Hot on the heels of the IS 500 F SPORT Performance world premiere, Lexus unveiled the 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition. Only 500 serialized vehicles will be produced, and it will be sold exclusively in North America. The Lexus IS 500 Launch Edition will be powered by the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine introduced in the standard IS 500. Generating 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft of peak torque at 4,800 rpm, this engine offers the linear acceleration and V8 muscle that driving enthusiasts crave. However, buyers that desire additional distinction will find numerous interior and exterior enhancements in the IS 500 Launch Edition.
Standing apart from the standard IS 500, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 Launch Edition interior builds upon Takumi craftsmanship with elevated interior materials, including sporty two-tone Black & Gray Ultrasuede® trimmed front and rear seats, door accents, and center console. Additionally, the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel receives unique silver ash wood treatment with black F SPORT Performance badging, and the interior will be appointed with a serialized Launch Edition badge to further highlight the vehicle’s exclusivity.
Moreover, the F SPORT combination instrumentation meter has been updated with an exclusive Launch Edition startup animation to further set this model apart from the standard IS 500. Outside, the Lexus IS 500 Launch Edition is sure to turn heads with standard 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy Matte Black BBS® wheels from the IS F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package. Not only are they impressive looking, the 19-inch BBS® wheels are approximately 4 pounds lighter per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch IS F SPORT wheel. The vehicle will be sold exclusively in Incognito, an all-new color for the Lexus lineup. The 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance and IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition are expected to arrive in dealerships in Fall 2021.
Like the IS F, the new IS 500 F Sport Performance is the result of Lexus shoehorning its 5.0-liter V8 under the hood of its compact IS sedan. This engine is indeed the same 2UR-GSE V8 from the original IS F, as well as the subsequent GS F sedan and RC F coupe. The engine is tuned to produce 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, sending that power exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Peak horsepower and torque arrive at 7,100 rpm and 4,800 rpm, respectively, meaning you really have to dig into the throttle to keep this engine on boil. Launching the IS 500 from a stop, 60 mph should arrive in 4.4 seconds.
