The recently unveiled Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is said to be a celebration of one of the last remaining luxury cars with a naturally aspirated V8 engine.

The special edition car is limited to just 500 units in North America, 40 of which are earmarked for Canada.

The 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition will go on sale later this year.

What’s so ultimate about it?

The Ultimate Edition is based on the IS 500 F Sport Performance grade, which is powered by a 5-litre V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels.

From there, the Ultimate Edition adds some exclusive interior and exterior elements, including brakes meant for serious stopping performance.

The car gets Brembo six-piston aluminum brake calipers with high-friction brake pads and 380 mm pillar-fin ventilated disk brakes on the front wheels. The calipers are painted in an exclusive red colour.

The car rides on 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels, which are said to reduce weight and increase rigidity. These wheels have a matte black finish.

The Ultimate Edition also gets an exclusive exterior colour, a metallic light grey called Wind.

On the inside, the IS features a Circuit Red and Black colour theme.

Seats are trimmed in NuLuxe and Ultrasuede, while the LFA-inspired steering wheel and shift knob are finished in dimple-textured leather.

On the inside, you’ll also find red seatbelts, a serialized badge and various performance-themed accents.

There’s also an analog clock that has a multi-layered dial finished with precision red laser etching.

The serialized badge on the centre console and the scuff plates get exclusive Ultimate Edition design elements.

Furthermore, the car’s display screen features an exclusive start-up animation.

The automaker said pricing will be announced closer to when the car goes on sale this fall. For updates, visit lexus.ca/is.

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