The Lexus IS Thread

The 466bhp Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is a naturally-aspirated V8 saloon and we want one

Yes, it's a shameless limited-run special, but it's very desirable. Forged wheels, special paint, limited to 500 units in North America

Lexus has sold 1.3 million examples of its compact, rear-wheel-drive IS saloon since the first generation arrived in 1999, and to celebrate it’s launching a shameless special edition of the IS 500 F-Sport in North America called 'Ultimate'. Oh boy, this makes us miss the old IS F.

You may remember the 500 F-Sport uses a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 to make 466bhp and 395lb ft of torque. And yes, that’s kinda the only reason why we’re bringing you the news of this limited-run Ultimate Edition. As you might have guessed, just 500 will be available.

But what does the UE actually add? 19in forged BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black for a start, with contrasting red calipers and Brembo brakes. You also get a special shade of grey paint that Lexus has titled ‘Wind’. Stop sniggering at the back.

On the inside we’re told the special edition gets ‘Circuit Red’ and black trim, with seats covered in artificial leather and Ultrasuede. The LFA-inspired steering wheel and shift knob are finished in real dimpled leather, while the analogue clock gets ‘precision red laser etching’. Very Lexus.


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RIP, Lexus IS? V8-powered ‘Climax Edition’ calls time

The reveal of the V8-powered (and rather suggestively named) Lexus IS Climax Edition in Japan seems to signal the end of the line for the Japanese firm’s rear-driven sedan…

Ready to pour one out for the Lexus IS? After 3 generations and some 27 years, the Japanese firm’s rear-wheel-drive sedan appears to be on the way out. In fact, the luxury brand has just announced a new limited-run “Climax Edition” (we’ll refrain from making childish jokes about the moniker) for Japan.

Suggestively named or not, the reveal of this model – along with the likewise limited and perhaps more tastefully named “Ultimate Edition” announced for North America just last month – all but confirms rumours that Lexus will end production of the current IS saloon in November 2025. As things stand, a 4th-generation IS doesn’t appear to be on the cards.

Just 500 examples of the Climax Edition will be built for Japan, each powered by the automaker’s naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine (2UR-GSE). As is the case with other IS 500 derivatives offered in overseas markets, this 8-cylinder motor sends peak outputs of 352 kW and 536 Nm to the rear axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

So, what makes a Climax Edition? Well, Lexus says it has “strengthened” this special derivative’s suspension system as well as reduced its weight. The sedan furthermore gains Brembo brakes complete with red-painted callipers as well as matte-black 19-inch forged aluminium wheels from BBS.

The Climax Edition is finished in special new grey exterior paint, while the cabin gains “Ultrasuede” upholstery featuring a black-and-red combination. This colour scheme is repeated on the leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift knob as well as on the backing of the analogue clock.

There’s also an “IS 500 Climax Edition” plaque affixed to the centre console (as well as branded scuff plates in a similar design), while the 8-inch instrument cluster displays a derivative-specific opening screen upon ignition.


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Lexus IS200: the driftiest car that £2000 can buy

Is now the time to pull the trigger on a subtle drift weapon?

Years back, a mate and I used to amuse ourselves watching Japanese drift videos. The sport of attacking bends at improbable oversteer angles was big stuff in Japan at the turn of the century, young guns drifting their Corolla AE86s, Skylines and Mazda RX-7s illicitly in the Hakone Hills and licitly, on specially prepared tracks.

The drama of watching this was heightened – considerably – by the sight of synchronised drifting, often of impossibly large and sedate saloons, and by near-hysterical Japanese commentary.

It was into this world that Lexus, until 1998 a maker of large, subtly-functioning and somewhat baroque premium saloons launched the lithe, revvy and rear-wheel drive IS200. This pleasingly compact saloon was powered by a 2.0 litre straight six, just like a BMW 3 Series, presented a noticeably short front overhang, just like a 3 Series, and like most engines with half-a-dozen in-line pistons, was strong on smooth and weak on earthmoving luggery. It needed revs to make it go hard.

The need for quick-spinning crank speed was driven by a lot more than a lot more than the need to extract torque, the IS200’s entire character folded around the goal of creating an entertaining sports saloon. This was radical stuff for Lexus, which had previously specialised in comfort-oriented, low effort, premium sedans slushing about at the low revs favoured by the torque converters of their automatic transmissions. The big-engined, soft-sprung GS300 and LS400 were ideal for loping along the American Interstate.

www.autocar.co.uk

Forget that 3 Series – the Lexus IS200 is the £2000 sports saloon you need | Autocar

Is now the time to pull the trigger on a subtle drift weapon?
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk

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