2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition revealed

KUALA LUMPUR: In an attempt to keep high-performance sedans alive, Lexus unveiled the IS 500 F Sport Performance last month, which is now followed up by a special Launch Edition. The production of the special IS 500 will be constrained to just 500 units, to be sold exclusively in the US market.

The IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition brings a number of unique touches over the standard model that are mostly cosmetic. It includes an all-new Incognito exterior color along with standard 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy BBS wheels from the IS F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package. The new alloys are not only impressive in looks but rather they are also 4 pounds lighter as compared to the standard units.

Getting inside, here the Launch Edition gets a special two-tone Ultrasuede upholstery in black/grey. The center console and door accents also don the same material. Included in the special touches are a new animation effect for the combination instrument cluster and a new steering wheel with special badging and silver ash wood inlays. The dash will also be appointed with a serialized Launch Edition badge, highlighting the sedan’s exclusivity.

On the mechanical front, the IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition models will be fitted with the same 5.0-litre V8 engine as the standard model. It kicks out a maximum power of 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and a peak torque of 536 Nm at 4,800 rpm. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption is rated at 10.2 kmpl.

In terms of performance, the luxury sedan can run from naught to 100 kmph in 4.5 seconds. Though the company has not disclosed the top speed, this is assumed that it will not disappoint the enthusiasts. 

As for safety, it gets a Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driving assistance kit, bundling a pre-collision system, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking with bicyclist and pedestrian detection, and emergency steering assist.

The 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance and IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition are likely to make their debut later this year in the US. More details regarding price and available options are expected to be available closer to launch.

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