Introducing the Lexus IS 500 Launch Edition


Lexus has announced the IS 500 Launch Edition, a limited release of 500 vehicles for North America. The 472-horsepower sedan will only be available with an Incognito exterior, a brand new color in the Lexus palette.

Inside, there’s two-tone black & grey Ultrasuede on the seats, doors, and centre console, with silver ash trim accents throughout the cabin.Every IS Launch Edition will have a serialized plate on the center console.

Completing the look are 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy matte black BBS wheels, which are about 4 pounds lighter than the standard IS 500. Here’s a closer look at all the details:

Expected to arrive at dealerships in the Fall, the Lexus IS 500 Launch Edition will be limited to 500 vehicles. It debuts this weekend at the 12 Hours of Sebring, where the AIM Vasser Sullivan team will be racing two teams with the RC F GT3.


The full press release follows.

2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition: IS 500 Performance with a Touch of Distinction

  • 5.0L V8 delivers 472 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Exclusive Incognito – All-new to the Lexus color palette
  • Unique two-tone Black & Gray Ultrasuede® trimmed seats, door accents, and center console
  • 19-inch seven-spoke forged alloy Matte Black BBS® wheels
  • Unique serialized Launch Edition badge included

SEBRING, Florida (March 19, 2021) – Hot on the heels of last month’s IS 500 F SPORT Performance world premiere, Lexus is proud to unveil 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 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 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 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.

More information regarding MSRP and available options will be made available closer to launch. The 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance and IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition are expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.

Lexus IS: Third GenerationPhoto GalleriesSpecial Editions

mikeavelli

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Townsend sure did reference enthusiasts a lot

I can now freely talk about things. So I worked with Lexus on organizing enthusiasts to be there for a surprise debut. This was from the top down. The new blood at Lexus are true gear heads and understand how much we mean to the brand.

Secondly I worked with Lexus on the iS 500 tribute to the RC F GT3. It’s been a hell of a month so far.

I am so excited for the future.
 

bogglo

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I can now freely talk about things. So I worked with Lexus on organizing enthusiasts to be there for a surprise debut. This was from the top down. The new blood at Lexus are true gear heads and understand how much we mean to the brand.

Secondly I worked with Lexus on the iS 500 tribute to the RC F GT3. It’s been a hell of a month so far.

I am so excited for the future.
Wiil you say the grey is very similar to nado grey or is it a little different.
 

OlFius

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I can now freely talk about things. So I worked with Lexus on organizing enthusiasts to be there for a surprise debut. This was from the top down. The new blood at Lexus are true gear heads and understand how much we mean to the brand.

Secondly I worked with Lexus on the iS 500 tribute to the RC F GT3. It’s been a hell of a month so far.

I am so excited for the future.
That's very good news to hear!
And clearly a different strategy from Lexus, which can only result in something beautiful.
Good job, Mike!
 

Levi

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Haha, I guessed it, special paint job. Good, I won't say anything negative, the IS 500 is a good start, but please let it continue. I don't want Lexus to milk the special editions with paint jobs (which are industry's best to say the truth). Lexus need more than paint.
 

mikeavelli

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It was amazing to see Lexus want to do something different and debut the car at the track at SEBRING with mostly owners and enthusiasts. No wine and cheese or pebble beach. So refreshing. A ton of work was done to make this happen so fast. All the top executives stayed late and talked to everyone personally who had questions. And they are all gear heads.

more to come I’m still tired from yesterday lol. Full day today and I’ll post more.
 

MichaelL

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Look forward to reading about driving impressions on the IS500. I like the look, can’t wait to hear how it is to drive, handling, balance, etc....
 

GuoxJason

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I can now freely talk about things. So I worked with Lexus on organizing enthusiasts to be there for a surprise debut. This was from the top down. The new blood at Lexus are true gear heads and understand how much we mean to the brand.

Secondly I worked with Lexus on the iS 500 tribute to the RC F GT3. It’s been a hell of a month so far.

I am so excited for the future.
Amazing! Thank you for all of your amazing work! I truly appreciate it.