2025 Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition: A Final Goodbye to the V-8?
Lexus has revealed the 2025 IS500 Ultimate Edition, and it might be the last time we see a V-8 in this sporty sedan. It’s part of a special run of just 500 cars and comes with some exciting upgrades in both looks and performance.
The IS500 F Sport Performance is already rare in today’s market. It has a powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. There’s no turbo, no electric help—just pure power. Lexus says the Ultimate Edition celebrates this bold choice, and car fans are hoping it’s not the end.
This special version gets bigger brakes, with 15.0-inch front rotors and red-painted six-piston Brembo calipers. The regular IS500 only has 14.0-inch rotors with four pistons. High-friction brake pads are also added for better stopping power.
Lexus also gives the Ultimate Edition lightweight 19-inch BBS forged wheels in matte black. These replace the regular Enkei wheels. A new paint color called “Wind” makes its debut, a sleek gray that really stands out with the black wheels.
Inside, the car gets red seatbelts, red gauge accents, and a custom startup animation for the digital display. The dashboard and seats are covered in black and Circuit Red NuLuxe faux leather with suede-like material. There’s also a special badge with a number to show which of the 500 cars you own.
Lexus didn’t change the engine or transmission. So, you still get the 472-hp V-8, an eight-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive. The car isn’t the fastest in its class, but it makes up for it with a great sound and an old-school driving feel.
There’s one big question: is “Ultimate Edition” a sign that this is the end of the IS500’s run? Lexus hasn’t said if the regular version will continue past 2025. But since the IS is nearing the end of its current design cycle, this could be a farewell to the V-8.
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