2026 Lexus IS 350 Makes Debut at Petit Le Mans: Unveiling Performance and Style

The 2026 Lexus IS continues to feature the spirit that has designed the IS lineup for over two decades, with a front engine, rear wheel drive configuration, and subtle tuning to maximize performance efficiency.

The all-new 2026 Lexus IS 350 has officially made its first public debut during the 2025 Petit Le Mans IMSA race weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. After its digital unveiling in the previous month, Lexus has selected one of motorsport’s most iconic endurance events to present the updated version of the IS sport sedan.

The 2026 Lexus IS continues to feature the spirit that has designed the IS lineup for over two decades, with a front engine, rear wheel drive configuration, and subtle tuning to maximize performance efficiency. The latest lineup has gone all-V6 and all-F SPORT, marketing a bold step by the automaker to make this flagship model even more suitable for global customers.

Under the hood, it packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is capable of delivering 311 hp of power output and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine has been configured with an 8-speed automatic transmission for the RWD option and a 6-speed automatic transmission for the all-wheel drive configuration.

Related: Nissan Unveils Next-Generation ProPILOT With Advanced AI and LiDAR for Safer Driving Experience

It is not the first time Lexus has debuted a flagship model at a motorsport event globally. At Sebring in 2021, the brand famously introduced IS 500 F SPORT Performance, and now the IS 350 has taken center stage at Road Atlanta, displaying at Lexus Racing Experience Space in the Fan Zone from October 9-11, 2025.

Visitors can experience the model alongside the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3, entering and taking part in IMSA GTD PRO and GTD classes. Additionally, the 2026 IS 350 F SPORT features new Wind paint color paired with red-painted brake calipers, dark grey 19-inch staggered wheels, 235/40 in front and 265/35 in rear, and triple beam LED headlight setup.

There is a new Radiant Red interior that adds to a more luxurious and dynamic feel, adequately aligning with Lexus Driving Signature design philosophy. In the canin, the drivers can find the latest 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen that offers seamless connectivity, updated infotainment, and an intuitive user experience.

After this public debut, Lexus has also confirmed an invite-only showcase in the coming weeks for select guests and loyal fans. Attendees will benefit from a private walk-through of IS 350 F SPORT with Lexus Marketing’s Richard Hollingsworth, along with appearances by professional Lexus Racing Drivers.

In the UAE, the all-new Lexus IS 350 sports sedan is expected to arrive by the first half of 2026, with final price and performance figures to be announced near the official launch.

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Stellantis Unveils $10 Billion Investment Plan to Revive Iconic V8 Muscle Car and Boost US Division

Stellantis management team, led by new CEO Antonio Filosa, announced $5 billion of new funding for North American activities earlier this week, as stated by Bloomberg. With this allocated fund, the new management thinks it will help the company regain its market position and improve overall business health.

Stellantis has come up with a new plan to boost profits, and one of the core strategies is to blast from the past. The leading automaker now aims to invest a whopping $10 billion in its US division. Some of this amount will also be used to revive the iconic V8 muscle car in Dodge’s lineup.

Stellantis management team, led by new CEO Antonio Filosa, announced $5 billion of new funding for North American activities earlier this week, as stated by Bloomberg. With this allocated fund, the new management thinks it will help the company regain its market position and improve overall business health.

The investment will benefit Stellantis’ brands like Jeep as well as Chrysler, which is likely to get more models rather than just having minivans in its portfolio. One of the exciting things about this news is the strategy to revive the Dodge V8 muscle car.

Last year, Dodge reported that the old Hemi V8 from now-discontinued Challenger and previous generation Charger will not fit in the architecture of the new Charger, which is built around the Stellantis STLA Large platform and designed to fit either the Hurricane inline six-cylinder engine or electric motors.

But earlier this summer, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear also hinted that the flagship Hemi V8 engine can be tuned to fit in the structure of the new Charger. Reports also state that Dodge may re-release a Hellcat-style model, possibly reintroducing HEMI-powered heritage that made its muscle cars popular in the global market.

Previously, Dodge also tried bringing an all-electric Charger Daytona SRT Banshee with 900 horsepower. However, after understanding customer intent of considering the V8 option instead of the all-electric setup, the brand has again shifted its focus to develop twin-turbo inline six and V8 engines that would power the next generation of Charger range.