Lexus has announced it will end production of both the IS 500 and IS 300 in Japan in November this year. Just like in North America, the former is being sent off with a commemorative model, which Lexus is calling the ‘Climax Edition’ in Japan. Yes, you read that right.
Set to go on sale around August, the IS 500 Climax Edition (stop giggling) will be limited to 500 units, each costing 9.5 million yen (about RM277k). For context, that’s a full one million yen (RM29k) more than a regular IS 500 F Sport Performance.
For the money, you’re not getting any more power, as the 2UR-GSE 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine continues to deliver 481 PS (475 hp or 354 kW) and 535 Nm of torque. Drive goes only to the rear wheels via an eight-speed SPDS (Sport Direct Shift) automatic transmission.
What you do get are Brembo brakes at the front, which feature 380-mm discs, six-piston aluminium callipers painted in red and high friction brake pads. These items are also fitted to the IS 500 Ultimate Edition offered in North America, as are 19-inch forged BBS wheels in a matte black finish as well as Neutrino Grey exterior paint.
As for the interior, the eight-inch TFT-LCD display in the instrument cluster comes with an exclusive ‘Climate Edition’ opening sequence, while both the steering wheel and gear knob are covered in dimpled genuine leather.
Ultrasuede upholstery is also present, including for the seats that gain L-tex faux leather sides and follow a black and red theme. Lexus also points out red seatbelts, a model plaque on the centre console, branded scuff plates and laser-etched red accents on the analogue clock, which has a GPS-based time correction feature.
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cant take the hamsap out of japanese
great car with good handling, but once to our tax duty high country, this will be over 1m RM selling
Better do deep cleaning of the interior if you getting recond unit.
climax edition? ahahaha