Automotive
As the automotive world continues its rapid shift toward electrification and downsized turbocharged engines, the naturally aspirated V8 is becoming an endangered species. For those who still crave the sound and feel of an old-school, high-revving V8, Lexus has one last gift before this era fades into the rearview mirror. Meet the 2025 Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition, the most exclusive and likely final sendoff for the IS sedan’s 5.0-liter heart.
Limited to just 500 units in North America, the IS500 Ultimate Edition is a celebration of the last V8-powered luxury sedan you can still buy new in the U.S. today. While the updates are largely cosmetic, the result is a striking, ultra-rare package that’s sure to resonate with enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The most obvious change is the paint. Lexus has given the Ultimate Edition an exclusive metallic light gray finish called Wind, a color that balances subtlety with sophistication. Paired with matte black 19-inch BBS forged wheels, the car has a low-key aggression that hints at its performance without screaming for attention.
Inside, Lexus continues the visual upgrades with Circuit Red leather upholstery, offset by black accents and matching red seat belts. The seating surfaces are wrapped in Lexus’s NuLuxe synthetic leather with suede-like inserts, offering a sporty yet upscale feel. A serialized badge on the dashboard serves as both a mark of authenticity and a reminder that you’re behind the wheel of something rare.
Mechanically, the IS500 Ultimate Edition doesn’t mess with a good thing. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 remains untouched, still pumping out 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends all that power to the rear wheels, delivering the kind of linear throttle response and rich exhaust note that modern turbocharged mills just can’t replicate. The only performance upgrade comes in the braking department, with red-painted Brembo six-piston calipers up front for extra stopping confidence and visual flair.
Lexus hasn’t announced official pricing yet, but given the limited production and added features, the Ultimate Edition will almost certainly carry a premium over the standard IS500’s $60,595 base price for 2025.
For purists, this is more than just a special edition — it’s a celebration of what made Lexus performance sedans so appealing in the first place. In a market where V8s are vanishing fast, the IS500 Ultimate Edition might just be your last chance to grab a slice of naturally aspirated luxury muscle straight from the showroom.
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