Lexus Japan has unveiled the limited-edition Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition, the final variant of the compact IS sedan featuring a naturally aspirated V8 engine.
Lexus has officially launched the limited-edition IS 500 Climax Edition, marking the end of the line for the IS sedan with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. This is not just the last special variant of the Lexus IS, but also a respectful farewell to the enthusiasts who appreciate the pure driving feel of the traditional V8 engine.
While there are nine paint options available, the most striking is the new Neutrino Gray, alongside bold colors such as Heat Blue and Radiant Red.
The Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition features 19-inch BBS aluminum alloy wheels with a bold matte black finish. It also comes equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, including 6-piston calipers in red and 380 mm front discs, delivering optimal braking performance for a sports sedan.
The interior of the Climax Edition continues the sporty theme with an F Sport steering wheel in two-tone red/black leather, a special gear knob, and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster featuring a unique graphic interface for this edition. Despite the digitalization, Lexus retains the analogue dial with an exclusive face design, preserving traditional values for those with a penchant for nostalgia.
The seats are upholstered in Ultrasuede/L tex red and black, complementing the dashboard and door cards, which are also trimmed in premium Ultrasuede. Red seatbelts, a center armrest, and scuff plates all bear the Climax Edition logo, while custom floor mats are accented with vibrant red trim.
Under the hood, the Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition is powered by the familiar 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine, coded 2UR-GSE, producing 481 horsepower and 535 Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to an 8-speed SPDS automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels and enabling the car to sprint from 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
In the Japanese market, the Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition will be limited to just 500 units, with a starting price of 9.5 million yen (approximately 1.69 billion VND).
Previously, Lexus USA introduced the IS 500 Ultimate Edition, a limited edition of 500 units exclusive to the North American market. According to plans, Lexus will discontinue production of the IS 300 and IS 500 in Japan from November 2025, bringing an emotional end to the IS sedan line with a naturally aspirated V8 engine, once considered a “legend” among mechanical car enthusiasts.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
Photos by Phạm Đức and Thong Phạm
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