Latest news with #IS500ClimaxEdition
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Lexus IS500 Climax Edition launched in Japan as final V8 sedan, limited to 500 units
Priced at ¥9,500,000 (or around ₹51.2 lakh), this premium model brings a refined blend of performance enhancements and styling upgrades Notify me Lexus has unveiled what is likely its last V8-powered sedan—the IS500 Climax Edition, a limited-production product for the JapanESe market. With just 500 units planned, this edition is a farewell to the brand's legendary naturally aspirated V8 engine during this time of global electrification. Priced at ¥9,500,000 (or around ₹ 51.2 lakh), this premium model brings a refined blend of performance enhancements and styling upgrades. Scheduled to arrive in Japanese showrooms in August 2025, the Climax Edition is for collectors and enthusiasts who want a part of Lexus' high-revving heritage. Lexus IS500 Climax Edition: Design Visually, the IS500 Climax Edition distinguishes itself through a distinctive Neutrino Grey exterior paint finish that integrates metallic flakes into a pale grey base, presenting the sedan with an understated but aggressive look. Lexus defines the color as a visual depiction of "sporty, speedy driving." Adding to its stance are 19-inch forged BBS alloy wheels in matte black, designed to combine lightweight construction with high structural stiffness. Also Read : 2025 Lexus LX 500d launched with upgrades & new Overtrail variant; priced start at ₹ 3 crore Inside, the cabin receives a radical facelift with two-tone red and black interior trim. L-tex faux leather and Ultrasuede are applied throughout the seats, door trim, and console by Lexus, with red seatbelts and red-trimmed Ultrasuede garnish adding to the sport-luxury ambiance. Textured leather is used for the steering wheel and gear knob to remind one of Lexus's trademark premium build quality. Subtle branding elements—like a dedicated Climax Edition startup animation, laser-etched analogue clock, and badged door sills—add to the exclusivity. Lexus IS500 Climax Edition: Features and Specs Under the hood, the IS500 Climax Edition continues to be powered by the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, delivering 472 bhp. While the powertrain remains the same, performance sees an upgrade with a high-spec Brembo brake package. The vehicle now comes with six-piston red calipers and bigger 380mm 'pillar fin' brake rotors instead of the standard 356mm brakes. Special-engineered rotors provide greater cooling, an important upgrade for ultra-high-performance driving. Also Read : The 2026 Lexus ES goes all-electric. Check out 5 key highlights of the novel sedan Beyond braking, the mechanical setup is identical to the IS500 F Performance variant. The 8.0-inch TFT instrument cluster remains, now with Climax-exclusive startup graphics. Despite the emotional name, the Climax Edition is about achieving peak refinement and driving purity—true to the model's name in the performance sedan segment. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 22 Jun 2025, 13:30 PM IST
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.
