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.