Is the Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition the end of the road for the RWD sports sedan?

The current generation Lexus IS has been around for quite a while now. Its third since debuting in 1999, it’s now over a decade old. Despite that, it still remains popular with its naturally-aspirated V6 and V8 engine options, and being able to keep up with newer and more modern competitors.

All good things must come to an end though and that’s what Lexus is hinting at with the introduction of the IS 500 Ultimate Edition which celebrates the last naturally-aspirated V8 sedan on the global market.

Limited to just 500 units in the US market, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition is based on the IS 500 F Sport with the addition of a few upgrades. For starters, it rides on special 19-inch forged BBS wheels which look sportier and are lighter, and introduces a new F Sport paint job simply called Wind which is metallic light gray in color.

Stopping power is provided by new 380mm pillar-fin disc brakes with Brembo opposed six-piston aluminum calipers that are finished in red and are paired with high-friction brake pads. 

Now photos were provided but the interior of the IS 500 Ultimate Edition is finished in an exclusive Circuit Red and Black two-tone scheme. The seats are upholstered in NuLuxe and Ultrasuede, and the steering wheel is wrapped in a dimple-textured genuine leather. Other additions include red seatbelts, a serial number badge, and the analog clock receives a precision red laser etching.

Powering the IS 500 Ultimate Edition is of course a 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces 479 horsepower and 536 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels by an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission.

While this new special edition does not confirm an upcoming death for the Lexus IS, it could simply mean that the Japanese luxury automaker will soon move forward with more electrification for the next-generation model. Whatever it is, this might be your last few chances to get your hands on good ol’ naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder goodness from Japan.

_{Photo from Lexus}