Latest news with #IS500
The Drive
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Please, No: The Lexus LC500 and Its V8 Might Not Have Much Time Left
The latest car news, reviews, and features. I don't know of a car that's more universally loved than the Lexus LC500. It's drop-dead gorgeous, it drives great, and its 5.0-liter V8 sounds even better. Sure, it's kind of old at this point, but that doesn't mean it needs to die. Japanese outlet Creative Trend reports that's about to happen, though, and as a praying man, I'm asking that it might stick around a while longer. Creative Trend claims that the LC500 will bow out after the 2026 model year, joining the similarly V8-powered IS500. The two-door is only getting a small list of updates before it supposedly goes away, though a limited run of 200 Pinnacle Edition cars is said to be in the works. These special LC500s will be sold to customers who enter and win a lottery pick, with 50 convertibles and 50 coupes going to two groups: Lexus Owners and General. Deliveries of the LC500 Pinnacle Edition will allegedly start at the end of 2025 for current Lexus owners and early 2026 for members of the general public. Creative Trend writes that all coupes will be painted matte silver while the convertibles are going to be coated in Neutrino gray, which we saw just recently on the IS500 Climax Edition. (Yes, that's really what it's called.) Other upgrades include the Mark Levison premium audio setup, 21-inch forged aluminum wheels, a carbon fiber scuff plate, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler, among others. I've reached out to Lexus for comment on whether or not this might actually be the LC500's last dance. I'll be sure to update this story with the company's response if it provides one. The LC500's updated interior is sweet and comes with some neat color combos. Caleb Jacobs I tested an LC500 convertible just a while back after trying to get behind the wheel of one for literal years. It was everything I'd hoped for and more. The review isn't out just yet—gotta get on that—but I can tell you that the car world is a better place with the LC500 in it. I'm genuinely wishing for it to stay put, but only if it can remain in its current V8 form. There's no point in watering it down with anything less than that grunting, naturally aspirated lump that makes you smile with every shift. And before you ask, no, I don't acknowledge the existence of the V6 hybrid LC500h. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The Coolest Lexus In Years Is Being Axed
If you're a fan of naturally aspirated V8s and pretty coupes/convertibles, this will be a double whammy. According to Japanese site Creative Trend, Lexus is gearing up to discontinue the LC 500, LC 500h, and LC 500 Convertible. Not only does the LC come with one of the last naturally aspirated V8s around, but it will surely go down as a design icon. Like the V8-powered IS 500, which is being sent off into the sunset with a series of special editions, the LC range will also get one more limited edition before it's officially retired. Set to be announced on June 26, the special Pinnacle edition of the LC 500 will only be available in 200 units, limited to Japan. One hundred models (50 LC 500 Coupes and 50 LC 500 Convertibles) will be reserved for Lexus owners, with the same number of models available as part of a general slot. A lottery system will be used to determine the lucky customers of these special models. The Pinnacle models are expected to get Matte Silver paint and unique 21-inch forged alloy wheels in a black finish. Red brake calipers and a carbon rear spoiler will complete the look. Inside, a black and white color scheme will be used, and seats will be upholstered in semi-aniline leather. A Mark Levinson sound system, a color head-up display, and an Alcantara instrument panel complete the changes. For the convertible, many of the same changes apply, but it will also get a Sand Beige roof, Neutrino Gray paint, and a synthetic leather ornament panel. With the recent announcement of the IS 500, there were similar packages for both the Japanese and US markets, although the one in Japan had the more hilarious name by far. We expect the local one to feature unique paint and colors, special badging, and a limited run of models. In case you forgot, the LC 500 has a 5.0-liter V8 engine that's good for 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It's hardly the fastest car at the price, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. But what sets it apart is the unique character and high-revving capabilities of its V8. Combined with the LC's flashy looks and decadent interior, it's been the perfect halo car for Lexus over the last couple of years. The LC 500h hybrid trades the V8 for a 3.5L V6. Related: 19 thoughts about the 2024 Lexus LC: 2 editors, 2 versions, 2,300 miles apart But even if the LC is discontinued soon, that doesn't mean Lexus sports cars with V8s are going away forever. The upcoming Lexus LFR was spied earlier this week, and rumors suggest it will have a hybrid V8 powertrain. It's expected to be a lot more powerful and involving than the LC, which has always been at its best at a high-speed cruise. Pricing for the limited LC Pinnacle isn't known yet, nor is the exact availability date. However, if it is indeed announced on Thursday as per Creative Trend's statement, we expect it to be launched imminently, and if that happens, a US-specific model can't be too far behind. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Spied: Lexus LFR Supercar Benchmarked Against 805-HP Mercedes-AMG GT
For the maker of the iconic LFA, it's been a while since Lexus had a truly competitive performance car. The RC F is dated and on its way out, the LC is more of a grand tourer, and the IS 500 was never a true IS F successor. Fortunately, new spy shots of the Lexus LFR - a street-legal version of the GR GT3 concept - indicate that the Japanese brand is still working hard to perfect this overtly sporty, low-slung supercar. In a new video shared on Instagram by journalist Jonny Lieberman, it also appears that Lexus is benchmarking the LFR against one of Mercedes-AMG's hottest sports cars. Filmed driving around Angeles Crest in Los Angeles, the camouflaged LFR was following a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. This particular Merc uses a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 and plug-in hybrid system to develop 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft of torque, enough for a 2.7-second 0-60 mph blast. If this is what Lexus is planning to match, it would be quite a few levels above the LFA - although, we don't expect a hybrid to match the sonic perfection of the high-revving LFA's V10. Lieberman confirmed this is a "brand-new supercar platform," and suggested a starting price of about $185,000 when it arrives in 2026. That's significantly less than the LFA's starting price of $375,000, so the LFR is not a direct successor to the LFA. However, the LFR would still become the most expensive new Lexus on sale right now. Related: This Is The Most Expensive Lexus Model In America Although the details remained hidden, this latest video once again showed off the LFR's exotic looks. It sits low to the ground and looks even wider than the GT 63 it was following. This one doesn't have a rear wing, as previously seen on some test mules, but that could be an upgrade that forms part of an aerodynamic package. The taillights appear to be ultra-slim horizontal units that stretch all the way across the back, but this could be an illusion created by the camo wrap. Other previous rumors suggest the LFR will have a carbon fiber tub, which should enhance rigidity while keeping the weight down. With news that Lexus will also have its own version of the next Toyota Supra, the Lexus brand could soon be bolstered by not one, but two new sports cars. Considering how long it has been since the GR GT3 concept was revealed, we hope to see the production model early next year. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Lexus marks the finale of IS500 with limited-run 'Climax Edition'
HOLD onto your seats because Lexus is taking the IS500 Ultimate Edition to new... heights. Introducing the Climax Edition, a name that's either a bold JDM homage or proof that car marketers know exactly what they're doing. Yes, you read that right, your luxury sports sedan now comes with a badge that'll make you giggle like a teenager every time you glance at the centre console. Is it a cheeky nod to performance ecstasy? Or did someone at Lexus just have a really good day at work? Either way, this isn't just a car—it's a mood. And if you forget, don't worry: the name's plastered right in the digital cluster, because nothing says 'premium experience' like a not-so-subtle double entendre. With the model having remained largely unchanged for over a decade, the Climax Edition arrives as a right-hand-drive version of the previously released IS500 Ultimate Edition, aimed exclusively at the Japanese market. Despite its unusual name, the Climax Edition represents a celebration of what enthusiasts value most in the IS500—its raw, undiluted performance. The sedan retains its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, a rarity in today's era of downsized and turbocharged powertrains. The 2UR-GSE engine delivers 472hp and 535Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, preserving the engaging driving dynamics that have defined the IS lineage. Performance enhancements include the fitment of Brembo front brakes, featuring six-piston calipers paired with 380-mm ventilated discs, mirroring the configuration found in the U.S. model. The Climax Edition also rides on 19-inch forged BBS wheels with a matte black finish, complementing its exclusive Neutrino Gray exterior. These features contribute to a poised and aggressive stance, underlining the car's motorsport-inspired character. Inside the cabin, Lexus has introduced a two-tone red and black theme that echoes the design language of its American counterpart. Dimpled leather accents cover the steering wheel and gear selector, while red laser-etched highlights are delicately integrated into the analogue clock. Specially branded front door scuff plates complete the interior enhancements, distinguishing this final edition both visually and symbolically. While the vehicle's underpinnings and mechanical package remain unchanged, the Climax Edition serves as a tribute to Lexus' unyielding commitment to high-performance sedans. Its continued use of a naturally aspirated V8 marks it as a standout in a segment that has largely moved on from such engines. Lexus will produce only 500 units of the IS500 Climax Edition, which will be sold exclusively in Japan. Priced at ¥9,500,000 (around RM281,000), the limited-run model will officially go on sale in August 2025.
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition Marks End of V8 Compact Sedan
The last compact sedan with a V8 engine really is on its way out. After Mercedes-AMG killed the V8 in the C63, the Lexus IS 500 was the last sedan of this size to retain a V8, but it seems this characterful Lexus won't be around for much longer, both in America and beyond. A few weeks ago, Lexus announced the IS 500 Ultimate Edition, a run of just 500 models that will be sold in North America. Now, it's Japan's turn to say goodbye to this sedan with the IS 500 Climax Edition. As far as car names go, this one can be thrown into the same box as the Daihatsu Naked and Ford Probe. Awkward name aside, this special edition is likely to become something of a collector's item in the years ahead. Much like our own Ultimate Edition, the Climax Edition will feature 19-inch forged BBS wheels in a sinister matte black finish. These partially conceal upgraded Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers. To match the black trim, special Neutrino Gray paint has been introduced for this model, which is inspired by neutrinos. If you also had no clue what those are, they're elementary particles produced in outer space, where they move at the speed of light. Eight other colors will be available for the Climax Edition, though. Inside, Lexus Japan has hilariously added several IS 500 "Climax Edition" plaques, not that anyone owning this car would forget what it's called. A red and black color scheme adds to the raunchy look, and even the analog clock in the center of the dashboard gets a new background. Related: End of an Era? The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition Hints at the Model's Farewell Nothing has changed under the hood, not that it had to. Producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, the rear-wheel-drive IS 500 can run from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. That time is no longer earth-shattering, but it's accompanied by a soundtrack that no rival can match. Keep your foot planted, and the fastest IS will reach 149 mph. Paddle shifters can be used to take manual control over the eight-speed automatic transmission. In Japan, the IS 500 Climax Edition goes for 9,500,000 yen, which is equivalent to around $65,000. It's set to go on sale in August, and America's own Ultimate Edition will go on sale later this fall. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
