The Lexus IS500 story is soon coming to an end, as ever-stricter emissions regulations make it nearly impossible to keep building naturally aspirated V8s. After launching the 500-unit-only IS500 “Ultimate Edition” in North America last month, Lexus now continues its V8 farewell with a new peak, called the IS500 “Climax Edition”, which will also be limited to just 500 units – and this time exclusive to Japan.
Just like the special treatment given to the IS500 Ultimate Edition, the new Climax Edition follows suit with six-piston aluminium Brembo brake callipers in front hugging the 380 mm ventilated disc brakes. It rides on 19-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels, which shares an identical look to the Ultimate Edition. Exclusive to the Climax Edition are the “Climax Edition” red brake calipers, and scuff plate with “Climax Edition” logo at the front.
The interior also features similar upgrades to the North American Ultimate Edition with dimpled leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, dimpled leather shift knob with black and red leather, Ultrasuede and “L-tex” upholstery, and red safety belts. Exclusive to the interior of the Climax Edition are the “Climax Edition” startup animations in the eight-inch TFT LCD display, a Climax Edition plate, and a Climax Edition analog clock.
Lexus did not release any performance figures for the IS500 Climax Edition, but it will carry over the same naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 as before. In standard form, the IS500 produces 472 hp and 535 Nm to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It does 0 to 96 km/h (0–60 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h.
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The IS 500 Climax Edition is priced from JPY9.5 million (approx. RM277k) including tax. It is unfortunate that we never got to experience the fierceness of the IS500 here in Malaysia, although we do have what is arguably a better alternative, the LC500.
Priced from RM1,379,000 on-the-road and without insurance, the LC500 Performance shares a similar naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 which produces 470 hp and 540 Nm to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. This enables the car to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 270 km/h.
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