by Today, sedans with V8 engines are becoming a real rarity, and soon they will be even harder to find. As a farewell to the IS 500 model, Lexus is preparing a special version for Japanese buyers — the Climax Edition. Production is limited to just 500 units, each of which has received a number of unique updates.
Technical Features
The main difference of the Climax Edition is the improved braking system. Ventilated 380 mm (15-inch) discs work in tandem with six-piston Brembo calipers and high-performance brake pads. This solution brings the IS 500 closer to the brand’s more sporty models.
The red Brembo calipers look bright against the backdrop of 19-inch BBS alloy wheels with a matte black finish. A new body color has also appeared — Neutrino Gray.
Interior and Engine
The car’s interior is trimmed with a combination of Ultrasuede and perforated leather on the steering wheel and gear shift lever. The color scheme is black with red accents, as well as exclusive graphic solutions on the 8-inch display.
The special version did not receive any changes to the engine — the 5.0-liter V8 remains the same as in the standard IS 500: 472 hp and 535 Nm of torque.
Production is limited to 500 units for Japan, with the first deliveries starting in August. The price starts from ¥9,500,000 (approximately $65,400). For comparison, the standard IS 500 in Japan costs from ¥8,500,000 ($58,500).
The IS model has been on the market since 1999, but its future remains uncertain. There are rumors about a possible electric version, but Lexus has not yet made any official statements. Over its entire history, over 1.3 million IS units have been sold in 40 countries worldwide.
This release is a kind of farewell to the era of large naturally aspirated engines in compact sedans. Against the backdrop of the general trend towards electrification, cars like the IS 500 Climax Edition take on a special flavor, becoming a piece of history that will remain in the memory of car enthusiasts.
