- An Overview of the Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition
- A Classic Engine with Modern Power
- Exclusive Exterior Design and Unique Touches
- Exclusive Sporty Interior
- Pure Performance and the End of an Era
- Pricing and Availability
As the automotive world accelerates toward electrification and hybridization, naturally aspirated gasoline engines—especially V8s—are nearing their end in the sports sedan segment. In this context, Lexus presents a special and limited edition of its sporty IS 500 sedan, dubbed the “Ultimate Edition,” as a final tribute to enthusiasts of classic performance and the iconic roar of the V8 before it disappears from the market for good.
An Overview of the Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition
The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is one of the last naturally aspirated V8 sports sedans available in North America. This special edition arrives at a time when most major automakers are shifting to turbo or electric technologies, making this car a rare gem for fans of traditional driving experiences.
Only 500 units of this model will be produced, enhancing its exclusivity and giving owners the chance to own a piece of Japanese sports car history before this chapter closes forever.
A Classic Engine with Modern Power
The IS 500 Ultimate Edition’s powertrain remains mechanically unchanged, retaining the legendary 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood. This engine delivers 472 horsepower and 535 Nm of torque, sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Renowned for its immediate response and distinctive sound, this engine offers a pure sports driving experience that many modern turbocharged or hybrid cars lack. It stands as one of Lexus’s most iconic high-performance engines, combining power, smoothness, and reliability.
Exclusive Exterior Design and Unique Touches
The Ultimate Edition features an all-new exterior color called “Wind,” a light metallic gray that gives the car an elegant and distinctive road presence. The car is also equipped with 19-inch matte black BBS wheels, further enhancing its sporty character.
Lexus adds red Brembo brake calipers for an extra touch of style and improved braking performance in sporty conditions. These fine details reflect Lexus’s commitment to delivering a complete driving experience that blends performance with aesthetics.
Exclusive Sporty Interior
While Lexus has not revealed the full interior details, available information indicates the use of premium materials such as NuLuxe synthetic leather and Ultrasuede fabric on the seats, with red and black accents. The seat design is inspired by the legendary Lexus LFA, giving both driver and passengers a sense of luxury and exclusivity.
Other unique touches include a steering wheel inspired by high-performance cars, a perforated leather shift knob, red seat belts, and a numbered plaque for each car, emphasizing the edition’s exclusivity. Lexus also added a laser-engraved analog clock in red and special animations on the infotainment screen to celebrate this edition.
Pure Performance and the End of an Era
The IS 500 Ultimate Edition combines pure sports performance with comfortable daily driving, making it an ideal choice for car enthusiasts seeking driving pleasure without sacrificing comfort or reliability. As the era of naturally aspirated V8 engines draws to a close, this car offers a rare opportunity to own one of the last vehicles delivering this classic kind of performance.
Pricing and Availability
Lexus has not yet announced the official price for this edition, but it is expected to be higher than the standard IS 500 F Sport Performance, which starts at around $60,595. Given its exclusivity and special features, this edition is likely to see strong demand among collectors and fans of Japanese sports sedans.
The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is more than just a sports sedan; it is a farewell letter to an entire era of naturally aspirated V8 engines. Amid rapid changes in the automotive industry, this car offers classic performance enthusiasts a final chance to enjoy the power, sound, and experience that will be hard to replicate in the future. If you are a fan of authentic cars, this may be your last opportunity to own a true legend before it disappears forever.
