produces 395 pound-feet of torque.
- Top Speed: The top speed is electronically limited to 149 mph.
This video shows a POV test drive of the Lexus IS 500, highlighting its acceleration and engine sound: 54sTheTopherYouTube · Sep 21, 2024
IS500 Sport Performance HP?
What engine powers the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance? The 2025 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance is powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 472 horsepower.
What is the 0-60 time for the IS500?
about 4.4 seconds
The IS 500's V8 engine packs plenty of punch. This Lexus can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds, according to the automaker. That's quick, but not quite as fast as rivals like the BMW M3 or Mercedes-Benz C 43.
