2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Climax Edition

• The 2025 Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition marks the farewell of Lexus’s naturally aspirated V8 in a sharp, limited-run package.

• Boasts 472 hp, upgraded Brembo brakes, BBS forged wheels, and a bold red‑black interior.

• Limited to just 500 units in Japan, blending track-ready upgrades with subtle exclusivity.

The Last Roar of Lexus’s V8 Sedan

The 2025 Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition doesn’t whisper its intent — it clears its throat and growls. This is the end of the naturally aspirated V8 sedan from Lexus, and it’s going out on its own terms. No turbos. No battery pack. Just 472 horsepower from a free-breathing 5.0-liter engine that’s had one foot out the door for years now.

It’s a Japan-only sendoff, and only 500 units are being built. That number matters. This isn’t some badge-and-stitch job. It’s a true commemorative spec — a nod to what Lexus used to build when emotion trumped algorithms.

Subtle But Focused Exterior Upgrades

From a distance, it might look like a regular IS 500 — but look closer. Matte-black 19-inch BBS forged wheels anchor each corner, framed by striking red six-piston Brembo calipers and massive 380 mm ventilated discs up front. The stance is wide and confident, a bit more menacing than the standard car.

A new Neutrino Grey paint finish gives the Climax Edition just enough contrast to stand apart without being flashy. There’s no carbon wing, no gaping intakes. Just clean, tight surfaces and a planted posture that says it’s ready for more than showroom duty.

A Cabin That Balances Precision and Drama

Inside, Lexus leans into performance cues without going overboard. The black Ultrasuede and Circuit Red NuLuxe interior is rich, athletic, and unmistakably JDM in flavor. Red seatbelts pop against the black surfaces, and the serialized badge underlines the rarity.

There’s also a nod to the LFA — the leather-wrapped steering wheel is shaped for real driving, and the analog clock features a laser-etched red accent ring. No gimmicks. Just the right touches.

Not About Tech — Just the Drive

The Climax Edition isn’t selling tech. It’s selling feel. And there’s something refreshing about that. Yes, it gets upgraded brakes and forged wheels, but the core remains untouched — the glorious, naturally aspirated V8, the 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.

Against its peers? The BMW M340i and Audi S4 have long since gone turbocharged and buttoned-down. Even Mustang GTs feel more digital now. But this IS 500 still hits with old-school charm — and that counts for something.

A Final Salute to Analog Enthusiasm

As Lexus pivots toward hybridization and full electrification, the IS 500 Climax Edition feels like a love letter to what once was. It’s not trying to be modern. It’s just trying to be memorable. And in that respect, it delivers.

It’s rare. It’s loud. It’s the end of something — and worth remembering.

Technical Specification

• Performance

  • Power: 472 hp (352 kW) from a 5.0‑litre naturally aspirated V8 at 7,100 rpm

  • Torque: 395 lb‑ft (536 Nm) at approximately 4,800 rpm

• Body Measurements

  • Length: 4,758 mm (187.3 in)

  • Width (mirrors folded): 1,838 mm (72.4 in)

  • Height: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)

  • Wheelbase: 2,800 mm (110.2 in)

• Powertrain

  • Engine: 5.0‑litre DOHC naturally aspirated V8 (2UR‑GSE)

  • Transmission: 8‑speed Sport Direct Shift automatic

  • Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive

• Capacities

  • Fuel Tank: 17.4 gal (approx. 66 L)

  • Trunk Space: Approx. 10.8 cu ft (305 L)

  • Curb Weight: ~1,766 kg (3,891 lb)

• Price

  • U.S. MSRP:

    • IS 500 F SPORT Performance: from $60,595

    • IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium: from $65,095

    • Special Appearance edition: from $69,490

  • Japanese Climax Edition: from ¥9,500,000 (approx. $65,400)

  • Standard IS 500 in Japan: from ¥8,500,000 (approx. $58,500)

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